TEACHER/ ASSISTANT INFORMATION

HEARTBEAT:

Our mission is to love and equip the generations through Discipleship, Community and Creativity. Our goal for these classes are to love all children that come (as well as their families) and to have a space where they can learn and grow their creative adventurous minds. We believe that every child is unique and has gift to share with this world. These classes are more than just teaching children a creative medium... they are an avenue to equip them to be kind leaders who connect with the beauty of the world and people around them. Your role as a teacher is not to teach them to create masterpieces but to teach them they are known by the Master... in whose image they are made. We want tender hearts more than "talented" hands.

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CONTACT AND ADDRESS:

Tony and Lauren Wagoner are the Camp Kindling Directors. We can be reached through email with any questions you have.

Lauren: lauren@makerandkin.org  Tony: tony@makerandkin.org

Tony: 7047962036. Lauren: 7047981189

Camp Address: 3350 Camp Julia Road Kannapolis N.C. 28083

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TEACHER PAY

Teachers/ assistants will need to submit your account and routing number to Lauren before classes begin so you are ready to receive pay. 

Teachers are paid $450/class for the ten weeks.

Assistants are paid $200/class for the ten weeks. 

Pay dates for Fall 2026 are as follows:

   1. Pay 1 on October 2- for weeks Sept 10-11, Sept, 17-18, and Sept 24-25 (3 weeks)

   2. Pay 2 on Nov 6- for weeks Oct 1-2, Oct 8-9, NO CLASS Oct 15-16, Oct 22-23, and Oct 29-30 (4 weeks)

   3. Pay 3 on Nov 20- for weeks Nov 5-6, Nov 12-13, Nov 26-27 (three weeks)

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DATES TO REMEMBER FOR FALL 2026 (Mark your Calendars!)

September 10th 2026- First day of Thursday Fall Classes

September 11th 2026- First day of Friday Fall Classes

October 9-11th 2026- High School Fall Retreat

October 15-16- NO CLASSES FALL BREAK

November 7th- Vision dinner (Teachers and assistants are free) 

November 19th- Last day of Thursday fall classes

November 20th- Last day of Friday fall classes

November 21- Maker's Market. Please let me know if you would be interested in setting up a booth, volunteering or being a part!

November 1st- Need to know if you are interested in Spring 2027 classes/ Registration open for current families for spring classes

December 1st- Registration opens for new families for spring classes

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IMPORTANT TIMES TO KNOW/ FLOW OF THE DAY

PLEASE ARRIVE FOR YOUR CLASS EARLY! Please be considerate of our team and make sure that you arrive for your class time 10 minutes early. We want to make sure our day continues to flow well. 

8:20- ARRIVAL. Teachers and Assistants, if you have a class first period please arrive by 8:20 to help with students arriving. Student drop off is 8:25-8:45. You must be in the worship barn to help greet students at 8:25. Please do not be in your classrooms during arrival. You may arrive earlier if you want to spend some time in your class. 

Day begins: 8:45 in worship barn with song, rules, and group time- 9:00. 

Class times are 50 minutes with 10 minutes in between each class to allow for walking to class/ bathrooms. 

9:10- 10:00- CLASS 1

10:10-11:00- CLASS 2

11:00-12:00- LUNCH AND FREE TIME

12:00- 12:50- CLASS 3

1:00-1:50- CLASS 4

1:50- Head to worship barn for pickup

2:00- DISMISSAL. Student pick up is from 2:00-2:15

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CLASS LOCATIONS

Our classes will take place in the Lodge, Worship barn, Chickadee Cabin (Hillside),  Blue Heron Cabin (Hillside), Kitchen, Mission House, and Mission House porch. When weather is nice, we like to have as many experiences and classes outside as possible. Our outdoor adventure class will primarily be outdoors but we will always have an indoor location to meet in case of rain or unpleasant weather. Lunchtime will also be primarily outdoors at our picnic tables. Our map is below but we will help everyone with class locations. ​​

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TEAMS AND MORNING TIME 

Students will be assigned a Team their first day of classes. These teams span every age from our littlest to our oldest. They will meet at the beginning of camp every week for a time to get to know each other and do a devotional together. We will assign teachers and assistants to a team. If you are here for morning time in the worship barn then you will sit with that team every week as they have their question of the week and discussion time. 

