This has been the turning point for many marriages that were ready to crash and burn!

Mini Manual for Childrens Camp Crafts by Shari Shine

Activity Goal: For children to learn the value of giving to others. To build attention, focus and ability to follow directions. Building skills with opportunities to be respectful and responsible.

Purpose: To help the children with skills that will make it easier for them to do it right for parents and teachers for a more successful future.

Encourage Parents with thoughtful gifts and affirm children abilities to give and create

Empower Children to use their hands and heart to give

Equip Families with meaningful, skill building activities at home.

Description:  Throughout camp, children will have the opportunity to make crafts that will play a meaningful part at the close of camp.  These simple crafts are a tool to help parents celebrate their children.  They will also display the growth and thoughtfulness of each child at a level they are at.  It might not seem like much but these crafts help open the doors of healing through following instruction with creativity.   

Supplies: Parent Gift Bag for Coronation  

Labels for each craft to keep organized for each Family

Individual Craft supplies

Must Says: Instructions are given with: “ I want you to….” 

We do NOT say: “Would you please…” or “I need you to…” or end with; “Okay?” We want to set them up for success! (The first way to give instruction enters and literally uses a different part of the brain than the last three that are not as effective.) (included in Team, and Parent training

Each family has a reusable bag with their last name on it. When all projects are dry they are to be put in the family bag. Sometimes children will think they can keep the projects for themselves so this is discouraged. Again names need to be written on everything!

Schedule:

Priority is to complete the crown, photo frame and one gift for parents. If there is extra time left, a volunteer leader can play Simon Says, Hokey Pokey, guess what  animal I am thinking of when it's your turn, teach belly breathing, follow the leader outside in small lines with volunteer in the front doing the movements while other volunteer is in the back watching and keeping everyone safe. 

Issues to watch for:  

Siblings sitting together. Siblings interacting with one another (they may work on Crowns together or have them work independently if necessary to avoid battles)

Red bandana interacting or “grooming behavior” “flirty” or intimidating by giving the “evil eye”. 

Unsafe objects such as a pocket with a knife, matches, or phone.

Defiance, refusing to follow direction the first time 

Call “flight check” immediately for every toe over the line! 

Children making something parents wouldn't like!

Stealing art materials!

Pro tips: 

• WRITE LAST NAME ON EACH AND EVERY PROJECT BEFORE CHILD STARTS!!!
• All Items go in the gift bag at the end of camp for presentation to parents during the ceremony.
• These are surprises- NOT SECRETS!!!
• Do not leave siblings working together unsupervised and ONLY when necessary.
• Watch for teens sitting together or “courting” from across the room.
• **Everyone should be silent during all activities so they can work on their lives and keep calm. Use “mouth check” (child’s hand over their mouth) at the first sound, flight check second test to help them prepare for school.
• Both blue and red bandannas will make crafts at camp 
• The crown is made to honor the parents and the parents will be wearing it.
• Call flight check the FIRST time the child tests with defiance
• Give instructions, clearly ONCE so they learn to listen and follow directions in school and home.
• Repeat ONLY for those under 5 or with low IQ.
• Crown needs to fit on the parents head over hairdo/mennonite camp.

Why this works: This activity works because it is hours of practice over several days with immediate, effective correction for any and all limit testing. It provides a safe place for children to learn and grow in their life skills.

VOLUNTEERS ARE THE LIFE OF CAMP!! THANK YOU, AND HAVE FUN!

CROWNS:

Description: Children Make/decorate crowns for their parents.  The crowns are especially important because the children will be crowning the parents KING and QUEEN on during closing ceremonies.    

Schedule:  During morning craft time during the last two full days of camp

Team needs: Craft Meister and every team member available

Supplies: One crown for each adult being crowned. Ask the child to choose a color. If there are more than one child in the family each can do one or help depending on whose in flight check and other safety issues. We usually get the craft foam sheets or crown cut outs from Michaels HERE The foam crown cutouts we use for name tags at most camps are hard to find when they have them buy a bunch!

Shiny plastic gems/jewels with varied colors and shapes. examples HERE

White glue or glitter glue on a napkin with a toothpick. This makes them concentrate and they don't use an entire bottle of glue. No clogged glue bottles either!

They can write Mom etc on it with the glitter glue if they want.

Once they are finished, carefully walk the crown over to an established out of the way table to dry. Volunteers will do this.

Beware that some children come with only a mom or dad, grandma or grandpa, two moms or two dads. Sometimes the parent is an older sister, brother, aunt or uncle. Ask the child what they call their parents because it's not always Mom/Dad.

Directions and Must says

“I want you to…” 

Why this works:

This craft builds confidence and is a vital part of changing the family dynamics as they are used to honor the parents. It will become a focal point of closing ceremonies that each parent will proudly display in front of a crowd and take home as a cherished memory of that event.

PICTURE FRAMES:

Description: Decorate a picture frame that will be placed in parents’ gift bag for the closing ceremonies.  Picture frames are an essential part of camp because their family photo will be slipped into it to remember their time and growth at camp. Parents often keep it on display at home for years to remind them of camp! 

Schedule: During morning craft time the last two full days. 

Team: Craft Miester and every team member available 

Supplies: a wooden picture frame  Here or Square pieces of foam with the middle cut out for a 4x6 picture to fit. Children can choose their favorite color.

If there are extra siblings that can’t work on the family picture frame how about an extra with a picture of that child and parent? Find extra wooden ones HERE.

Discarded old puzzle pieces or SMALL natural items from nature hike ( pebbles, sticks, tiny pinecones, moss etc intertwined with jute rope to set it off. Be creative! 

Magnetic strips for the back (top and bottom) or a way to stand it or hang it.

White glue on a napkin with a toothpick

Description: Children glue the puzzle pieces or items all over frame.

Volunteer walks it over to a table to dry.

Pro Tips

Pick up puzzle possibly from thrift store or dollar tree (which is now 1.25)  

Why this works:

Simple Craft that can be repeated at home, celebrated, and displayed.  It will show the family together in something the child made.   

PERLER BEADS:

Empower Children with creative accomplishment that builds patience and focus skills in a peaceful way they can use to give back and make parents happy.

Encourage and Equip Parents with creative art idea they can do at home

Description

These ironing/melting beads are very popular at camp because the children get excited about creating their own designs and it really builds patience and frustration tolerance!  Each child gets a napkin with their last name printed on it before they start. When a child completes it, an adult walks it to the ironing table. BE VERY, VERY, VERY CAREFUL not to spill the beads. If it happens, just ask the child to do it over again.

Schedule: When or if time allows 

Team Members

Supplies: A small paper or plastic bowl full of Perler beads HERE. Families may share a bowl if it's safe and there are enough volunteers to watch them. Individual bowls keep the talking down and spillage to a minimum. 

Plastic pegboards which come in a variety of shapes. Squares, circles, pentagon and hearts. Children may choose their own.

1-2 irons depending on size of camp. 

A towel under each iron

The white parchment paper that comes with the beads. Or waxed paper or parchment from the grocery store

Directions and Must Says “ Make something special for your Mom or Dad”

Concerns: Adults do the ironing for safety. 

Pro Tips Team CAREFULLY carries the beads on the peg board to be ironed. We have had some dropped! 

BEAD BRACELETS, KEY CHAIN or NECKLACES:

Empower Parents and Children with creative accomplishment and giving

Encourage and Equip Parents with creative art ideas they can do at home

This is an important gift that a child gives to their parent. It comes from the heart!

When giving the child their plastic lacing or elastic cord measure big enough to fit parent. Tie a knot at one end so the beads don't slip through. Small children may need help. Beware of anyone mouthing beads, putting them in pockets, or any other safety issue with cords or beads. Each child gets a bowl of beads or families can share depending on factors. When child is done, a team member needs to tie it off into a bracelet or necklace. Beware the children sometimes put too many on and in order to tie it you will take some off.

Schedule Is this essential or if time allows 

Team Members

Supplies: Rolls of colored elastic cord or plastic lacing

Scissors for adults

Colored beads with a hole in the middle to thread

Bowls

Directions and Must Says “Make it beautiful for your Mom/Dad/ Grandma (whoever is there at camp

FLOWER PENS:

These are nice gifts the children give their parents. They may choose the plastic/silk flower that their parent would like. It's good because they have to think of their point of view and not their own. Many children need an adult to start the wrapping of the tape around the pen. Once established they can usually finish it.

Schedule Is this essential or if time allows 

Team Members

Supplies: A variety of fake flowers found at Hobby Lobby or Michael's 

Ball point pens with the cap removed

Green floral sticky tape that adheres to itself

Must Says, “Pick the flower your Mom/dad would like the best!”

DOOR HANGERS: 

Empower Parents and Children with creative accomplishment with someone else in mind

Encourage Parents and Child that they can think about someone else

Equip Parents with creative art they can do at home that 

The children love this activity. It is a sign to be hung on the parent's bedroom doorknob. They need to think about what the parents prefer and they come out very nice. They can pick a color door hanger that they think the parents will like. They decorate them with stickers of objects and letters. Those who can spell sometimes put the names of their parents or Mom/Dad or Mom/Mama, etc

Schedule Is this essential or if time allows 

Team Members

Supplies: Foam door hangers

Tubs of foam stickers and letters

We also have had them decorate the gift bags for the parents with an eagle or ??..

This activity builds frustration tolerance in everyone and helps children learn to be silent and follow directions of the parent. It builds cooperation, teamwork and a sense of accomplishment. It shows parents children are capable! 

Must SAYS: Start with telling the group before you hand out stuff. "Today at lunch they put imported vesuvian snake venom in the food. This is very rare and it only impacts children. It makes their tongues go numb so they cannot speak. It should be taking effect... (look at watch) about now. The children will not be able to speak at all until your pyramid is completed!! " Each family is going to build a cup pyramid. Parents take a hoop and put it in a safe spot for your family. EXCELLENT!! You will need to build 4-3-2-1 and then all put your hands high up so we can see you!"

Hand out highly sophisticated technical instruments, (yes! that is the correct name!!) and dive in!

Equipment needs: 1 set per family

 10 cups, one "Highly sophisticated technical  instrument" (rubber band with strings or yarn 3-4 ft long. Each family  should have one with a string/yarn attached for each person in the family.

Rules for 3 or more; no one can touch anyone elses string or touch a cup with any part of their body. (Only the string!)

Single parent with one child rule is different. Parent takes two strings and child one!

The pyramid needs to have 4 cups on the bottom, then 3 then 2 then one on top. Have them put a hula hoop to mark their spot in a level place out of the wind before the race starts. Say ready set go and relax. It takes a while! Be sure to have Paparazzi get action photos and most of all a photo of the family kneeling down by their completed pyramid of SUCCESS! Great smiles at that time!

Concerns: Families quitting. They can rest and come back and do it later or do it in the dining hall or somewhere better but they need to complete it! Encourage them but not push when they are frustrated. You can talk to them later.

WIND!? Forget it! Not possible unless you move inside.

Goal: Equip parents with a positive way to acknowledge respectful, responsible and fun behaviors.

To Empower parents to spot good things going on to balance out the negatives corrected

To Encourage parents as they stand and share the positive forward progress in front of a room full of peers who understand and honor both parent and child. They actually get to be proud instead of embarrassed and ashamed! It fills their hearts and that is a good thing!

Requirements

Time: 10 minutes to hand out baggies and about 1 minute per child per day for parent announcement after day 3.

Supplies needed: portable microphone, Eagle feathers bought or printed, Bald Eagle pins (Pin man in OK) A sturdy string of leather or paracord sealed at ends large enough to fit over the child’s head around the neck with room to spare for tying knots in between feathers. 25 jump rings for each child and two sets of needle nose pliers if needed to put on jump rings. 

Must Says: “Would you please introduce your son or daughter and share with all of us how many wing feathers and how many tail feathers she/he has? GREAT JOB!! Wahoo!!”

Description: Hand out baggies of feathers to parents on day 2 of training. One bag of each kind for each child (red and blue). Have parents announce Immediately after lunch each and EVERY day, starting day 3 of parent training, have parents stand and honor their child in front of the entire room for doing something right! Children should be able to display their awards where others can see them.

Issues to Watch for/ concerns:

Parents announcing several children all together and not allowing each to have their “moment of honor”. Parents announcing the youngest or sickest child first instead of respectful birth order. 

Parents forget the healthy children need positive attention too! Blue AND reds get feathers! 

An older child that has endured much and yet steps up to lift and honor the parents might need to have a special presentation of an eagle pin so they are the first and can feel honored that they are ALREADY AN EAGLE!! They don’t need to earn it. This is for special older healthy children only! 

Parents forgetting to give out feathers or giving them out for everything to compete with other parents.

Pro Tips: Watch the child the first time a parent announces for them. They are usually stunned and unsure. Each time the parent shares the great things they are doing, they stand straighter and prouder! They often search the parent’s face as they announce rather than the audience for acceptance and approval! AWESOME!

Be sure to coach parents to introduce by saying “This is my daughter, so and so, she has 10 wing feathers and 5 tail feathers OR “This is my son, so and so.. He has 9… That sense of belonging can be reinforced real well here. We don’t want to miss that!

If there is a special one the parents can highlight that but they do NOT have to remember or announce what every feather was earned for! Keep it short, sweet and powerful!

Goal: To build a different, healthier vision for fun time at home. For parents to try out and find some fun board or card games, without electronics and screens, to laugh and play with their children after camp.

Requirements

Time: 1 hour right after dinner

Supplies needed: 5-10 board games, 2-6 decks of cards, Popcorn for each family

Must Says: “Try out as many games as you like till you find one you enjoy. Who picks the game?”

Description: Have games and cards all out where parents can select easily. Start popcorn popping right away so it is hot and ready. Stand back and watch them laugh and play together!

Issues to Watch for/ concerns: Sore losers blowing up. Families that need to have a child sweep up popcorn. A nice way to handle that “Let me go get a broom for you!” Team members distracting families by sitting with them to play instead of letting them bond. A nice way to handle that is “Could you please help me with the popcorn?” Parents wanting to stay late and not put their children to bed on time. 

Pro Tips: Put the popcorn in individual family size bowls and do refills a few times. Make sure the rules to the game are in the box! At 6:45 announce 15 minutes to lights out! At  7pm announce the game night is now closing (unless there is a child over 14 ½ their lights out up till 9:30pm. You will have to be at the team meeting at 8:30. Just ask the family to put the game away they are using when they finish up.

