The physical, emotional, and spiritual safety of children and youth is of the upmost importance at MLGC.

In order to protect the children and youth entrusted to us, our abuse prevention policy outlines various procedures every Support Volunteer or Program Personnel must undergo before serving at camp.

1. Application Form - Each potential Support Volunteer or Program Personnel must fill out an application form, which includes questions regarding previous work with children/youth, spiritual background and reference checks.

2. Vulnerable Sector Check - Each Support Volunteer or Program Personnel who will be in a position of trust with a child or youth submits a clear Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) from their local police/RCMP station. Even for repeat volunteers/program personnel, a new VSC is required every year.

3. Reference Checks - For each individual we plan on having come serve at camp with children and youth, we perform reference checks as provided by the individual

4. Abuse Prevention Training - Prior to coming to camp, all Support Volunteers and Program Personnel partake in MLGC-specific abuse prevention training, where we train all who are going to serve at camp in how to identify, prevent, and report abuse. This training is specific to MLGC and the unique needs and situations that may arise at our camp

5. Volunteer/Program Personnel Contracts - We get each Support Volunteer/Program Personnel who we have selected to come serve at camp to sign a contract that states they will not teach or affirm anything contrary to MLGC Statement of Faith

In addition to protection measure before camp starts, we also have protection measures in place to keep your children and youth safe while camp is running

1. Medically Trained Personnel (“Camp Nurse”) - Each kids and youth camp has a Camp Nurse with medical training (RN, LPN, MD, Child-Specific First Aid), that can administer medical help if needed. The Camp Nurse is also responsible for administering prescription and over-the-counter medication for the duration of the camp.

2. Life Guard - Each kids and youth camp has a certified lifeguard to ensure safety during swimming activities. In the case a lifeguard cannot be found, we unfortunately limit swimming activities for everyone’s safety.

3. Child/Youth Ratios - Each cabin of kids/youth has the appropriate amount of Program Personnel for the number of kids in the cabin, as prescribed by our abuse prevention policy

4. Bathroom/Shower Facilities - All bathrooms used by children, youth, and program personnel have individual bathroom and shower stalls for privacy.

5. Technology Policy - While camp is running, children/youth are not allowed the use of personal cell phones. Program Personnel are only allowed to use technology as a means of time keeping and taking pictures/videos is strictly prohibited, except for a designated social-media Program Personnel.

6. Abuse Reporting - Program Personnel are provided a means to report suspected cases of abuse to the Executive Director in accordance with Alberta law.

Definitions

• Program Personnel: Individuals who have successfully completed the recruitment and screening procedures of Plan to Protect® Policy and are deemed to be a person who can be put in a Position of Trust with Children and Youth. Program Personnel include the Executive Director, Program Directors, Cabin Leaders, Cabin-Leaders-in-Training, Nurses, Camp Managers, Cooks, Lifeguards, Wranglers, Speakers, Camp Pastors, and Gratis Coordinator, whether or not they receive a salary.

• Support Volunteer: A volunteer that performs in a role outside the typical Program Personnel role and may spend an extended period of time (48 hrs – multiple weeks) on camp grounds. This term includes parent volunteers, grandparent volunteers, and maintenance volunteers.