Camp Ondessonk is committed to providing a safe, fun, educational, and inclusive experience for all of our campers, staff, parents, and volunteers. With this in mind, we require staff members behave in a mature and responsible way and respect the rights and dignity of others while they are at Camp Ondessonk, participating in camp sponsored activities, or representing Camp Ondessonk in any way.

If you are hired and accept a position at Camp Ondessonk, you will commit to acting as a positive role model and mentor to our campers. It will be a lot of hard work, BUT you can expect to end the summer with a better sense of community, self-value, work ethic, and commitment to others.

All staff members are expected to read, understand, and adhere to the following “Code of Ethics”.
1. I promise to strive to meet the mission and vision of Camp Ondessonk, putting the core values of the organization at the forefront of all that I do in my role as a counselor.

2. I understand that my job is to protect children at all times. In doing so, I will:
a. accept personal responsibility to protect children from all forms of abuse, including:
Physical Abuse – Striking, Shaking
Verbal Abuse – Humiliation, Degradation, Threats, Profanity
Sexual Abuse – including inappropriate touch, displays, acts
Mental Abuse – Hazing, Neglect, Manipulation, Teasing, Bullying
b. never leaving a camper unsupervised and by following the “Rule of Three” at all times.

3. I promise to be a positive role model for youth at camp and acknowledge I am a representative of camp to camper families during my off time both outside of camp and online. In doing so I will
a. exhibit the highest ethical standards and personal integrity.
b. conduct myself in a manner that is consistent with the discipline and teaching of the Catholic Church.
c. maintain an attitude of respect, loyalty, patience, courtesy, tact and maturity.
d. be innovative, try new activities, participate with enthusiasm, and sing as loud as I can.
e. show initiative, be responsible, and do things without being asked.
f. continue to be positive, enthusiastic, and energetic when I am tired, sweaty and dirty.
g. display humor and a positive attitude in response to stress and change.
h. treat campers and staff of all races, religions, cultures, and backgrounds with respect, dignity, and consideration.
i. refrain from the use of profane or abusive language and adult topics in the presence of campers or where campers may see.

4. I promise to be a good co-worker. In doing so I will:
a. support and aid other staff when the time and need arises.
b. express dissent quietly, thoughtfully, respectfully, and never with campers present.
c. respect the possessions and belongings of staff and campers, as well as the facilities and equipment of Camp Ondessonk.
d. take care of myself and recognize my personal needs before they prevent me from being the best counselor I can be.

5. I promise to make good decisions. In doing so, I will:
a. treat with confidence and respect the personal information I learn from or about campers and staff (subject to the policies on reporting abuse and neglect).
b. adhere to the zero-tolerance policy for the use, possession, distribution or being under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or illegal drugs at camp.
c. not smoke, vape, or use any tobacco or e-cigarette product on Camp Ondessonk property.
d. refrain from intimate displays of affection with anyone else.
e. not bring weapons onto camp property.

6. I will use positive techniques of guidance, including redirection, and acknowledgement and anticipation of each camper’s unique needs. I will use positive reinforcement and encouragement rather than competition, comparison, or criticism. I will make expectations clear and avoid power struggles with campers.