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 Hula Hoops  spin off race.

All girls compete (who can keep the hoop up longest). If highly skilled take it up a notch... stand on one foot.. still tied?... walk with it!! 

Next is boys.. Next is Moms.. Next is Dads... Final is all the best of each group for the Championship! Lots of cheering and fun!

Thanks for bringing laughter and de-stressing these fine folks!! YOU ROCK!

 Mini Manual for Ladies Round Table Meister

Goal: Equip parents with an understanding support system for after camp

Empower parents by getting them to speak, connect and be understood among peers

Encourage parents that they are not alone and can take good care of themselves as they gain new ideas from others.

Requirements

Time: 1 hour

Supplies needed: quiet,comfy room away from ears, hors d'oeuvres or chocolates

Must Says: “What do you do to take care of yourself and stay sane?” “Give me a thumbs up when you want to share what works for you.”

Description: Have ladies gather and relax as they share ways they take care of themselves.

Issues to Watch for/ concerns:Parents venting about their child, Facilitator teaching instead of drawing out each parent to speak.One parent usurping the time. A mom being very negative and bringing everyone down. Topic getting changed to something negative. One parent being made to feel embarrassed or ashamed rather than supported and understood. 

Pro Tips: You may have to interrupt and keep them on the subject gracefully with love. Don’t let it turn into tears or be dominated by one person. Keep it about the adults not about the children. LEAD! Watch the time and stay focused on what they can do for themselves to keep on when they are giving, giving, giving. Wrap up with encouraging them to take care of themselves and maybe use the new ideas to commit to take care of themselves. Encourage them to set up a group to connect (What’s ap or email or facebook or..?) Have the men take care of the children as the ladies meet and have team ready for a fun activity for the children of single moms. 

Start with Icebreaker to take positive control and help them connect better on an equal plane. Ice Breaker Circle of backrubs as each says name and favorite ice cream. Everyone is relaxing and connecting for 30 seconds. 

Goal: To fill the single parents so they relax and recharge with lots of healthy touch and love.

Requirements

Time: From 10:45 to 12:00 on Day 4 of camp

Supplies needed:  a quiet private room,  lotion, buckets/ bowls to soak feet, cucumbers for eyes, calming instrumental music, candles or oils that smell relaxing, hors d'oeuvres, ??? 

Must Says: “NO talking about children in here! This is YOUR time to relax and breathe.”

Description: Bring them into your spa, lights low, soft music, good smells. Talk softly. Sit the Moms (sometimes a single Dad) down and put their feet in warm soapy water. Serve goodies while they begin to unwind. Rub shoulders, hands and maybe feet to relax and unwind. Feel free to come up with a plan using your skills. You can have another team member help you. Usually there are two or three single parents, sometimes none. Ask if they are comfortable or need a cushion or different chair. Let there be times of silence and calm. If the moms want to talk let them some but watch for negative stuff and cut it off. Laughter is healing, keep it happy.

Issues to Watch for/ concerns: Check for allergies to lotion or anything before use. Ask if the music is acceptable or too loud. Team members should not be sharing their sad stories or talking more than the moms. One parent taking over or getting negative. “Crying and venting” is NOT what this is about. A+ = smiling moms floating out of your spa, beaming.

Pro Tips: Make sure you leave no matches or lighter anywhere a child will find it!!

 The Camp Organizer will bring basic supplies but you can bring extra fun stuff if you like. Keep the parents calm. Remember these single parents give and give and often don’t think of themselves. This is all about THEM!

 You filling these special parents gives them more to give to their children. It makes a big difference! Thank you for loving them up!! 

Goal:To honor all the hard work the parents have done by caring for their children as a gift so they can recharge with a special dinner, a night off and some fun.

Requirements

Time: 2 hours to prepare. The event is from 5:30- 7pm on the second to the last eve.

Supplies needed: decorations, music, great food, servers, great food, words for charades that fit with camp ( Eagle, strong sit, Awesome Mom etc)

Must Says: “The team has seen how hard you have worked and wants to honor you by watching your children this evening so you have the night OFF! A dinner is being prepared in your honor. Attire is, of course, formal. Gentlemen, tuxes, ladies evening gowns and tiaras (or whatever you have)” “ONE RULE! You are not allowed to talk about children tonight!!!”

Description: Spiff up the room the best you can. Each couple has a separate table. Adjust lighting if possible. Single parents all at one table. Sometimes we play charades after the meal and sometimes we have them use the table talk cards to talk together with no chaos. Read the group for what they need the most! Fun and laughter or quiet time to talk. The children have a separate meal with the team and play games and practice the song or have a story teller share.

Issues to Watch for/ concerns: Parents talking about children and sharing horror stories. Parents who don’t know how to talk to each other getting stuck. Cooks not being prepared with a very special meal including dessert for parents and something special for children ( Pizza? mac and cheese?)  They need to know ahead of time to buy the right ingredients etc. 

Pro Tips:

Team must return the children to the parents at 7PM sharp by putting the child’s hand in the parents hand. Table cloths, candles, flowers, nice table setting are all great. Sometimes Ninjas serve the food and need training on how to do it correctly, respectfully and without interfering.

Buffet style is okay but being served is better. 

It is all yours to create a special unforgettable evening to fill these amazing, exhausted parents up to help them keep going. 

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 Mini Manual for Rip & Snort Meister

Activity Goal: Empower parents to release stress and pent up frustration. Free their bodies to just “Let it go”. Wake up the shut down parts of parents and children in a fun, exhilarating way! Open the pathway to expression for children who had the door slammed on that as neglected or abused babies (whose cries were not answered with love and care) by having them scream into their parents open, loving arms.

Requirements

Time: Both of the last two days, mid- morning training break-15 min ea

Supplies needed: Just parents and children in a large safe area!

Must Says: “Parents, have your children join you in some stretches……..”

“Parents, instruct your children to stay where they are, then give them a big hug before you go.”............

“Parents, are you READY? Take a big breath when I say ready-set and when I say go- run as far as you can on that ONE breath. Ready-Set- GO!”

“Children, Are you ready? ( wait for “Yes..miss or mr…..) IN ONE breath I want you to go as far as you can go and stop when you are out of air. Ready- Set- GO!”

“Parents, are you ready? Big breath or two and Run back to the line. Ready Set GO!”

“Children, are you ready? ( wait for reply) Big breath and run to your parents! Ready set Go!” 

“Okay everyone turn your children over to the team and return to class”

Description: 

Begin by having parents lead their children in stretches. 

Instruct parents to have their children stay there until given instructions to run.

 Parents run first, then children, then parents run back to the line, then their children run to THEM. 

 Have parents stand in a line at one end of a long driveway or road where there is space to run safely.  Have them take a deep breath and scream as loud and long as they can while running as far as they can in one breath.  When they run out of air they stop running and stand in their place.  Next have the children line up and do the same as their parents did (knowing full well these kids will most likely cheat).  After both groups have run out, have them repeat the exercise running back to the starting place.  When the kids run back, have the parents be ready with open arms to embrace them in a big hug to soothe the stirred up feelings.

Issues to Watch for/ concerns: Children who run but don’t scream, can stay after with team members and practice. Children who stay at the line and don’t even try, can stay and practice.

Those who have big feelings stirred may need to sit with mom and dad for a snuggle time to re-fill. Parents who can’t run ( wheel chair, back surgery, lung problems. etc) can walk it or wheel it. We even used a golf cart once! No escape from the fun. They can do it at their own skill level.

Wet turf can make it too dangerous to run and you may have to have them walk it for safety.

Pro Tips: 

• Be sure the team is there to clap and cheer lots!

• Share the details of this activity in the Parent Training Room just before the break so they clearly understand and can wrap their head around it.

• The children often cheat! Share that with the parents ahead of time so they laugh and are prepared for it rather than shocked and angry.

• Emphasize how important that final hug is due to the stirred up feelings!

• Parents need to use the BATHROOM before they run! Leave time for that! 

• Some parents want to hang out and chat instead of getting out there and the children are left standing too long so you have to get pushy and get them out there after the bathroom!!

• Watch for gopher/prairie dog holes or ???  folks might fall in or over. 

• It’s not a race! They can run slow and careful. Recommend SAFETY!

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 Mini Manual for Snuggle Time Meister

Camp Purpose:

To equip, empower, and encourage parents to lead their family to peace, love and laughter and to help children learn to be respectful, responsible and fun to be with.

Goal:

Requirements

Time:

Supplies needed: Music, tissues, carmels, 

Must Says:

Description:

Issues to Watch for/ concerns:

Pro Tips: Parents should have the child that is in class. If child is in flight check and stable they can come if that is the ONLY child the family has. If the child is not stable, assign someone to guide the parents in this vital activity  later. If parents are pouching…

I like to have parents tell their child to climb on their lap and put their ear on the parent’s heart and raise a hand when they hear the heartbeat. I let them have time to listen and keep the room silent. Then I ask what they hear the heart saying.  After they answer wrong for a while I ask, "Do you want to know what it is saying?". "It is saying " I love, I love, I love, I love.!" Who is that heart talking too? ....."

Then I share that the love their Mom/Dad makes for them ONLY fits in their heart. It can't fit in anyone else's heart, not a brother or sister or mom/dad, ONLY theirs. When they don't come and listen for it, it gets wasted because it is only for them. It is the ONLY glue that can fix their broken heart from what happened in the past. I give them more silent time as I prepare the music for the next part....

Then I have the parents lean the child back into their arms with the child's arms around the parent's ribs (NOT between the parent and child) and look into their eyes. Carmels are broken into tiny pieces or those pudding cups and spoons are served. I have the child silent. The parent tells the child all about the first time they felt love for them in their heart. Where they were, when it was etc.... I play music for 5-10 minutes and pass tissues.. Then have them tell them what their dream is for their child for their future. and play more music for 5-10 minutes until they are pretty done and then we have them hug and leave in line with team members .The team is prepared ahead of time for the fragile state of the children and escorts them to a calm activity.

After the children depart,  I then tell the parents that the trust falls are as scary as the eagle courting ritual with the free fall from thousands of feet up and what they just did was even more difficult than that!!!!

I help them to honor the effort for the child to open their heart and understand they will be fragile and afraid because they just took in love and now feel vulnerable to the parent breaking the heart they just opened.  

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Healing Hearts Camp Master Activity Schedule

Day 1 Camp (FCZ is flight check zone)

1-3pm Check-in

7-10 Team members

4:00 Orientation

Group intro (whole team)

Kids Orientation (every one accept, (all except PI, plus 1)

Parent Orientation with tour of FCZ ( PI, plus 1)

5:30 Dinner 

Whole Team,  Action team ready to go

6:12 Fashion Show 

Paparazzi, MC, 2 people Fashion control (5)

7:00 Family Lights out

8:30- 9:30 Team meeting (all)

All nighter FCZ (2)

Day 2

7 am FCZ (3 7-8) (Min 4 All day)

8am breakfast Hugs committee/bandana check (2)

8:30 Parent training (PI, 2 Parent support, 2 transporters + toddler Ninja)

Blue Bandanas (BBC +1-3)

10:30 Name game for Parent class only (1+ 4)

11:30 Children to wash hands table set (4-6)

11:30 Parent Encounter of the Paul learning experience- Kind (1)

12:00 Lunch (2+ Processors, 4 Team PS )

1:00 Trust Falls 

1:30 Family banner painting (2 Art+4 team PS, Paparazzi)

 Free time-offer 3 options (Team Spread Out to options)

5:30 Dinner (2+ Processors, 4 Team PS )

6:00 Games and Popcorn (3 + 2 paparazzi,  + 2 transporter/ps)

7 pm lights out

8:30 Team Meeting (Everyone)

Overnight crew (2)

Day 3

7 am FCZ (3 7-8) (Min 4 All day)

8am breakfast Hugs committee/bandana check (2)

8:30 Parent training (PI, 2 Parent support, 2 transporters + toddler Ninja)

Blue Bandanas (BBC +1-3)

11:30 Children to wash hands table set (4-6)

11:30 Parent Encounter (1)

12:00 Lunch (2+ Processors, 4 Team PS )

         Back rub class (2+Paparazzi)

1:00 Blindfolded Call (PI, 4 PS Floating for Afternoon Activities 

1:15-1:30  (Team lead=large staff requirement Assign EARLY)

        6 Rs 4-5 stations (4-5 +2 team+Paparazzi)

         Obstacle Course (2+2+Paparazzi)

3:30 Men’s Round table (1)

4:30 Ladies Round table (1)

 Free time-offer 3 options (Team Spread Out to options)

5:30 Dinner (2+ Processors, 4 Team PS )

Announce banners and eagle feathers

6:00 Campfire or T-shirt rodeo (3 music/Storytellers or tshirt Judges + paparazzi 2 transporter/ps)

7 pm lights out

8:30 Team Meeting and team appreciation event (Everyone)

Overnight crew (2)

Day 4

7 am FCZ (3 7-8) (Min 4 All day)

8am breakfast Hugs committee/bandana check (2)

8:30 Parent training (PI, 2 Parent support, 2 transporters + toddler Ninja)

Blue Bandanas (BBC +1-3)

10:30 Snuggle time (4 plus paparazzi)

11:30 Children to wash hands table set (4-6)

11:30 Parent Encounter 

12:00 Parent begin their own flight checks in FCZ (4) 

12:00 Lunch (2+ Processors, 4 Team PS )

12:30ish Flash mob (Music Meister)

1:00 Olympics (all, Paparazzi)

 Free time-offer 3 options (Team Spread Out to options)

5:30 Dinner (2+ Processors, 4 Team PS )

Announce eagle feathers

6:00 Mask making (3 + 2 paparazzi,  + 2 transporter/ps)

7 pm lights out

8:30 Team Meeting (Everyone)

Overnight crew (2)

Day 5

7 am FCZ (3 7-8) (Min 4 All day)

8am breakfast Hugs committee/bandana check (2)

8:30 Parent training (PI, toddler Ninja)

All children crafts and singing (Song and Craft Miester, all)

10:30 Rip and Snort (all= paparazzi)

10:45 Couple Holdings (2)

10:45 Single parent spa (2)

11:30 Children to wash hands table set 

11:30 Parent Encounter

12:00 Lunch (2+ Processors, 4 Team PS )

Announce eagle feathers

1:00 Water balloon volleyball (2 Art+4 team PS, Paparazzi)

 Free time-offer 3 options (Team Spread Out to options)

5:30-7 Parents night off (PI, CO)

5:00 Children dinner, song, story teller, and games (all)

7 pm return children to parents in hand literally & lights out

8:30 Team Meeting (Everyone) (Skit Prep)

Overnight crew (2)

Day 6

7 am FCZ (3-4 )

7:30 Rude Child pick up service (4)

8 am breakfast Hugs committee/bandana check (2)

8:30 Parent training 

8:30 All children crafts and song (Song and Craft Miester, all)

10:30 Rip and Snort (all)

11:30 Children to wash hands table set

11:30 Parent Encounter  

12:00 Lunch (2+ Processors, 4 Team PS )

Announce eagle feathers

1:00 Family service project (2 Art+4 team PS, Paparazzi)

 Free time-offer 3 options (Team Spread Out to options)

5:30 Dinner (2+ Processors, 4 Team PS )

6:00 Talent Show (all)

7 pm lights out

8:30 Team Meeting Coronation prep (Everyone)

Overnight crew (2)

Day 7

7 am FCZ (3)

8am breakfast Hugs committee/bandana check (2)

8:30-9:15 Parent training (PI)

8:30  Children prepare for coronation (all)

9:15 Encore of song and slideshow (Song Meister, Paparazzi meister and all)

10:00 Coronation 

12:00 Lunch & Launch

12:30 Clean up pack check out

That's a WRAP! YOU DID IT! Their lives will never be the same because YOU gave! Thank you!!

