Mission
Providing growth experiences to develop Christian leaders for the transformation of the world.
Core Values
- Ensure guests feel safe, secure and loved.
- Ensure guests are fostering community and friendships.
- Ensure guests are able to share and learn about Jesus Christ.
Camper Goals
Mental –
- To develop campers’ self-confidence and self-esteem.
- To provide opportunities for campers to challenge themselves and develop resilience.
- To help campers understand and develop a relationship with God.
Social –
- To provide opportunities for campers to foster community and friendships
- To promote teamwork amongst campers
- To foster campers’ independence
Physical –
- To help campers develop healthy living habits
- To foster a relationship between campers and their natural surrounding
Foundational Practices
Through the accreditation program of the American Camp Association, many past accreditation standards are now accepted as common practice by camp leaders and the public. They are an important part of the body of knowledge applied by seasoned camp professionals. As former standards become generally accepted practice in the industry, or are regulated by other bodies, they are acknowledged as FOUNDATIONAL PRACTICES and moved to this educational resource for self-assessment. LOUMC practices are to be reviewed annually and any changes will be noted.
Rights & Dignities
Lake Okoboji United Methodist Camp & Retreat Center is committed to providing a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for campers, guests, staff, parents, and volunteers. With this in mind, we require staff members to behave in a responsible way and respect the rights and dignity of others while working at LOUMC participating in camp sponsored activities or representing camp in any way.
All campers, staff, volunteers, and guests are expected to read, understand, and adhere to the following:
- Treating all campers, guests, volunteers and staff members of all races, religions, cultures, varying abilities, and backgrounds with respect, dignity, and consideration.
- Setting an example for others of what it looks like to treat others with respect.
- Conducting themselves in a manner that is consistent with the customs, policies, and ideals of the United Methodist Church so that all time both in and out of camp he/she will be a credit to the United Methodist Church and its standards of conduct.
- Recognizing our own biases or prejudices that could cause us to treat campers, guests, or other staff in a less than kind and respectful manner. Camp gives campers (and staff!) the opportunity to interact with individuals who might be different from themselves.
Respect & Expectations
We believe that each camper, guest, volunteer, and staff should be treated with respect. The expectation at LOUMC is that campers, guests, volunteers and staff adjust their personal habits to the policies and ideals of the camp, and in keeping with its Christian purpose.
Bullying is not tolerated at LOUMC and we expect Campers to treat each other and staff members with respect to ensure a positive experience for all.
Basic Camp Rules
- Shoes are to be worn at all times (when outside of the cabin)
- Campers MUST stay with their Cabin Leaders (exception is Journey times when campers may be with other leaders).
- Use sunscreen.
- Drink lots of water.
- Stay off of roads unless you’re traveling to the South Campus or waterfront.
- Stay out of cabins/bedrooms that are not yours.
- Travel with a buddy at all times.
- Respect yourself. Respect others. Respect camp.
Disregard of Camp Rules, Policies & Regulations
Any person who disregards the camp rules can jeopardize the safety of other persons and thus disciplinary action must be taken by the camp staff to stop the situation.
It may become necessary to have the offending person leave the camp. If the offender is a youth, the parents will be notified and asked to pick up their child.
Camper Communications
Iowa UM Camp Staff are available to answer questions and assist as much as possible in regard to camper information, check in/out times, etc. We reserve the right to withhold information about campers and junior leaders to those NOT LISTED on the camper’s health form. In order to share information to people not listed on health forms, we would need written or verbal permission by parent/guardian and/or emergency contact listed. This is for the safety and well-being of our campers and young people.