River Way Ranch Camp

CODE OF ETHICS

Western Camps, Inc. recognizes the camp counselor and camp staff person as the primary instrument through which the objectives, goals, and philosophy of the camp director/owner are transmitted to the child/camper. As such, the counselor/staff person should be aware of the following ethical practices recommended by the American Camping Association:

• Conduct myself in an exemplary manner, recognizing that I am an adult role model for my campers. By my behavior I will always try to demonstrate high moral values. I recognize that my conduct when I am away from the camp premises also reflects on the camp.
• Be truthful, honest, and fair in my communication and interaction with campers and all staff.
• Accept the challenge of helping my campers increase their awareness of and responsibility to others and to the world of nature, helping them gain in self-confidence and self-concept, and of teaching them new skills.
• Do not possess, use, be under the influence of, or display any objective symptoms of the use of alcohol or drugs while on camp premises or on any organized trip or at any camp function.
• Refrain from the illegal or excessive use of all alcohol and drugs during the term of my employment with River Way Ranch Camp.
• Possess firearms or weapons on the camp premises.
• Use abusive language and any form of corporal punishment or embarrassment in my dealing with campers and other staff.
• Respect camp property and only use said property in the course of my employment, within established camp policy, and as I have been trained and instructed.
• Accept of the diverse racial, national, religious, and cultural background of my campers and not seek to impose my own particular views.
• Report to camp management any information I become aware of, in any capacity, which indicates any camper or staff member failed to adhere to any of the above provisions.

GROOMING STANDARDS

While no set uniform is in place for staff members of River Way Ranch Camp, the following are minimum guidelines that shall be followed by all employees:

• Clothing should be tasteful and camp appropriate and reflect positively on the organization at all times.
• Clothing with offensive language, inappropriate advertising, slogans, images, or references is prohibited.
• Visible body art (to include tattoos, piercing, intentional scarring, dental ornamentation, branding, pocketing, intentional body mutilation, etc.) is prohibited at camp except as outlined below. All such body art must be completely covered from view at all times while on camp property or while on any organized camp trip or at any organized camp function.
• Body piercing is only acceptable as follows:
• Male staff members are permitted to wear no more than one earring in one ear.
• Female staff members are permitted to wear no more than two earrings in each ear.
• Cartilage piercing is prohibited.
• Identified body art that becomes a topic of discussion of campers or parents is grounds for adverse action up to and including dismissal.
• River Way Ranch Camp management reserves the right to be the sole judge of what is deemed to be appropriate.