Activity Goal: #1 Capture memories for families to see themselves in a new and better way (beautiful) and to remember the work they put in at camp

#2 to create a slideshow for families to watch and remember the love and laughter and their time together and smile. 

Personnel:  Need at least 2-3 team members with cameras and hearts who can capture treasured moments without interfering with family interactions.

Cameras: Many camp situations like the Talent Show and Fashion Show are indoor action events where a flash isn’t feasible, and shooting events like Snuggle time with a flash would be very intrusive. SLRs are great and cell phones work too!

Pro tips: Watch out for rear ends and chests of moms in photos. Try a different angle. We do not want to embarrass anyone! Swimsuit photos are taken ONLY in the water at the pool, holding child etc. Watch the light in their eyes so they are not squinting. Watch the background so it is not distracting or ugly. Leave a bit of room over tall folks heads but not the entire ceiling.“Look for love” in the pictures you take.  Avoid having 2-3 people taking pictures of the same child or parent. Watch and make sure everyone is covered!

Concerns:  “Say Cheese!” or counting before you take the picture!! DON'T do it! These kids make the ugliest face and the pictures are unusable. Say something funny or have them say something funny and take the picture before they are doing their fake grin. Take a bunch of pictures in case someone blinks. 4 or 5 is better than one.

Planning:  Plan to be at all the family events!

 During pre-camp training:  Team pictures, Beauty, scenery spots to remember

  As soon as practical once camp starts:  Paparazzi team, We Ate, We Laughed, We Learned (classroom shots)

  Ongoing throughout – awards, banners held up with the entire family. TEAM!!

  Day 1 or 2 – Families during check in, Newspaper (fashion show)

  Day 2-3 – Water Balloon Volleyball, Mask Making 

  Day 2-3-4 – Snuggle time, Trust Falls, Echo Calls, Obstacle Course, Banner Making

  Day 3-5 – Olympics, Crafts, Parents on their “night off”

  Day 3-4-5 – Rip ‘N Snort, Olympics, Crafts, Camp Fire

  Day 5 – Talent Show

  Day6 – Coronation, (Graduation) THIS IS A SURPRISE!! DO NOT TELL!

Time Management:  all Photos must be turned in every evening at the team meeting for download. Paparazzi crew must attend all family bonding events to help capture the treasured moments and spread out.

We do not want a child to be left out of the show! It is a heart breaker!

 SNUGGLE TIME. Some of the most vital pictures are taken during the snuggle time. Try to move to an angle where you can see the child’s face without distracting them so they look away from the parent. Keep your distance. Use a long lens if you have one. No flashes! Catch every child with every parent several times. Watch for cleavage, take it from the back over mom’s shoulder if necessary.

DO NOT TURN YOUR CAMERA! Hold it straight. We don’t have time to rotate the pics and the slide show puts black bars on the side of those. For cell phones we need wide pictures not long ones.

Camp Movie goal: (30 minutes, 2-3 sec/picture = ~600-700 pictures)

Families – ~25 pictures + (couples + singles of adults)

Newspaper (newspaper fashion show) – all kids EVERY ONE!

Team– 40

Paparazzi team – all contributing photographers

We laughed (funny candid shots) – 20-30

We Gave – back rubs, table setting, chores, etc. (25 pics)

We Trust – trust falls, blind folded echo call (100 max)

We learned – in class, 10-20 max

We Overcame Obstacles – obstacle course – 25 pics

We ate – 10-15 pictures of food, dining hall, cooks, and feasting

Beauty ( scenery) – camp sign, chapel, dining room,  (5-10 pics)

Guests – bugs, birds, animals (~ 5 pics)

We Had Fun – water balloons (50 pics)

Rip N’ Snort  – 10 pics

We Created  - masks (5-10 pics), banners (one of each), crafts (10 pics)

We Built Team Spirit – Olympics (50 pictures)

Talent Show and flashmob

Campfire

Graduation,  PLUS Horses, Zip line, Canoes, Pool, etc.

We learned to love – snuggle time, all parents with kids (40 max)

Purpose

Empower families by successfully managing the children during their Orientation

Encourage families by framing the ground rules for camp with Children and setting team leadership

Equip children with skills to have a successful dinner with parents and life

Description

Children’s Orientation sets a standard for what is expected of children during this week of camp.  This might be the first time children have heard Respectful, Responsible, Fun to be around, "Fast and snappy, right the first time, Mom and Dad's way."  It is essential to keep this time both fun and structured.  This time sets up the ability for Parents to call their first Flight Check and know their children know why.  

Requirements

Time 4:15-5:30 

Team members: All accept those in Parent Orientation

Supplies needed: Place Setting, template for table setting, songs  

Schedule

4:15 Brainshifters

4:30 Eagle vs Turkeybehavior

4:35 Table Manners

5:00 Setting A+ tables

5:15 SIng along Songs

5:25 re-check Tables

5:30 Rise and Applaud Parents

Must Say: How many of you would like to eat nicely with the President of the United States or the Queen of England? 

“Did you do A+ the first time?” Where is the fork supposed to be?

“How many of you would like to have a stronger brain? We have some activities that will make your brain grow stronger every time you do it! Wise people have used them for hundreds of years.”

“If this is making your brain stronger is it to hurt you or help you?!!” Say it again louder!

Brain Shifters:

1. Jumping jacks
2. Brain Jumps
3. Criss Cross
4. Magic mustache (finger under nose and push up toward nose till calm 30sec?)
5. Bunny breath
6. Hot soup breath
7. Brain boosters

Respect: Eagle behavior vs Turkey

At camp we do not use the word “Sorry”. What is the word we don’t use? “Sorry!”

“Excuse me mom”… wait vs mom mom mom mom mom!!

“Yes, Mom/Dad” vs arguing or being rude “Why!??”

“May I please” vs “I’m bored /thirsty” or “give me….”

Liven it up and keep them alert and tuned in with -Eagle.. wings out soaring and neck up vs Turkey..wings tucked (thumbs in armpit) and head bob forward and back 

Table manners Dozen Demo- Eagle Behavior vs Turkey: 

1. Feet on Floor vs Feet on Chair, Table,
2. Sitting up Straight vs bobbing like turkey face in food
3. Chair close to table vs to far away
4. Elbows off vs elbows on
5. Wait to eat until parent or host/hostess takes a bite
6. Napkin to lap vs left on table
7. Use silverware properly vs banging, Hold with a fist, fork upside down
8. Bite size chunks vs Gopher pouch
9. Mouth closed while chewing vs open
10.  Swallow food before speaking vs showing chewed food
11.  Keep face clean vs Milk mustache/ mustard on chin
12.  Noise while chewing or drinking vs slurping/ bangingspoon/smacking

Table setting 

Hand out silverware so they are not touching everyones.

Sing a song or two fun camp songs to unwind

Issues to Watch for/ concerns: Fine line between showing them what to do and giving them new gross ideas and or excuses “ the team did it this way!”

Name of team member chosen N=new team member E= Experienced   Est. # hours

N_____________________Children’s Drawings Meister 4

N_____________________Newspaper fashion show Meister and MC 1 1/2

E_____________________Name game/penguin Meister 15 min

N_____________________Banner Painting Meister 3hrs

E_____________________Mask Making Meister 2hrs

BBC__________________Obstacle Course Meister 6hrs

E!____________________Trust Falls Meister 1 hr

E_____________________Blind Folded Trust Call Meister 30 min

N_____________________Game night & popcorn Meister 2 hrs

E_____________________Rip & Snort Meister 30 min

E!_____________________Snuggle time Meister 1 hr

N_____________________Couples Hold set up Meister 15 min

N_____________________Parent Spa Meister 2 hrs

N_____________________Swimming Pool Meister 2-6 hrs

E_____________________Water Balloon Volleyball Meister 2 hrs

E_____________________ 6 Rs Rhythm Meister 1 ½ hrs

E_____________________Men’s Round Table Meister 1 hr

E_____________________Lady’s Round Table Meister 1 hr

N_____________________Talent Show Meister and MC 1-2 hrs

N_____________________Parents Night Meister 3 hrs

N_____________________Back Rub Class Meister 15 min

N_____________________Music Meister (children’s choir & flashmob) 6 hrs

N_____________________ Blue Bandana Chief (BBC) 6 hrs

N ____________________ Crafts Meister 4-6 hrs

E _____________________Coronation Meister 2 hrs

N _____________________Table Setting Meister 2 hrs

N _____________________Eagle Feather Meister 2 hrs

List of Camp Leaders

Purpose:

To equip, empower, and encourage parents to lead their family to peace, love and laughter

_____________________ Camp Organizer CO

_____________________Parent Instructor PI

_____________________Flight Check Chief FCC

_____________________Team Leader TL

_____________________Blue Bandana Chief BBC

List of Family Olympics Meisters

1. _____________________Olympics Main Meister 2-3 hours
2. Cup/Pyramid game_____________________30-60min
3. Hula-hoop_____________________20 min
4. Gutter game_____________________20 min
5. Land skiis_______________________20 min
6. Water balloon toss________________20 min
7. Sponge/bucket race_______________20 min

Optional Olympic or Camp Activities

Tshirt Rodeo_____________________30 min

Rock Wall_____________________

Ropes course_____________________

Corgi Race_____________________

Puzzle Race____________________15-20 min

SEMINAR AND TEAM TRAINING

LCD projector, screen, power strip w/ extension cord or huge TV screen 

Speakers for computer sound and mic for Parent Instructor

Handout packets for each team member

Kleenex

Refreshments

Tables and Chairs for each

REGISTRATION TIME

Refreshments for weary travelers, such as, popcorn, smoothies, or even just ice water

Bandanas 1 red each for challenging children

Bandanas 1 blue each for emotionally healthy children

Pens (at least 3 – 4 per family, pens tend to disappear)

Name Tags for each child and each parent w/o pins that will last all week

Black permanent marker

Refillable water bottles for each camper and team member

List of Campers and cabin assignment

Photo Release Forms

Invoices if needed 

Fanny packs for team members? Or baskets for chocolate/jewels etc

Several boxes of crayons (8 packs) for children’s drawings

Paper for children’s drawings

TRAINING ROOM

Tables and chairs for each person

LCD projector, screen, power strip w/ extension cord or Large TV screen

Handout packets for each parent

Kleenex

Small notebooks or 3x5 cards for each team member

Lined Tablet paper for families to write down camp feedback

Eagle feathers stickers (master copies enclosed)

20 small wing feathers for every child, 5 long tail feathers for every child

Team members with digital cameras to take pictures during camp activities

 INTERVENTION/Flight Check ROOM

Mozart Music and player for Intervention Room

1 easy jigsaw puzzle for the staff, 500 – 1000 pieces

Small clock

Kleenex

3 x 5 cards

Pens 

Water 

Plastic silverware and napkins

Chocolates

DINING ROOM

Hand sanitizer to be used by each person before each meal

Laminated copies of Grace

3 x 5 cards

Pens

Basket for each table to hold cards and pens

Standing Name card on each table with families last name Large

STRUCTURED PLAY TIME

2 – mini trampolines

One large box Legos

Large Legos for toddlers (if needed)

15 – 20 children’s books

4 - containers of hand and body lotion

4 - Beach towels

Plain blank white paper

10-20 - sm pkgs of crayons (One per red bandana)

ACTIVITIES DURING MORNING TRAININGS 

Note taking sheets with eagles for children

Coloring eagles for children each day (3)

Crayons for each child

SNUGGLE TIME

Soft chewy caramels (5+ per child)

10 – 20 individual boxes of raisins/ craisins?

Eagle Feathers that stick on string or insert into name tag. Usually printed on mailing labels. 20 wings and 5 larger tail feathers per child. 

Organized into snack bags for each child, reds and blues. (see above)

Table manner skit; Extra, extra, extra large wild men’s button shirt

                                 Four bowls, cups (water), spoons, napkins, 

                               Dry cereal about 2 cups enough for 4 bowls

PARENT SUPPORT ACTIVITIES

         Chocolate – hugs, kisses, tootsie rolls, mini chocolate candy bars   

                                 Individual packets of dried fruit (for an alternative to sweets) 10-100 lbs of chocolate and/or dried fruit packets per family.

         Sticky stars or jewels 20-30 per parent

         Unique stars or jewels for doing correct flight checks (10 each parent

 Family Activities

*Family Banners    

White flat cotton twin bed sheet – 1/2 sheet per family

Large containers of tempera paint (blue, red, yellow, green, black, purple)

Inexpensive paint brushes & sponge brushes

Styrofoam cups or egg cartons for paint – enough for colors

*Water balloon volleyball

         300 – 400 water balloons

4 – beach towels (beach towels from structured play time can be used)

1 – volley ball net (2 nets if 12+ families)

5 gallon buckets 2-6

*Rip and Snort      A field to run in where the loud noise won’t bother folks

*Fashion Show       

Large box full of old newspapers

         Duct tape – 1-2  roll per family

           Round ended scissors – 1 pair per family                              

           3 x 5 cards (one per child)

           lively music w/o words 

           Music player and speaker

*Name Game          1 large soft rubbery ball (inflatable beach ball?)

