Camp Peniel aims to provide an exciting and fun space that encourages Christ-like actions and respect with campers and staff. Camper safety is our number one priority while they are here at Camp Peniel. We are a licensed youth camp and inspected annually by the state of Texas.
Staff Screening and Hiring
- We could not run camp with our staff! And we do our level best to hire individuals who love the Lord and are going to point campers to Jesus Christ! Camp Peniel is very thorough when screening all of our staff. Every individual must submit an application that is comprehensive and asks many personal questions about the applicant’s spiritual background and moral beliefs. The application is designed so we can screen out those that do not meet Camp Peniel’s standards and Core Values.
- All applicants must submit references and pass a national background check.
- Full time staff must pass a national background check every year
- Full time staff and seasonal staff must complete and pass our Child Safety Course that includes sexual abuse training that focuses on prevention, recognition, and reporting.
- Full time staff and seasonal staff must sign that the agree and comply with Camp Peniel’s Statement of Faith and Core Values.
Staff Training
- Once we hire our summer staff they must attend staff training, where they learn the skills needed to manage a cabin, share the Gospel, run activities and other summer camp duties. Staff training is also a probationary period, if the Summer Director or Executive Director does not feel confident in a staffer’s ability to be an exceptional caretaker and disciple of Christ, we will not allow them to serve at Camp Peniel.
- All summer staff are CPR and first aid certified.
Heat Safety
The Hill Country in which Camp Peniel is located knows that Summer is hot and dry. We counsel our staff and campers to stay hydrated as much as possible. Every camper is required to bring a water bottle and if they do not have one, one will be provided. Water coolers and water fountains are located throughout camp so that anyone get a refill.
Water Safety
- Camp Peniel Lifeguards are certified through the American Red Cross or its equivalent. They actively supervise the campers throughout their shifts and follow the training guidelines in rotating positions regularly with other lifeguards to remain refreshed and alert.
- As a precaution and prioritizing the safety of the campers, we close the lake to any swimming once the water stops flowing through the spillway. We continue to provide canoeing and fishing throughout this time even if swimming is prohibited. The pool will be used daily and we also provide a variety of fun water activities throughout the summer to help keep campers cool amidst the summer heat.
- Lake activities (the blob, trapeze, water slide, swimming and canoeing) require all participants, no matter the swimming ability, to wear life jackets.
- All campers participate in a swim check after arriving at camp. If they do not pass the swim check they are required to wear a lifejacket while in the pool.
- In an effort to prevent swimmer’s ear (an outer ear infection), campers receive ear drops after swimming in our lake or pool. Ear drops contain a combination of isopropyl alcohol to dry the ear, vinegar to kill bacteria, and glycerin to moisturize the skin. Campers with ear tubes will not receive ear drops.
Food Safety
- The Camp Peniel kitchen is regulated by the Texas Department of State Health Services in the same way public restaurants are regulated.
- Camp Peniel is a nut-aware facility with a peanut free kitchen.
- We are conscious of the ingredients in all our meals as it pertains to allergens. Through our Food Service Department, we will attempt to serve guests with dietary restrictions, but we cannot guarantee to cater to food preferences.
- Please make sure the camper dietary form is completed.
- If your camper has a severe food allergy please contact us so proper arrangements can be made.
Medical Safety
- Our health care team consists chiefly of Health Services Managers who are registered nurses, who are responsible for the overall health of our campers. An off-site physician reviews and approves in writing all standing orders which are revised and updated annually. Medical care is available on a 24-hour basis by our team. A log is kept of any and all treatment provided.
- Our on-site RN resides in the clinic where campers can receive treatment and/or medication.
- Our healthcare team administers all medications. Epi-Pens and rescue inhalers are the only medications campers may have with them. All medications (over-the-counter or prescribed) must be turned in during check-in on the Sunday of each camp session. Medications brought to camp must meet the following criteria:
- In the ORIGINAL CONTAINER (Loose pills, multiple medications in one container, or medications in pill sorters will NOT be accepted. This is a state regulation and there are no exceptions.)
- If a prescription, must be prescribed to the camper and in its original container
- Not expired
- Medical Safety at Day Camp
- Day Campers receive medical care only as needed. Any prescription medication needs to be given before the Day Camper arrives at camp.
- If your day camper requires medication to be administered during the day, please contact camp prior to their week of camp.
- Day Campers are only allowed to have rescue inhalers or epi-pens on their person.
- Camp Peniel healthcare staff will contact you in the case of:
- An accident or illness requiring the attention of non-camp medical personnel (such as an EMT, or clinic visit).
- Any accident or illness requiring an overnight stay in the clinic.
- Any incident in which a camper has a fever of 100.4 degrees or more that lingers over three hours or multiple occurrences of vomiting.
- Any accident or illness for which the nurse deems a call to the parent or guardian to be in the best interest of the camper or parent.