*Trust Falls             Cushions, mats or a grassy field

*Obstacle Course    Misc items such as, orange traffic or soccer cones, hula hoops, logs, picnic tables, ropes (things for children to climb over, under, around and through), tasting table with for example, sliced oranges, crackers, mini marshmallows, cooked spaghetti, etc.

Mask making  

plaster cloth plaster wrap rolls- cut into sizes, Vaseline, hairbands, paper bowls

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098JHZ9P7?FORM=SSAPC1&th=1 Amazon

*Talent Show          3 x 5 cards (one per family)

microphone

*Arts & Crafts        Material to make crowns for parents

Ideas – foam sheets, glitter, glue, jewels, sequins, colored markers

Material for a coronation card

Material to make bracelets or necklaces for Moms

         Ideas – beads, seeds, macaroni

Material for photo frames w/ camp photo of child or family

Wooden Heart frames are best children paint and decorate

 Beads that go on the frame and you melt them together

 Iron or heat gun         

Items to make masks available at Michaels or amazon.com

Items for children to make gifts for their parents

Bags to collect and present crafts to parents

*Family Service Projects

          List from the Camp of cleaning/maintenance that needs to be done such as, window washing, table scrubbing, raking, mulching, weeding, painting, trash pick up, etc.

Cleaning supplies/tools to complete tasks

 Cup-Pyramid Event

          Highly sophisticated technical instruments made out of:

2 1/2 – 3 1/2 inch rubber bands that are about 1/4 inch wide One per family

Yarn (each child and parent need at least 4 feet) 

12 oz Styrofoam or paper cups – 10 per family

Family Olympics   

  9-12 Plastic gutters, 4 – 6 feet in length 

2 – 4 Golf balls

10 – 20 orange traffic or soccer cones

 8 – 12 Hula hoops

Run w/ balloon and pop relay

Cotton ball on the spoon relay

Land Skiis (Optional) Pairs of wooden boards – 1 in x 6 in x 3, 4, & 5 ft     (length of board depends on # of people in family) Poly rope – at least 8 ft long per person                                                     

Blind Folded Call 

Sleep/Eye Mask& Blind folds (bandanas)

Messenger Night Angels

One beautiful thought printed on paper to slip under each door, each night 

Scavenger Hunt      Use your imagination

Campfire                

       Lighter

Newspaper

Wood

Campfire song (sheets?)

Song leader, preferably with guitar

Banana Boats

  Bananas one per person

    Foil

    Mini marshmallows

 Peanut butter chips

  Butterscotch chips

  Plastic spoons

Paper plates small

Sunday Worship Service

         Campfire Worship Songs

         Sermon by guest pastor

 END OF CAMP AWARD CEREMONY

Two chairs made into thrones

 Family banners as royal capes

Graduation song (Pomp and Circumstance) crowd will sing

Gifts from each child to parents w/ names in bag

Crowns made by child with jewels earned by parents,

 Eagle pins w/rubber backs, #PE1374BLK, for every child

Appreciation pins, #FCY2702, for each team member

  please contact The Pin Man, 918-587-2405, www.positivepins.com,  Certificate of Completion for the training for each parent (framed or unframed)

Certificate for each team member

Certificates for cooks

A slide show of the camp photos w/ positive, uplifting music.

Camp Purpose:

To equip, empower, and encourage parents to lead their family to peace, love and laughter and to help children learn to be respectful, responsible and fun to be with.

Goal:

Requirements

Time:

Supplies needed: Music, tissues, carmels, 

Must Says:

Description:

Issues to Watch for/ concerns:

Pro Tips: Parents should have the child that is in class. If child is in flight check and stable they can come if that is the ONLY child the family has. If the child is not stable, assign someone to guide the parents in this vital activity  later. If parents are pouching…

I like to have parents tell their child to climb on their lap and put their ear on the parent’s heart and raise a hand when they hear the heartbeat. I let them have time to listen and keep the room silent. Then I ask what they hear the heart saying.  After they answer wrong for a while I ask, "Do you want to know what it is saying?". "It is saying " I love, I love, I love, I love.!" Who is that heart talking too? ....."

Then I share that the love their Mom/Dad makes for them ONLY fits in their heart. It can't fit in anyone else's heart, not a brother or sister or mom/dad, ONLY theirs. When they don't come and listen for it, it gets wasted because it is only for them. It is the ONLY glue that can fix their broken heart from what happened in the past. I give them more silent time as I prepare the music for the next part....

Then I have the parents lean the child back into their arms with the child's arms around the parent's ribs (NOT between the parent and child) and look into their eyes. Carmels are broken into tiny pieces or those pudding cups and spoons are served. I have the child silent. The parent tells the child all about the first time they felt love for them in their heart. Where they were, when it was etc.... I play music for 5-10 minutes and pass tissues.. Then have them tell them what their dream is for their child for their future. and play more music for 5-10 minutes until they are pretty done and then we have them hug and leave in line with team members .The team is prepared ahead of time for the fragile state of the children and escorts them to a calm activity.

After the children depart,  I then tell the parents that the trust falls are as scary as the eagle courting ritual with the free fall from thousands of feet up and what they just did was even more difficult than that!!!!

I help them to honor the effort for the child to open their heart and understand they will be fragile and afraid because they just took in love and now feel vulnerable to the parent breaking the heart they just opened.  

Purpose

Empower Parents through Team introduction, and setting the standard of expectations 

Encourage Parents with light-hearted fun to trust Team with Children  

Equip Parents with skit. Things are about to change.

Requirements

Team Members: All

Time: Day 1 4:00-4:15

Supplies needed: Dining Hall, Microphone, Skit Supplies, (2 Place settings, XXXXL Shirt, Dry Food, Water, etc. 

Must Says: “Welcome, we are excited you are here” “I have been to Camp ___ Times” “The staff has come from all over the US (world) for you and they are well trained and Awesome”

Description: Group Orientation is the beginning of Camp for the Families.  We need to be Professional and on time.  We are setting the standard of Trust and building hope through laughter, encouragement, and loving faces.  Each Parent is hoping for Change, but is not sure it is possible.  This will set the stage for them fully committing.  

Issues to Watch for/ concerns:

• Late families
• Team presentation not seen or heard

Pro Tips:

• Start on time
• Keep team intro short and encouraging
• Set up the dining hall and practice skit early 
• Be big, loud, and create a mess during the skit

Why this works:

Starting out with professionalism and fun will calm parents that this will not be all instruction.  It also sets the atmosphere to better communicate with the children when you have them without parents.  

Schedule:

4:00 Welcome

4:02 Team Intro

4:10 Skit

4:15 Return To Family Tables if needed

4:16 Parent Escorted out

Welcome 

Glad you're here, we know how hard it is to make time and get here (etc.)  The staff has come from all over the US (world) for you and they are well trained and Awesome!!  

Team Intro:

Hello my Name is ____________________

I am From____________________

Where I am a _______________________

I have worked and been to _______________Camps 

I am a _(Ninja FCC, Activity Miester, etc) if needed____this week at camp (Give title if you have one)

This week I am excited (for, about, to, etc. )________________________

Skit:

CO or PI  is MC skit intro Who is ready for change? how many of you have told your child how to eat nicely at the table? How many have told them more than 5 times? More than 10 times? Tonight is the night!!! NO MORE REMINDERS!! 

 Well trained parent and child skit is first

 “Parent” sits 

Untrained parent and wild child skit is second (see #59 below).

After skit… "Parents, Tell your children if they are 3 yo and up to stay at the table and you please follow me. Walk this way" ...

Take them to the Flight Check/Intervention room for Parent  Orientation with the Parent Instructor so they can see where their children will be. Make sure it is set up with enough chairs, puzzle, mozart and mini tramps as well as think spot mats. 

M&M= Mini manual

Requirements

    Time: 6-12  months

    Must Says: “We can do this!”

Getting Started 12-6 months before camp

_____ Select three great people to lead with you as Parent Instructor, Team Leader and Flight    Check Chief (see m&m for each before selecting)

_____ Locate Camp Site 

_____ Coordinate dates with Parent Instructor, Team Leader and Flight Check Chief

_____ Schedule Camp with site and confirm with your leaders 

Six months in advance – Initial advertising to get the enthusiasm rolling!   

_____ Begin advertising (Attachment.org website, facebook, agencies, support groups, churches, probation department & schools)

_____ Collect deposits for families coming to camp

_____ Send questionnaires and collect from each family (integrated into sign up now)

_____ Give information to Families by Design to advertise on their website for you

_____ Call to touch base with school/agency contact person

_____ Email Save the Date information to your email list

Five months in advance

_____ Begin recruiting Team members and cooks if needed, through churches, agencies, schools (teachers) area Therapist 

_____ Send and collect Questionnaires for team members

_____Scholarship fund raising if desired

Four months in advance

_____ Begin collecting newspapers, camp crafts and equipment

Three months in advance - Extensive advertising push to keep the enthusiasm rolling!

_____ Mail Camp Brochures to people on your mailing list (optional)

_____ Email Camp Brochure to your email lists

_____ Make more calls to key people to pass the word

_____ Empower Leaders with your heart and Mini Manuals 

Two months in advance

_____ Inspire Team members commitment with  phone call/email

_____ Talk to camp kitchen staff about menu & schedule give them the Camp Cookbook

 One month in advance

_____ Call and give support to registered families

_____ Order t-shirts Printed or shipped for all team members (2ea), print extra (see m&m)

Three weeks in advance

____Final shopping for crafts, camp equipment and caramels and chocolate!

____Organize activities into bins or zip locks, labeled clearly with items and amounts (especially          SCISSORS!) Be sure to have a printed mini manual in plastic sleeve in each

____ Print or ship in the handouts for Team Training , Parent Manuals for each parent , and all mini-manuals. Print 2-3 extra Parent Manuals

Two weeks in advance

____ Call and assign activities to team members to lead, empower and inspire with purpose. ____Send m&m to each for their assigned activities

One week in advance

_____ Assign cabins/rooms   

_____ write names on Name Tags, Table signs and welcome sign for each families door

_____  Meet with facility staff to prepare them for our children and their behavior

One day in advance - Pick-up or arrange pick-up for team members at the airport

Day of Camp - Stand Back – Life Changes Ahead!

Supplies needed: Camp facility away from others,  with housing for team and families including a training room, dining hall and intervention room, A large working Kitchen with 2-3 cooks, team of 8-20 camp staff, Art and craft supplies, Flight Check supplies, Audio visual supplies. Detailed lists are here.  Team members needed: about One team member per 2 Challenging children. Bare bones minimum is 8 team members, two cooks and one ninja. More is better!!

When our little ones melt down it is overload of emotion, usually fear. The best way to help them is with love and support. I find when they loose internal control (flop and yodel shows that clearly) it helps them to regulate faster if I provide external control until they regain the internal control and calm down.

I don't try to push them to calm. I want them to express and release the big feelings they are overloaded with and not stuff them and carry them longer! I patiently and lovingly wait while supporting them. Dr Martha Welsh describes the process in her book Holding Time. Most of mine did much better up against my heart with my arms around them to provide a feeling of protection. They can hear your heartbeat!! Keeping calm with slow breathing is vital when a young child is maxed out with their own pain.  Many that were out of their minds with fear would get violent and I had to be prepared to keep them and myself safe to keep the essential calm feeling emanating from me to help the little one. I usually kept a folded towel, or small pillow nearby to put between their pinching, hitting body part and my body. Just be sure not to block any airways, of course. 

At camp parents are on overload the first few days so we don't push them to do this until they have had some healing and recharge days! Camp team members would use one of the following two interventions.

Some, I have seen calm better with the "cactus". They lay tummy down on a rug with arms up 90 degrees at the shoulder and 90 degrees from the elbow, head turned to one side and legs not crossed or bent. A weighted blanket makes it even better with the feeling of safety we are trying to create. You would sit nearby and hum or sing softly so your presence is supportive and calm. Not talking!

Some, do better with the penguin sit on our feet, facing out, with us doing the bi-lateral taping slowly on their shoulders. This is what we usually do at camp but sometimes the cactus is used depending on the child's needs. When they start to breathe slower, showing calming, I then have them cross their arms across their chest and do the bi-lateral taping on their own upper arms slowly until they settle and are quiet. A cuddle and then "ham sandwich" with the hands as I ask what happened. I work hard to keep my eyes soft, voice low and slow and kindness from my eyes when I am speaking with them, especially that close. 

Whatever is causing it this little one is showing overload from big feelings and someone needs to spend time everyday cuddling and rocking her! Have parents commit to it and help them find a rocking chair or swing and some quiet time with no one around to increase hypervigilance. They really should consider the pouching program at day two of the training. There are videos to show the massage that they parents with toddlers at camp can watch after lunch. The most important are the Massage one and the Overview explaining the feeding, sleeping and exercise parts of the program.  There is a PDF for these parents called Taming Toddlers in the CO's packet on DropBox that should be given to the parents.

3BI for Older Teens 15 & UP

Have a notebook ready with no wire they can use for cutting. Inside the cover put the questions with sharpie or print and tape them in.

Direct  teen to do a brain shifter (such as sitting in a chair to think (still, straight and silent for 5 minutes) or jumping on the mini-trampoline (for 5 minutes). Do not glare, nag or remind. Wait silently and calmly doing something else until it is completed. Next, give teen a high five unless you are the parent then of course a hug. Third step is to have teen answer these questions in writing.  A notebook can be used with the questions written in the front or an individual sheet can be used.

We call it the “What Happened Journal”.

 Teens 15 & up write answers to the following questions:

–    What happened?

–    What was I feeling?

–    How did I handle it?

–    How did it work out for me?

• How am I going to handle it in the future?
• What can I do for the person/people to make amends for what I did?

When they complete the information correctly another hug or high five is given and they do their “act of kindness” or restitution as soon as possible. If the notebook has “I didn’t do anything wrong. It was everyone else’s fault. It is because I have a mean mother”… etc. they are calmly directed to “Try again.” Until they accept responsibility for their actions they have not shifted to the logic part of their brain and are still responding from the defense (fight or flight) and it will feel like an attack or just be nonsense. Have your teen work on it until they get it right. NO LECTURES! They are telling you that you have already taught them right from wrong and they know what they did! Let them make amends and move forward!

* note: Remember children with RAD are emotionally much younger than their years. A 15 year old could be emotionally stuck at a 2 or 3 year-old level and success depends on adults meeting their emotional needs at the level they are.

RAD Teens; How to Hold the Winning Hand

Today is a great day to deal yourself back into the game of life and win it for your teen to be a success. It is not easy!! Not much is harder than helping an emotionally disturbed teen get back on the right path to healing. Is it possible? Absolutely!

The last child my husband and I brought into our home to raise was a 250 pound ball of fury that was 15 years old. She had beaten up her mom. Her weary mom said, “For two and a half years I have bought her cute clothes, taken her on great vacations and fixed her room up special and this is what she did to me!”  She showed me her bruises and bald patches where handfuls of her hair had been ripped out. “I am DONE!” she wailed. It was very late to start the healing process with a 15 year old that was this sick. I wondered if it was too late, but I had to try. I called my cowboy and shared the story. He gave his often-given reply, “Well, where else is she going to go?”. So, I brought her home. I was her ninth mother. That was 14 years ago.

Today she is a loving mother of two beautiful, bright boys. She does not abuse drugs or alcohol and more importantly, she is not violent! She loves me very much and calls me regularly to stay connected. Is she perfect? No! She learned to love and be honest and care with all her heart. She is wonderful and I am proud of her and count her love as one of my blessings. So what are some of the things I did to help her learn to trust and heal?

Foster Cline MD, called it the four aces. He was a very wise man! When we hold all four of the highest cards in the deck we can win the game! Okay, parenting a troubled teen is not a game but then why do we always feel like “the deck is stacked against us” and we are losing? Let’s take a look at those aces so we can deal ourselves back in the game!

1. The Kitchen is number one when it comes to power and control. Those that have attachment issues (and therefore do not trust) want power and control over food or fun or almost anything else! When they get full reign over the kitchen to just go in and take whatever they want, parents have lost one of the aces. Food is nurturing. Parents must do the nurturing! When a young person struggling with RAD (Reactive Attachment Disorder) goes in and gets whatever they want and feeds themselves they start believing that they do not need the parents, that they are capable of taking care of themselves and push farther away from a healthy relationship. They kind of miss the point that someone earned the money to buy the food and the fridge and the stove and hauled it all home! Has this teen studied nutrition and is now making excellent choices to fuel their body and their brain with high protein, low carb meals? I doubt it! Is it respectful behavior to scavenge and loot, without regard for what others may have planned for the next family meal and just appropriate it?

 Can a healthy, well attached child prepare meals? ABSOLUTLY! They should be pitching in and preparing a balanced meal for the family at least once a week. To go in and prepare a meal for themselves and eat alone is a really bad idea for any teen! The National Honor Society did a research study to find out what was different about the high school students who achieved their highest honors. One of the things that stood out was that they averaged nine meals together with their families every week. That is from a group of the highest scoring teens in the country! Take back the turf (the kitchen) and win this battle and then the heart of your child. Feed them! Eat healthy food together as a family! Share ideas and thoughts over the meal. Try laughing together as a family around the table!

2. Cash is the second ace. At no time, for any reason, should a troubled teen have cash to carry. If they are working at home to earn money (such as to pay for stolen or damaged items) they write the earnings on a card with the debt on one side and the income on the other. They must be responsible to do their daily family chore first before they earn the privilege to have a pay earning task. Every Saturday was “pay day” in my home where the children did the math to see how much they still owed. Once they came out in the black instead of the red they would then build a “damage deposit” for future thefts and destruction up to about a hundred dollars. If the damages were kept at zero for three weeks they could then move to learning how to manage money.

The financial education was vital for their future. At that point all the earnings they had and would recieve in the future was split three ways. 1/3 for savings, 1/3 to help others, 1/3 for spending.

Letting them carry cash while they were still emotionally disturbed was a disaster. It was cigarette, alcohol and drug money. Others used it to try to “buy” friends. It was not a good learning experience.

The research on teens working outside the home is bad news! Higher teen pregnancy, lower grades and more angry behavior at home was the finding! It makes sense. We give them the responsibility of an adult (when they are not responsible at home!) the income of an adult and they want the freedom of an adult. It creates anger!

Keep the cash for them or put it in the bank requiring your signature until they get healthy enough to learn to manage it by making the usual “normal” mistakes. How do we know when that is? Because they will have a healthy relationship with you and have a conscience to help them decide what is right and wrong. If you aren’t sure check out my video on conscience development here.

What about an “allowance”? Absolutely not! I call “allowance” privately funded welfare! Where in the world do you get money you have not earned given to you to spend on whatever you want? Only the welfare system doles it out like that. I don’t want my young adults limping through life with no financial skills or backwards ones! They learn how to earn! I do not dispense money to children. Want to learn more about how to make your children happy by giving? Read about it here. (thanks a million)

3. The car is number three on our list of aces to hold. I would not even slightly consider getting a driver’s permit for someone who is not responsible. It would be irresponsible on my part! When my teen is doing their regular family chore every day for 6 months with no reminder and it is done correctly then they have shown they are ready for more responsibility. Until then there is no discussion about driving. It is a tremendous amount of power to have control over a car that can kill them or others on the road. That is not happening in a healthy household until they demonstrate they are ready.

I do not trap myself in a car with a defiant, disrespectful child to do taxi service. They stay home until they are healthy enough to be respectful and responsible in the house most of the time before I am taking them out in public to put on their façade of sweetness to fool others (which makes them sicker). I take them when they can be their real selves and be accepted and build other relationships in a healthy way. That is usually a few months once I begin the healing program.

4. Knowledge is last but not least. “knowledge is power” is a famous quote attributed to Sir Francis Bacon. He meant it about education and I believe it is very fitting in that case. Education is essential but what I am talking about in this case is telling your teen everything they want to know.

I share on a “need to know” basis. If I say “We are going to fly kites on Thursday.” and there is no wind or I have a flat tire that day and it does not happen then they deduce that I said it was going to happen, it didn’t so, to them, it means I am a liar who is not to be trusted! Trust is the foundation for love! I do not tell an emotionally disturbed child what is going to happen in the future, not where we are going, when we are coming back, who is doing what, NOTHING!

I know, I know parents and teachers have been told that children deal with life better when they know what is going to happen so they have time to prepare. Well, that is true for normal healthy children. They enjoy anticipation of upcoming events. Our young people who are trauma based and have major trust issues go from anticipation to anxiety in a flash and then they get dysregulated and everyone suffers the fall out with them!

Whether you are going to Disneyland or the Dentist it does not matter. If you decided that is what is happening and they don’t trust you then you will pay big time. As the leader and an adult, of course, you will decide the path your family is taking. One great mom I worked with used to say to her questioning child; “That is for adults to decide and children to enjoy!” As you choose the path to take and lead your teens up it they learn that you do make good choices, have their best interest at heart and actually are intelligent! As an extra bonus when they don’t know ahead of time there is less arguing and much less resistance! I call that a “win/win”! I love when everybody wins the game of life!

Healing Hearts Camp Team T-shirts

Purpose: 

Empower Team to feel unified, connected and share an identity. It presents  authority, and professionalism 

Encourage Parents to trust and recognize team 

Equip Team with memories and keep sakes.   

Requirements

Time: 1 hr after Team Training, Washing every night, 

Personal: Need a volunteer to Wash shirts

Supplies: 2-3 Shirts Two pre-printed shirts, appropriate size, per team member AND ninjas. Fabric and/or Puffy paint.  Newspaper, place to work, Space to dry.  

Must Say: Your Name must Be Easily Read on the front of the Shirt

Description: The first evening after the Team Training a shirt painting party is set up. Newspapers or parchment to put inside shirts to prevent bleeding through and more to cover tables for protection. Each team member paints their own shirt. Their name is the priority and then they add whatever fun embellishments they want to put around the logo and eagle. Their name with title needs to be painted so it is readable by children as Miss, MS, or Mr or Mrs. It is wise to not have words across the breast or under the arm where it is hard to see or embarrassing. 

Teams voted and chose the “Antique Jade Dome” color that has now been used since 2018. It is made by Gildan Here at very reasonable prices. T-shirt printing is available locally and saves a bundle on shipping. Most places give a discount for 100 or more shirts. If your budget is tight, iron-on eagles work for the Ninjas shirts or a “trace and paint” project for them!

All team members should have a minimum of two shirts each so that one can be washed while they wear the other. It is wise to bring extra shirts (Team and Ninja) for size problems, extra members signing up at the last minute and replacements for damage. 

Ninjas need to have matching shirts to feel like a team but NOT the same color as the Flight check team. It causes confusion for parents to know who to call for flight checks. We usually get neon yellow/green work tshirts from Walmart or Amazon.com  Iron on transfers can be purchased HERE.

Issues to Watch for/ concerns:

Be sure to check if there are laundry facilities available at camp!

Most fabric paint needs 72 hours to dry before being laundered so it is best to finish them several days before they will need to be washed.

Easily Readable. 

Pro Tips  During painting play some fun music, maybe serve dessert or snacks and be sure and admire the fun art!!! What “snappy dressers” they will all be!

Style is selected carefully to ensure modesty to prevent triggering children that have a history of sexual abuse.

Why this works: T Shirts both unify and empower the Team.  It gives families confidence that we have made the Team, who is here to serve, easily recognizable, and professional.  

Position: Team Leader 

Camp Purpose:

To equip, empower, and encourage parents to lead their family to peace, love and laughter and to help children learn to be respectful, responsible and fun to be with.

Position Purpose:

Empower Team by assigning roles pre-camp or well ahead of events and coordinating with Camp Organizer (CO) to get resources needed for success.

Encourage Team by pointing out team and individual success, assigning tasks to meet team members goals and family needs, and effectively shifting team members’ location as needs arise.  

Equip Team through communicating efficiently through nightly meetings and schedule next day responsibilities.

Requirements:

Time: Continuously throughout each day of camp and team training

Supplies needed: Schedule of activities, awesome team members, Heart calming skills

Must Says: “I need you to be.. Where,  when and why.” “Thank you! I appreciate you!” 

Description: The human resource department for camp! The leader is the pulse of camp keeping the heart beat going. They know what's going on with the camp schedule and is available to get team members shifted.  To keep camp running smoothly and set an environment of healing for the families, while providing learning and skill building opportunities for team members.  They provide a go-to person for the team looking where they can best serve at any given moment. They will organize and assign team members for Flight Check room, activities, meals, parenting class, and meetings so help is available to keep things running smoothly all 6 days of camp. To protect team members from exhaustion and overwhelming stress by balancing the tasks and listening to their needs and concerns.   

 Lead effective upbeat team meetings that encourage and inform and end on time for tired team members to rest.

Issues to Watch for/ concerns: Too many team in one place, parents kidnapping team members, activities being late waiting for team, stressed parents not having anyone answer call for flight check, team not getting opportunities to skill build. Personnel conflicts needing resolution. Those stuck in the flight check room not getting meals. Team not getting sleep.  Team correcting Parents or other Team members in front of others especially Children. Some team have physical needs requiring time off. Have them share with you ahead of time so that you are aware and can plan for it.

Pro Tips: 

• Be aware of hurt feelings or personality clashes and resolve quickly. 
• Ask team members if they are sleeping. Sometimes roommates need to be switched due to snoring or something. Switch with great tact!!!!
• The first two days are so hectic we really need all hands on deck but after that if you want to have assigned “off time” for anyone that would like it that has helped. Instead of off time maybe a pampered time if they can find something that person would enjoy, a walk, a sit by the lake, Special Team Candy,  
• Day two- throw an “appreciation ice cream party” with whipped cream, nuts and syrups to make outrageous goodies during the team meeting! Let them know you see how hard they are working and what they are giving! They need to hear it!
• At the end of camp after the coronation part of the ceremony honor each team member with all the love you can give and have the families share their love by clapping. The Camp Organizer needs to do this with you too! Coordinate it.
• Plan fun for your Team, secret hand shake, the talent show, the exciting puzzle (!!?)
• Listen first
• Go over children's art if the meeting is delayed or have something planned to keep the team engaged until the meeting can start.
• Check with your Camp Organinzer. 3-4 weeks Pre camp organization call and coordinate roles so they come in with assigned roles and they can actively prepare and plan to hit the ground ready to rock! CO may choose to assign roles but then needs to share that list with you!
• ASKING team members to volunteer for positions rather than insisting will provide more willing, dedicated leaders!

How to run the team meeting

Lead team meeting in the evenings or have the Parent Instructor or CO do it. Communicate and decide before camp. Start with Concerns from team ( keep that to 20 minutes max) Organizer should next share the event schedule for next day and you ask for volunteers for open positions USE THE SHEET FOR THIS! (20 min) have EVERYONE share a highlight of the day 20 min. Have someone lead the team in prayer. End with hugs all around and lights out! During the team meeting, or immediately after, hand out the bags/bins with each activities’ supplies and mini-manual for events for the next day.

Start and end on time with ALL team members. EVERYONE is vital and must be there!

Have a place for overnighters where they cannot hear the meeting. Mozart playing or something

Ideas:

Put in orientation team meeting is at 8:30 team not available for talking or something.

How to speak to parents who want to talk at wrong times. How to get team members to NOT do PI job. Parenting advice.

Break room for team or a parent room for breaks during flight check.

How many people to run Rip and Snort? Use check list.

*****See Conflict management training and HANDOUTS

Positions: Camp Organizer (C.O.) 

Camp Purpose:

To equip, empower, and encourage parents to lead their family to peace, love and laughter and to help children learn to be respectful, responsible and fun to be with.

Positions Purpose: The Camp Organizer (CO) (The main leader/overseer of camp)

Encourages Families By Preparing, Organizing, and Communicating the; Schedule, Location, and acquiring Supplies for Camp.  

Empowers the Team and Families through Delegation and communication of roles, expectations, and needs on a prepared schedule.  

Equip Team and Families, with organized supplies and schedule during camp. 

Description: Beautiful on the inside and glowing with love and a quest to help others in deep need. A unique person that is beyond special!!! Organized, Empowering,encouraging, and equipping, this is the resource manager”.

The Camp Organizer is the go-to person for all the physical essentials for camp, the Resource Manager.  The CO is the brains of camp.  Setting up and understanding all the logistics;Location, Dates, Attendees, Team, Supplies, Budget, etc. so the Team and the Parents see a well run camp.  If it is going to happen at camp it is going to come through the servant leadership of the CO. The CO sould be familiar with all goals, purposes, team roles, and activities that happen at camp.  This will help in the gathering of supplies and delegating roles.  If you love to be prepared well ahead of time for most situations this is a great role for you.  Depending on camp needs and your preparation, you might be able to do another role at camp, other than Parent Instructor or Flight Check Chief, but your availability to solve problems will always be needed. 

Responsibilities: This is all planned out. We have escape and emergency plans all written here for you! Each step of the way is tested and proven so the road map is clear and layed out all for you. Don’t be overwhelmed. It is exhausting, exhilarating and life changing! 

1. Locating and procuring the facility for housing and activities for team and families 
2. Recruiting Team members to share their hearts and help the camp families
3. Finding a cook and approving the very special menu See camp cookbook
4. Managing advertising, 
5. Records expenses 
6. Organizes Camp Schedule 
7. Delegates Responsibilities, 
8. Secures supplies and camp location  
9. Have t-shirts, Parent Manuals, Team Training Manuals, and Check in materials printed or shipped
10. Be the liaison between Facility’s staff, the camp team, and families’ physical needs 
11. Coordinates locations for all activities. 
12. Has the next day’s schedule of events prepared for the team BEFORE each team meeting, and ready to present.  
13. Have a way for team to keep a copy of events, times, maps, and locations for reference
14. Communicates with parents and each team member before camp 
15. Manages Check-in and welcomes parents 
16. Select and connect with leaders on “QUIP”
17. Make sure camp is packed up and clean after camp.
18. Collect feedback (Camp evaluations, facility evaluation, team evals). To present to Legacy Team.
19. Check in with team members and support, motivate and clarify training.
20. Last but NOT least…Be prepared AHEAD of time!! You will be glad you did!

Requirements: Have outstanding time management and organization, communication and presentation skills, Have attended at least one camp!(Event planning experience preferred) 

Time: 6 months-1 year.

Supplies Needed: HUGE heart with strong desire to make a difference in the world. A massive concern for exhausted parents and wounded children. See attached list for more

Must Says: “ I’ve got this! I will take care of it!” We can do this!” I appreciate YOU! Its right over here”

Issues to Watch for/ concerns: 

• Exhaustion!! Team and parents must feel appreciated all day, everyday. Organizer is giving and giving to make that happen. Plan a massage right after camp and two days to sleep!  Leave plenty of time after camp to recharge, being kind to yourself when you just donated everything you have from the depths of your being and are POOPED! It is okay to feel that way. Plan time for the rest!!!! 
• Procrastinating/Getting Behind
• Lack of Communication 
  • Scheduled Team Communication, and effective delegation
  • Family Information gathering, and Camp Details
• Pre Camp

• During Camp
• Information transfer amongst team
• Supplies at camp but not able to be found

• Camp Leaders and team, not reading mini manuals to understand camp roles, process and goals
• Facility staff not understanding our children and parents.

Pro Tips:

1. Lifting and loving those around you will make your job easier and help them want to come back. 
2. Build your team with great people who will return with more skills to another camp to be able to help families even more effectively with less stress. 
3. Surround yourself with “Eagles” who are organized and energetic to delegate important tasks to handle. 
4. Be mindful of the exhaustion of your team and fill them!  Throw an appreciation ice cream party day 2 or 3, give them a nap time day 4 or 5. Plan a raft trip or pool party or massage after camp (something special to fill them and help them recharge). Remember to plan fun for Team, and Parents
5. Know camp. You are the Head coach, it’s ok to say, I don’t know”, but it’s nice to not have to!
6. Be familiar with all roles.  
7. Have a plan for organizing and distributing all supplies quickly. Label everything.
8. See the Organizers Timeline #48 and Team Activity Leaders list #41 and use them. Leaders of activities need the link to mini-manuals on month before camp to be ready to roll!

Why this works:  Camp will run more smoothly with less chaos with a loving leader, clear vision and organized with a plan to make it happen. The plan for camp is all here, spelled out, tested and proven since the year 2000. We have fine tuned each part to make it the best it can be. Each part is designed to build trust, relationships and cooperation so the families go home with a jump start toward healing. Each child has had lots of opportunities to shift their brain to make it healthier and each parent has had lots of love, support, and skill building in the new set of tools. They head home with a workable action plan and support for the next 4-6 weeks so they are not alone and a connected group to talk to for years if they want. Is it set in stone? Nope! As new research reveals new things, the Legacy Team will add them! They are open to suggestions. Share with them!

 Camp Purpose:

To equip, empower, and encourage parents to lead their family to peace, love and laughter and to help children learn to be respectful, responsible and fun to be with.

Position Purpose:

Encourage Parent, staff, and children with positive communication verbal and physical

Empower Parents and Team by communicating the success, and strength of each child

Equip Parents, Children, and Team with effective techniques to shift the Brain

Description 

FCC, is the serving Feet of Camp, like where the rubber meets the road. They have to patiently walk through the ups and down of camp, to lead parents and team to have a successful lasting effect.  The Parents, like in a hospital, are leaving their Child with you, in need of healing, and expecting them to come back healthier.  This position requires Patience, Professionalism, Positivity, and Understanding. Flight Check is not a punishment or consequence it is a place and time to heal to be able take care of the restoration later. This person needs to create and prioritize a healing environment.  The FCC needs to have extensive experience with the Brain shifting techniques to teach, recognize, and communicate success. Safety of Children and team is constantly communicated and demonstrated.  The ability and timing to lovingly guide, Children, parents, and team while maintaining the healing environment is a must. 

Responsibilities

1. A leader to create a healing environment and oversee the flight check room or zone to provide a brain shifting place for children. 
2. Provide opportunities and guide team members to do the Flight Checks correctly in an atmosphere of safety, calm and loving leadership with no intimidation, frustration or anger from adults.
3. Assign a team member to be responsible for each child to observe and process flight check 
4. To touch base with every parent at lunch time the second full day to give an update.
5. Empower and guide each parent to do effective correcting and connecting while they heal the brain of their child. 
6. Share concerns about team members with the Team Leader.
7. Share concerns and successes of parents and children during team meetings

Requirements: Previous camp experience, Leadership ability, CPI certification

Time: All camp, the FCC will move with purpose. 

Supplies needed: A room away from parents and activities, 2 Mini tramps, chairs, table, puzzle, Mozart’s music and player, aromatherapy equipment, sitting mats, hand sanitizer, kleenex, silverware and napkins, water bottles, power source, Posters or flyers with 3BI and 6 jobs (Respectful, Responsible and Fun to be with, and doing chores Fast & Snappy and Right the first time the adults way) LOTS OF Patience!

Must Says: I want you to…( brain shifter) What happened? What can you do to make it up to your mom/dad? What act of kindness can you do for that? Patient silence. 

Issues to Watch for/ concerns: 

• Team members not getting opportunities to practice. 
• Parents being frustrated or intimidating to children. 
• Children manipulating adults. 
• Team members “rescuing” a child from getting stronger by giving clues or answers. 
• Team members giving lectures etc. 
• Team members “taking over” another team member’s child without being asked.
• Child splitting team and parents
• One Parent calling all the flight checks
• Older children intimidating or “educating” younger ones (block their view or interactions.)
• Children sharing secrets with team instead of parents
• Your exhaustion 

Pro Tips.: 

• Be business-like and kind at the same time. They are children no matter how sick or what they have done. Maintain loving body language and facial expressions.  
• Assume parents are right and the child is not being honest. 
• Keep siblings separate. 
• Catch Success. Be sure each child is watched closely for the shift to be processed in a timely and effective manner. 
• The child has to do their own work to shift.
• Hang posters or have handouts for each parent when they start doing the flight checks on their own.
• Take breaks, hydrate, and rest before it is needed.
• Train and observe intern team members so you can trust them with room
• Flight check is a brain shift not a punishment
• Discussions about Flight Check zone need to happen outside flight check zone
• Maintain a calm atmosphere in the area for children to heal.

Why this works:

FCC works because they have maintained a high standard for the Flight Check Zone.  This is the demonstration and growing part of camp.  If we have Empowered, Encouraged, and Equipped,families and team with appropriate expectations and demonstrated a great path to meeting those, this will be a successful camp.  When children are coming out of the Flight check zone healthier, because of the work they did there to shift their brains, the whole camp will be a success. It puts the child back in a position of student/learner/follower and helps put parents and adults back in a loving leadership role. It helps the relationship and the brain to heal each time they do a brain shifter. It empowers parents to lead their child back to feeling safe and healing. It builds others to be able to help children in more communities. 

Resetting the brain from lack of trust… they must feel safe! It is a big deal!!

When sharing with parent and team:

Using appropriate terms sets the tone. We don’t want to use negative, destructive terms or upsetting terms! Please model it and hold your team to this high standard.

Some appropriate way to describe what the child is doing are: 

• “He is figuring it out/ He has not shifted yet/
•  He is working hard/ he has not started to work yet/
• He is still stuck but I know he can do it. He will get there. 
• Apparently he wants you to have some time off/ etc..
•  No heavy diagnostic stuff– just a word about effort
• Check in with parent’s concerns, stress level etc 5 min max at each table during lunch! 
• Stand with a smile and relaxed body language. Touch a parent’s shoulder before you go. Let them know you CARE!! Share the hope!!!!! 
• Do not allow any one to use the terms “we are waiting for him to break!!” or anything even close. It is not what we are doing! 
• Parents picture their child in there sobbing in sadness. They want to rescue them from the struggle. Let them know their child is busy watching everyone else or whatever they are doing and absolutely FINE rather than working to move forward. 

They will be taught in the parenting class and practice with other children on Day 3 of class and may be ready by then to start coming into the room to practice with a coach. Share the puzzle to do if the child is stuck. Occasionally you may choose to have a parent leave to go do something more fun if you feel the child is not working. The child must care more than the parent in order to shift. Most of the time parents stay and see it through! One parent can stay and the other attend to other children etc. 

***Give a star (or some special jewel) each time a parent succeeds in the flight check room.

When they have 5 special jewels the “graduate” to doing flight check on their own

Do not help the child stay sick by aligning with them against parents or allowing them to put you in a position above their parents such as offering to tell YOU their secrets first, or confiding in you in any way. Who should they be sharing that with!!!? 

Team Leader should write goals from each team member shared during the first part of team training and share with FCC. For those working the flightcheck room Communicate to FCC what they want to learn, or ask “where can I improve?”.  Don’t be afraid to ask why at appropriate times, when children are not listening, or write them down for later.

**I am thinking parents need a goal to get moving better. What about they have to call 5 flight checks to move to level 2 where they get to go into the room and do it with FCC or assigned team member and then 5 correct ones with the team to move to Level 3 to do it on their own!? I think it might work and make it clear they need to get going to move up. Level 4 is do it on their own away from camp.

Mini Manual for Intervention Room 

by Roland Hildebrant and Kevin Malinak

Supplies, Set-Up and Management

Goal: To create and maintain a safe and calm environment where children have the time and space to ‘shift gears’ and Choose to return to their families and participate in camp.

Facility:

•  The Intervention Room should be a plain room, building or area close to, but separate from, camp activities. Preferably with blank walls and minimal distractions.
• Large enough for all of the Red Bandanas to safely Strong Sit, but not so large that the children feel lost in space. 
• It should be sound insulated from camp, without undue echo. 
• It should have easy access, without stairs, to facilitate multiple trips with children.
• Bathroom, Dedicated to Intervention Room without escape routes

• Doors, one or the others are lock, or blockable
• Widows, minimal and without direct visibility to camp activities, blinds can block 
• Flooring, easy to clean, preferably some  sound insulation, mats or designated areas for Strong Sitting, Jumping Jacks, two mini trampolines.
• Table and Chairs, for staff puzzle and supplies
• counter space, for supplies and children meals/belongings

Supplies: 2 mini tramps, chairs, table, puzzle 500-1,000, Mozart’s music and player, aromatherapy equipment with chamomile or lavendar, sitting mats hand sanitizer, Kleenex, plastic silverware, napkins, water bottles / supply, power source, posters or flyers with 3BI and 6 Jobs posters, Photo Board, walkie talkies, trampoline, video baby monitor, cleaning supplies and vinegar. 

Set-Up: The ideal intervention Room is set up with the staff table area close to the entrance and the processing area further in the room. There should be plenty of wall space to face for strong sitting with space for trampolines. 

Management: It is important that the Intervention Room is kept as Calm and Peaceful as possible. It is often necessary to separate a particularly violent or obscene display from the other children. Often the choice is to remove the explosion, or remove all of the others. Quickly marching everyone away from the scene is an “Exodus”.

Position:  Parent Instructor (PI)

Camp Purpose:

To equip, empower, and encourage parents to lead their family to peace, love and laughter and to help children learn to be respectful, responsible and fun to be with.

Position Purpose: To encourage, empower and equip parents with new tools and understanding to help their children to heal by guiding them with love, and knowledge.  This leader is the Heart of camp!

Requirements

Credentials: Certified Parent Instructor by Nancy Thomas or by Video done by Nancy Thomas in conjunction with a previously Certified Parent Instructor and approved by the Legacy Team.

Time: 

• Pre-camp meeting with  Camp Organizer to get updates on families,  3 days before Team Training. 

• Full camp days in the mornings from 8:30 or 9am to noon each full day of camp

• Organizes and leads the 4-6 weeks of support group meetings after camp.

•  Supplies needed:

 Instruction room: Set up room with individual family tables and chairs,  AV Equipment, See PI supply checklist. Items should be provided by CO but checked by PI.

Curriculum: Presentation, notes for presentation, Healing Hearts Manual for each parent, daily schedule supplies, teaching props.  

Table Supplies: Pens, FC cards, daily children’s work sheets and Crayons 

  White board or giant Post Its.

Must Says: “You are priceless treasures. You are appreciated. You can do this. You are capable. Your children can heal.” I believe in you.” It is worth the time to use these tools.” 

Description:

• The Parent Instructor:
  Equips Parents and team with the Healing Hearts way/path of Life. The PI instructs Parents in understanding the debilitating sickness caused by trauma and how to heal the brain and heart. 

•  Encourages Parents and Team  by being the Go to Resource for all Parenting Questions. The Team directs all parenting questions to the PI.  This encourages parents through consistency. 
• Open the childrens’ hearts to the parents by honoring them and pointing out how special they are “like eagles”! Bringing an understanding to the children that they are not born” bad or evil,”. They are hurt and their parents are the path to heal their broken hearts.
• Intentionally observes and learns each family's situation to better empower them with tools specific for each family. Actively listen and take notes, during check-in about parents goals and concerns.
• Reviews childrens’ drawing with the team.
• Processes children during FC, and meals especially during the first 2 ½ days of camp to gain more knowledge about each child in order to be more effective helping parents.
• Observes families during activities when possible to gather info and see parenting skills to adjust daily training to current needs.
• Participates in each evening team meeting to hear concerns, Informs team about goals and concerns of families attending, and asks the team to verify behaviors from team to tweek training to specific families needs.  
• Does a “Parent Consultation” with each single parent or couple, in private, to encourage and discuss a plan for the future. 
• Adjust and prioritizes Curriculum and schedule to meet the needs of campers 
• Provides external resources including approved articles, books, nutrition etc.
• Leads with a demonstration before the trust falls and the blindfolded call and stays to observe for info gathering. (See mini manual on each activity)
• Days 3-5 eats scheduled meals with individual family or two single parents
• Organizes and leads the 4-6 weeks of support group meetings after camp or delegate this to a capable, respected person that parent’s trust. 

Issues to Watch for/ concerns:

• Issues that need more resources then Camp can provide, (suicidal depressions, Physical or sexual abuse, secrets clean out. etc) Direct to therapist or appropriate resources.  
• Understanding comprehension limits, as parents are exhausted and overwhelmed. Know your main points for each session. Focus on them and repeat them!
• Family comparison, every family and team member came for a reason.  Each family has a different perspective for being successful. Encourage introspection and listening not judging.  
• Children manipulating team members.  Address as needed and in the team meeting bring up how” brilliant” the child is.  Continue to communicate to the team the goals for family and child, so we are working together. 
• Prioritizing observing families, so PI knows enough to be effective one on one.    

Pro Tips: . 

• Look professional (hair, business jacket over flight check t-shirt, nails, etc) to show respect and feel sharper about yourself
• Share your story. Parents get to know you better if you share dumb things you tried and failed at (they have too)!  Share great things that worked well for you in ways they can picture and relate to. This has to be your presentation of what works.  When they see your heart, they can hear your message! 
•  Keep your audience on the edge with laughter, live demos, music and stories that speak to their heart. Make faces, use different voices. Move around in different patterns. Pull a parent or child up on stage etc.
• During Training, take breaks, provide wake up games/stories.  Be empathetic to their frustration and exhaustion. 
• Know the minimum you must cover during each session.  Referring them to the Manual or outside resources for minor points is fine. Get the main points and goals across.  
• You can give the best presentation ever but it is still the parents choice on what they are able to use.  Small steps in the right direction can be very powerful over time.  
• Sleep, rest, relax, pray, let the team assist/pamper you, plan ways to make sure you recharge yourself.  It's ok! You will give so much at camp and we need you to be able to give.  

I recommend prayer each evening before you sleep, asking for guidance from the one who made these children and their parents and knows exactly what they need. I like to ask for guidance and strength to stay on the right path. HIS!! Our God IS love so when we walk in His path our message and behavior are filled with it!! That light fills the darkness the parents struggle with and brings the light they need to go forward. It is way easier and a thousand times more effective than trying to do it yourself! I also found that God gives free refills when I get pooped!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Why this works: 

When you equip and empower the parents with this action plan they absolutely can succeed in having more love and laughter in their home! 

1. The “flight checks” (brain based behavior interventions 3BI) are research backed and have worked with THOUSANDS of children around the world. 
2. It works because it builds-rather than hurts the relationship. 
3. This program helps heal the brain and the heart. 
4. It builds trust rather than betrays it with pain and punishment.
5.  It empowers the parents with tools they can use without getting worn down to nothing. 
6. It puts the parents back in the leadership role that trauma affected children must have in order to feel safe and begin healing. 
7. When you, as the parent Instructor, fill them with your love, they have more to give to their children. The whole camp works because it runs straight through your heart. Keep your heart filled with love to overflow out to team and parents.

Schedule for PI

Arrival at Camp

• Set up Instruction room See Supplies list

Team Training

• Training Day 1
• Session 1 
• Session 2
• Night activity dinner tshirt painting
• Training Day 2  CPI 

Camp 

• Day 1
• Check in 
• Goal setting with parents
• Orientation
• Dinner
• Activity
• Team meeting

• Day 2
• Breakfast do Processing
• Session 1
• Mid session activity (Name game with penguins)
• Session 2
• Lunch
• Afternoon acitvity
• Flight Check
• Dinner
• Evening Actitvity
• Team meeting
• REPEAT

• Post Camp Parent Support Group

 or delegate this to a capable, respected person that parent’s trust.

Plan to share lunch or dinner with each family (starting day 2 or 3),

Be present and lead trust falls, blind folded call and parent consultations or delegate this

 CO is the brain of camp the PI is the heart of camp the fcc and team leader are the hands of camp. All have to work together to make a successful camp each are vital!

Healing Hearts Camp Check In 

Camp Purpose:

To equip, empower, and encourage parents to lead their family to peace, love and laughter and to help children learn to be respectful, responsible and fun to be with.

Purpose

Encourage through making parents feel welcome and safe

Equip with Information about camp lodging 

Empower by actively listening to parents and demonstrating camp expectations with children

Requirements

Time: Scheduled time 1-3, team Ready 12:30-4:30

Supplies needed

Chocolate, List of Parent names, Possible camp sign and maps, Name tags, bandanas, photo/video releaseWater bottles and popcorn or? 

Description

First team contact with Parents, setting the atmosphere is critical.  We think Parents are AWESOME, LOVING, and Exhausted!  We are going to take care of them and begin to show a better path.  It is important that we capture information from parents, and children and we deliver logistical information to parents.  

Check in stations order (number of people-optimal 10)

1. Arrival Greeter  (1-2)
2. Hospitality and guide to check in  (1)
3. Check in Station (C.O. & 1)  
1. Assign Lodging and give Map
2. Hand out Name tags
3. Direct parents to place bandanas
4. Sign photo/video release,
5. Pay camp Balance
4. Children to Art work (2)
5. Transport to Parent Goal setting, Keep on schedule, (1)
6. Parent Goal setting (Parent Instructor)
7. Photos of Family- (1)
8. Porters to room/cabin (1)

Free time til Orientation at 4:00

Issues to Watch for/ concerns:

*Car situations(child refusing to get out). Team members wait outside car for safety, giving NO attention to negative behavior until child gets out on their own, unless dangerous to self or others then use CPI techniques.

• Parent and child meltdowns-Give support to parents
• Missing families  -email or call by 3:00 to offer help.  
• Parents Exhausted with short temper.- Give love and support 
• Keeping Parent Instructor on schedule. -STAY ON TIME HERE!!! 
• Team members focus on serving Awesome parents and remaining professional with children, doing no bonding.  

Pro Tips

Smile, be positive. Be ready to present an organized, professional WARM first impression.  Make sure Parent Goal setting has quiet space, with no distractions where parents can speak freely.  That the team presents a happy, organized  environment for weary parents to catch it and feel safe. 

Why this works

Parents are not expecting to be Honored, Pampered and Heard.  This is a great chance to empower them with Hope for the Future.  Families do not realize how much they are communicating and we are observing through the check-in process.  This motivates staff to be very in-tune and gives a great measuring stick for growth at the end of camp.  

Responsibilities For team members at check in follows 

Station 1. Arrival Greeter(s) 

Purpose

Encourage with Hope filled Greeting

Equip Knowledge of first steps

Empower with first Challenge

Requirements

Time 12:30-till 4:00 or until all parents Arrive

Supplies; Candy, List of Parent names, Possible camp sign and map 

Must Says“Welcome! :>))) Welcome to camp! Here’s some Chocolate for you! It is for PARENTS only!!”

Clear Directions to where Check in is with a smile  

Description

This is the first person campers will meet at camp.  Being full of joy and answers about where  to go, sets a great tone that will be remembered forever and give them hope. Hold a sign up Healing Heart Camp so passers by that are searching for the turn can spot you easily. When they pull up, wave and smile as you go to the driver’s side with a hand full of goodies. Welcome them and give clear directions to the check in station and where to park for that. 

Issues to Watch for/ Concerns

Parents will be exhausted and excited at the same time.  Don’t get run over.

Pro Tips

It’s ok to hand out a little too much chocolate.

Watch the reaction of the kids to comment“ For Parents Only!” make note of it.

Keep your chocolate on ice or you will have soup! 

Have some water and some shade and something to do in between campers. 

A walkie talkie is a must to notify the team of their arrival. “The Awesome Smith family is headed in!” 

Why this works

We are setting the tone of honoring  and empowering parents with JOY, Hope, and a task they can do.  The children are left wondering about a camp where the parents get the goodies!   

Station 2. Hospitality and Guide to check-in 

Purpose

Empower with light refreshments, and guide to Check-in

Requirements:

Time 12:30-4:00 or until all parents arrive

Supplies, Ice cold water, popcorn and a Smile

Must Says: You must be tired/hot/weary after your long trip! May I offer you some refreshments? 

Description: Offer water and a light NO sugar non sweet snack (cheese and crackers/popcorn) with a happy smile! Let them know where to go for check in if needed. 

Schedule 1-4 pm

Issues to Watch for/ concerns;Children interrupting, grabbing, asking YOU for stuff instead of asking their parents.” Who should you be asking permission? And then leave it to them to deal with. Don’t drag it out. Parents are not always ready for a battle when they walk in the door. 

Pro Tips: We offer to the Parents!! Not the children! If they say yes, Then say to the parents..Would you like any for your child(ren)? If they say no we are fine than say” Great! Welcome to camp! :>))

Why this works: Being offered food is a sign of care and nurturing. Many parents of these children feel uncared for, judged, condemned and not supported. Your care can begin to fill their heart and start the healing right there! It also demonstrated to the children that their parents are special in someone’s eyes so they can start to think about it

Station 3. Check in Station  

1. Assign Lodging and give Map 
2. Hand out Name tags
3. Direct parents to place bandanas
4. Sign photo/video release,
5. Have campers pay camp balance owed

Purpose:

To encourage parents by making them feel welcomed and cared for. To equip parents with directions to their lodging and time (4:30) and location for the orientation, with name tags and map. To empower parents to lead their children by having them place a bandana on each. To have parents sign a photo/video release.

Requirements

Time 12:30-4:00 or until all parents arrive

Supplies: Photo/video releases, Red and blue bandanas, safe tags with names on that will last all week for each parent and each child, maps of camp for activities, payment options.

Must Says: 

• “Welcome Awesome Mom and Dad!So glad you made it! Did you have any respectful children on your trip?”     
• “Mom/Dad, would you please put this bandana on your child where you want him/her to wear it this week?” Have both parents if there is more than one child.
• “Your bandana must be visible for you to eat meals with your family or participate in any fun camp activities. It is YOUR job to keep track all week with no reminders from Mom or Dad!”
• We will have orientation at 4:30 in the_______. We will see you there!
• ________ will take your children to do a project right here and I would like you to go with__________ who will escort you to your meeting with ______________.

Description:

 Looking sharp in your team shirt and warm and business like, help them get checked in with a big smile and a HUG from you !

Empower them with the bandana location choice and MAKE NOTE (write it down) of the parents “direction following” or “abdication of authority” and of their childrens’ reaction. They will be given a red bandana for each challenging child and a blue for each cooperative child with their name on the red ones. Be sure to give your “bandana notes” to the Parent Instructor! 

Issues to Watch for/ concerns:

Help them relieve concerns about camp by letting them see you will not be conned or manipulated by the charm of the children as they interrupt or whatever!

Some don’t want to sign the release. The video/photo release is for pictures that will ONLY be used for camp. Any photos or video that will be used for advertising on line or anywhere must have a separate signed release after the parents approve it. If they don’t approve that particular photo we will not use it! We need them to sign it so we can make the project for graduation DO NOT SAY THAT TO THEM!

Pro Tips:

•  Have a folder for each family with; red bandanas labeled with the child's name, blue bandana if needed, camp map, name tags all labeled and ready to go and invoice if needed. 
• Write the room/cabin number of the family on the back of each child’s name tag and their age for easier returns

Station 4. Childrens’ Drawings  

Purpose: 

• To  establish leadership with the children at camp. 
• To give parents relief after traveling. 
• To observe and gather information about the cooperation level of the child. 
• To collect information from their mind 
• To have some documentation before and after camp of the progress/changes the family made through the child’s eyes.

Requirements: a large room with tables and chairs, 2 team members

Schedule: 12:30-4:00 or until all parents arrive and morning before the last day

Supplies: 3 pieces of paper for each child, crayons in 8 colors in boxes/bags ready/NOT markers, paper clips. 

Must Says: “Come with me.” “I want you to sit here.”” Here is a paper for you. I want you to draw a picture of your family.” “When you are done, raise your hand high” “ You are a hard worker!” “Good Job!”

  Directions:

• Before the families arrive write in the upper right corner on the back of 2 pages, first and last name of child, age & date. Add more if they do the 3rd drawing.
• Each child needs: plain paper, (one piece at a time) crayons basic all 8 colors
• NO parental assistance or questions.
• “Come with me.” Lead them to their art spot
• Separate children so they can not see each other’s art work and copy. NO  talking.
• No advice or assistance from staff.  ie. “Do you have a pet, mom, dad, sister?”, etc.
• Have child do picture #1 first, when done, they raise their hand, staff checks, then:
• Family picture needs to be labeled, who is who, mom, dad, Joe etc if the child is too young to spell or time is short staff can write names
• Write exactly what they say. If it is mom and they say “Pam” then write “Pam” etc.
• Staff collects this picture then gives the child the next paper and set of instructions for #2. If there is time then #3,
• #3 needs to be explained on the back what it is. “Fire breathing dragon spitting fire, eating little brother” whatever they say it is. If time, ask what it does/ eats etc.
• If the child refuses to draw any of the pictures write on the paper refused.
• The children try to elicit information; do I add my dog, cat, grandma etc? The answer is, “You decide”. Give no clues that will change the art!
• Do I draw an apple tree or pine tree? Answer is: “You decide.”
• What kind of imaginary creature? “You decide”.
• Parents should not have to wait for a slow child!!!! They are done when parents are!
• Keep pictures face down for other children not to see.
• Clip together all pics from same family 
• Turn in pictures to designated staff right away. (usually Parent Instructor)
• On the last FULL day of camp, in the morning session, every child needs to do another family drawing. Give these to Parent Instructor proto.

Drawing #1 Family Picture

“I want you to draw a picture of your family”, “what is it I want you to do?” Child should repeat the directions, “good listening” When you are done I want you to raise your High so I can see you. “and staff walks away.

If the child asks a question just say, “You decide” and leave them to work quietly.

 Drawing #2 Tree

“I want you to draw a picture of a tree”, “what is it I want you to do?” Child should repeat the directions, “good listening” When you are done what do I want you to do?” “Good remembering! “and staff walks away.

If the child asks a question just say, “You decide” and walk away.

  Drawing #3 Imaginary creature

“I want you to draw an imaginary creature”, “What is it I want you to do?” Child should repeat the directions, “good job listening” and leave them to work.  With some younger children clarify by asking them “ What is an imaginary creature?” The answer would be “one that I made up, that is not real” If the child asks a question just say; “You decide”.

Concerns:

• Copying another child’s art. Keep them separate so they can’t.
• A parent “helping” the child by asking questions about their art to make them change or question it. “ Where is your brother?” How come your mom is so small?” redirect adult. “It is very important that the children work independently on this. 
• Total melt-down when given directions, disrupting the efforts of others. Send them to the flight check room quickly with the action team
• Losing the art!!! At several camps the art disappeared! PLEASE guard it carefully and give it to the Parent Instructor asap!
• Sometimes a family arrives late and they miss this project. PLEASE as quickly as possible the next morning, when class starts, take the child to a back table or somewhere close & have them do it. At least get the family & tree!
• Do not discuss any child’s art in front of another child or within earshot.

 Thank you for helping the children with this! It is important to see the difference before and after camp and we get some very helpful information to help parents and the team to understand the children better! This project has helped children reach their turning point!

Station 5. Transport to Parent Goal Setting

Purpose: To keep camp running on schedule. To lead confused parents to the right place in a warm friendly manner. To keep the Parent Instructor on schedule no matter what. 

Requirements Time 12:30-4:20 or until all parents arrive & a clear path Supplies, A smile

Must Says: Come with me. I will take you to meet with_____ who is our Parenting Instructor. She/He wants to connect with you!” 

Description: Lead the tired, stressed parents away from the children and the chaos to a quiet place where the Parent Instructor will gather vital information. Protect the meeting from interruptions for 10 minute for each child the family has. Return and escort the parents to collect their children from the Art Station and introduce them to the camp paparazzi for a family photo shoot.

Schedule: 12:30-4:30 

Issues to Watch for/ concerns;

• Families wanting to carry on conversation longer and Parent Instructor getting “stuck”. END it respectfully on time!
• Children sitting in the art project too long as parents are talking long. Stay on schedule!
• Orientation delayed because parents go overtime. Stay on time!
• Parents arriving late and not having full time before orientation at 4:30 holding up the entire camp and dinner for everyone! 

Pro Tips: Bring next parents in on time and speak up.

Enter and give a “2 minute” warning signal that all can hear and step out.

As you wait with the next set of parents, visit and make them feel welcome. “How was your trip? Did you come far?”

INTRODUCE the parents by name to be respectful and so the Parent Instructor is not lost. Remember their names for future reference

Why this works: It keeps things running smoothly and makes parents feel honored, heard and cared for while they recharge from chaos.

Station 6. Parent Goal Setting (Parent Instructor) 

Purpose: To connect with parents and make them feel listened to and understood. To gather goals and important information about each child to be more effective. To alleviate concerns and encourage parents.

Requirements

Time 12:30-4:00 or until all parents have shared

Supplies, Table in a private place, list of parents and children, note taking material, comfortable chairs for parents, drinking water to share.

Must Says: Hello! They just give us a few minutes to connect. I want to be sure we are on the same page with you so we are working on the right things!!  What are your main goals? Let’s start with your most challenging child. 

Description: Encourage each parent to share their concerns and stress in a goal setting type way and meeting those concerns with love, acceptance and understanding.  Equip them with an avenue of assistance by opening communication about tough topics.  This helps stop shame and guilt so parents can move forward stronger. Empower parents to look at goals and believe they can be met with the program shared at camp. Gather information listed in a caring and compassionate manner. Let them know if they think of anything else or any questions you will be there all week for them!  Assure them the team is trained and they will make a difference and they are at the right camp! Remind them Orientation is at 4:30 in the _______ and that you will see them there. Hug them on the way out. “I am so glad you are here!”

Schedule: 10-15 minutes with a family with one child.  Add 5 minutes per child if more than one. Up to 25 min max if they have a lot of children.

Issues to Watch for/ concerns;

Needed information left out

Not having enough time (catch them later)

Going over time and making orientation late and children left too long

Pro Tips: Greet warmly with a hug and take this opportunity to learn names. NEVER look shocked or surprised at what they share! Be supportive and empathetic “You must be exhausted! How stressed have you been lately on a scale of 1-10?” 

Why this works: We have information about the child to better serve them and their family. We have a warm friendly connection with the families.

Camp Goal Setting

 Parent(s) names

Most challenging child’s name /age

Top  5 concerning behaviors they wish to stop

1

2

3

4

5

(Steal, Lie, Violent, Defiant, Disrespectful, Siblings, School)

Run away?     No.   yes.   Keeps going  Stops and stays close

Have you ever had to restrain this child?

Current Medication

IQ? High.  Low   Avg

Adopted____ Birth child______

Alcohol or drugs prenatal? yes___no___

Any physical conditions we need to know?

Illnesses past or current injuries to avoid?

Can child jump on mini-tramp/do 

activities?

 Station 7. Photos of Family 

Purpose: To document the event! To help the team learn who belongs to which family. To have a treasured gift for each family to always remember camp. To have them do an activity as a family. To assess cooperation of the children to direction. To have a great family photo to begin the graduation slide show with a picture of each family for families and team members to remember each other.

Requirements

Time Check in day 12:30-4:00 or until all parents arrive-20 min per family

Supplies, a great camera, proper light and great background

Must Says: Everyone say.. “MIckey Mouse has stinky feet!” or something else surprising to get a smile. 

Description: Before the families arrive Find several spots with back grounds that shows the location ( palm trees for Florida, mountains for Colorado etc.) Select 2-3 that have good lighting in front of the subjects.

Issues to Watch for/ concerns; 

The “RAD smile” where they just grit their teeth and show them.

Cutting tall peoples heads off the top

Sun gleaming off a dad’s bald head and embarrassing him

Sun in peoples eyes so they squint

Spotted sunlight making white spots on faces

Dark skin not showing facial features without enough light 

Parents lining up with children in leadership position or dividing them

Pro Tips:

Find shady spots with the light at your back and a great background

Direct the family where to stand or sit

Use several different locations 

Take 4-5 pics at each location in case of blinking etc.

Say or do something funny to get the smiles

NEVER count or tell them to say cheese. These are defiant children!

Why this works: You got them together doing something positive! That is a good thing. You are starting to make a difference in their lives as you show them how beautiful they are through your lens.  They can feel better about themselves. They may have never had a decent family picture to keep and share. They will!

Station 8. Porter to room/cabin 

Purpose: To Equip parents with knowledge of the camp locations and their personal lodging. To make them feel cared for and understood as they are personally guided to their accommodations and made to feel welcome. Assist with luggage if needed. Observe the children helping or lack there-of and report it to the team.

Requirements:

Time 12:30-4:00 or until all parents arrive

Supplies: Map of the camp and knowledge of where events will be

Must Says: “Come with me, I will show you to your room/cabin.” May I help you?” “Orientation will be at 4:30 in the _____ I will see you there!” 

Description:

Walk or drive with them to their room/cabin to show them where it is.

On the way point out different areas (dining hall, craft room firepit etc) if they are on the way. Do not take them all over the camp at this point they are tired!

Schedule: 15-20 minutes per family

Issues to Watch for/ concerns;

Children interrupting parents (did you just interrupt your mom!?”)

Children trying to control you by asking questions

Parents not happy about their lodging or some issue that needs resolved

Pro Tips: 

Introduce yourself and be warm and friendly with weary parents

Be prepared to answer questions from parents about where things are.

Do not answer questions from children! (“That is something you can ask your mom/dad later.”)

Know who does repairs ( light burned out air conditioner not working etc)

Why this works: They would literally be lost without you! Easing their stress and concerns lifts the tired travelers load and makes them feel cared for. They often worry about where they will be and what it will be like. When they see their name on their door they are often relieved to have “touch down!” You ease their minds.

Goal: To help the families to relax and recharge together while having family fun and creating good memories. Learning a new fun activity for home.

Requirements

Time: 1 hour unless it is dinner cooked on the campfire as well then 5-7pm

Supplies needed: firewood, firepit, matches/lighter, kindling, paper, singer, guitar, banana boat fixin’s, paper plates & spoons to eat boats and long pinchers to turn them in the fire. If the dinner is also over the campfire the cooks will take care of meal, and equipment for the meal- not the boats. ( that is all yours to organize)

Must Says: “Come sit with your families and relax”

Description: Relaxing around the campfire and singing together is so relaxing and brings smiles all around and improves sleep. When the fire is coals with no flame the banana boats need to go on the coals so plan your time well. About 15-20 minutes before the coals are ready do a demo of banana boat making. All adults can make a banana boat (not children!) the parents make them for themselves and their children. Have families sit together and team as well. Join in the singing! 

Issues to Watch for/ concerns: Children putting anything in the fire ever is not allowed! Children wanting to “go sit with their friend” instead of their family. 

Pro Tips: Have the team gather around the fire for the team meeting and surprise them with s’mores stuff for fun (if the weather is nice)! They will love you for it.  Camp Organizer will have campfire and banana boat supplies ready for you. You will need to organize them.

With this campfire activity you can help the families AND the team! YOU ROCK! Thank you for taking over this important event! You make a difference.

Banana Boats

1 banana per person (peel on)

2 Tbsp chips (peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips or white chocolate chips with zero cocoa butter)

2 Tbsp Mini Marshmallows

aluminum foil

1 good campfire bed of coals

•    Cut V lengthwise in banana
•    Leave the V peel attached to stem
•    Open peel, remove V extra banana eat it
•    Fill with 1 layer chips
•    Then 1 layer marshmallow
•    Cover with attached peel
•    Wrap in foil
•    Bake on coals (no flame)
•    1 ½ minute
•    flip and bake 1 ½ minute

ENJOY!!!!!!

Johnny Appleseed

Oh, the Lord is good to me

And so I thank the Lord

For giving me the things I need

The sun, the rain and the Appleseed

The Lord is good to me.

Amen, amen, amen, amen,

Amen

Jaws

God is good

And God is great

And we thank Him for our food

Amen

Flintstones

Thankful

We are thankful

For food and fun and family

Thankful

We are thankful

For food and fun and family

Yaba-daba-doo, Lord

Rise and Shine

Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory

Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory

Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory

Children of the Lord

Superman

Thank you God for giving us food

Thank you God for giving us food

For the food that we eat

And the friends that we meet

We thank you God for giving us food

Amen

Thanks be to God

Thanks be to God for feeding our bodies

Thanks be to God for feeding our hearts

Thanks be to God for my loving family

Thanks be to God forever

(Sung to the tune of “Wendy”)

Urination – Station Note for Parents

We don’t want your valuable time used up cleaning up after your kids, so we will help them take care of their messes.

In this bucket are 3 large garbage bags, 3x5 cards and a spray bottle.  If/when your child wets the bed, have them load up their bedding in a bag, write their name on a card, and drop it off by the laundry door. 

The spray bottle is to clean off their mattress, etc.  Please have them put their clothing/pjs in the bucket, to come to the Intervention Room to scrub by hand.  Then we will have them put their clothes and bedding together in the laundry.  Hopefully by day’s end, you will have the clothes and bedding back, clean and folded.

Have a great day!

Goal: to put couples' hearts back together so they can be a better team, increase communication, and remember that they love each other!

Materials:  Cushions or large soft chairs for couples to sit in, tissues, soft music, a way to separate couples for intimacy (screens or some kind of furniture  barrier), someone to lead them through the topics below. Loud music so they do not overhear another couples private business and feel safe to share theirs.

Directions:  Couple comfortable (back support) wife in husband’s arms, looking in eyes (remind periodically). Wife’s arms are under husbands (around ribs/heart). Give about 3 minutes for each answer and interactions. Have tissues ready!! Husbands first- then wives on each topic except “I need you”. Play music.

1. Name top 5 reasons you picked her/him to be your lifetime partner (Caution! Don't say something dumb like "you used to be beautiful”)
2. Rate relationship the last 2 months 1-10        one is divorce court tomorrow-10 is like honeymooners-you can't' get any closer. You will usually have different scores. That is fine!
3. Men tell your wife what score you would like to have. Ladies tell him yours
4. Men tell your lady what you could personally do to bring the two of you closer to the score you want. NOT what she needs to do, what you are planning to do to bring you closer. Ladies tell him if that will work for you! Then wives tell what they can personally do. (not HIM!)
5. women have a primal need to feel safe (Martha Welsh MD) men have a primal need to feel needed. Wives tell him you NEED him!
6. Husbands tell your wife if and when you ever thought of killing yourself. Then wives do same
7. Say again ladies” I need you!!”
8. Men tell your wife the worst parenting thing YOU do and how you could change that. Then have moms do it.
9. Men say 3 things your wife does that lets you know she loves you. Three things that make you feel loved. Then ladies do it
10. Gentlemen tell your wife what is working between you that made you choose score you picked. What is going right? Ladies do it 
11. Look into each other's eyes and say; “I love you!”
12. End with big hug!!

• After session have them plan when & where they are going to do this on their own how often etc.

Sometimes issues come up that they need to sort out. Guide them to stay with the FEELINGS not the logics or logistics. This is about hearts connecting “How did that make you feel?”

For Two mom or two dad families invite them to join. We want everyone to feel comfortable and sometimes they have been so judged and condemned by others they don't want to join and would prefer the spa. I would rather they came to the couple holding to help them team up but respect their opinion and watch your wording during the work to include everyone!!

Music that works. Must be slow and calming. This list covers many styles:

Annie’s Song by John Denver

Amazed by Lonestar

Everybody by Keith Urban

Has Anyone Ever Told You by Shaina Noll

Have a Little Faith in Me by Joe Cocker

Hero by Enrique Iglesias

Long Journey by Enya

Need to be Next to you by Sara Evans

You are so beautiful by Joe Cocker

Wind Beneath My Wings by Richard Clayderman