We would love for our teachers and assistants that are willing to be more involved in our morning share time. If you would feel comfortable sharing a small heart talk one morning and posing a question to the students, please let me (Lauren) know so I can put you on the schedule to lead. It would be a 3-5 minute maximum devotion/talk, posing a question, and then giving students about 3-5 minutes to discuss. 

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LUNCHES/ FREE TIME

Lunch time is 11:00-12:00 each day. Please bring a lunch and water bottle to camp with you. Teachers can store their lunches with you or in our kitchen refrigerator or on a kitchen shelf. Please try to limit bringing microwaveable lunches to camp or limit the time you use it. If multiple teachers are using the microwave it gets backed up and limits who is able to be with the students at lunch. Teachers and assistants will be on a lunch and free time rotation so that you are able to have breaks and just breathe.

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SUPPLIES

We work together as a team on supplies. We always try to keep a range of basic supplies in our supply closet and mission house but your classes will have different needs throughout the semester. If possible, please let me know what supplies you will need a couple weeks out from when you will need them so I can purchase them for you and have them ready to go for your class. We can discuss thoughts about your supplies at any time- just reach out!

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DRESS

Please make sure you are dressed in camp appropriate and comfortable clothing.  It does rain occasionally and get a big muddy around camp so be aware to wear things that can get messy! :) 

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PARKING

PLEASE DRIVE VERY SLOW ON OUR DRIVE AT ALL TIMES. THERE ARE CHILDREN WHO ARE ALL AROUND CAMP AT VARIOUS PLACES AND TIMES.

Please park in the small parking lot beside the mission house. We know it is a walk so if you need to drive down and drop off supplies you can and then go park. 

 

PEOPLE ON CAMPUS

It is important that we know who is on campus all times for the safety of our team and our campers.  If you see someone walking the camp other than our team or camp kids, please let Tony or Lauren know so they can make sure it is an approved parent or someone who is supposed to be there. 

 

CAMP FLIP/ CLEANING YOUR SPACE
Teachers and assistants are responsible to keep their spaces clean each week. You will be given a checklist and supplies to make sure that your space is good to go. Some Fridays we will have what we call "camp flip" where we ready the camp for renters who bring groups for retreats. Our camp flip usually takes around 30 minutes after children are picked up. If you are able to help with camp flip you will be provided a list to make sure your area is ready for the group that will be coming. Things like wiping down tables, sweeping and discarding trash really go a long way in helping our team and making the space lovely for the next group that will use it.   

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BEHAVIOR

We want our campus to be a space that every child feels intentionally loved by their teachers and other students. Each child is uniquely created- and we embrace the beauty of our differences. Prior to classes starting, please sit with the children in your class and make it clear that we as a camp are to love others and show respect and kindness while at classes. Bullying will not be allowed at camp in any form. We ask that teachers and students respect one another in action and words. If we have issues with a child in class being disrespectful to teachers or other students, we will call parents so that we can address the issue together in love. If a child is bullied or disrespected, please reach out to us so that the child feels heard and we can reach into the problem together. We do not want to run from these problems but to address them, teach each other how to walk in forgiveness so that healing can happen. If a child is aggressive/ bullies multiple times our policy is as follows: 1st time we contact both sets of parents and walk campers through restoration by words and actions. 2nd time we ask that the camper takes 1 week off of classes. 3rd time we ask that the camper not return for the semester.

We know that at this stage of life many campers are going through multiple emotional changes and want to meet campers in their needs instead of pushing past struggles they may be having. If your class is really struggling to listen during the semester, please let Tony or Lauren know and we will address the class for you to try to get everyone back on track. 

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SAFETY AND EMERGENCIES​

The most important responsibility for all camp employees is the safety of campers.  The following standards and practices are important in maintaining a safe environment.

1. Safe Boundaries – No sharing of personal contact info, social media, or secret communication with campers.

2. Transparency – Doors remain open, blinds raised, and supervision is ongoing.

3. Training – All staff receive child protection training prior to camp and will be required to take and pass a background check.

 

A. BATHROOM PROTOCOL

• Male staff may not assist female campers with bathroom activities or vice versa.

• Staff may not change or otherwise be unclothed in front of campers.

• Always send children in pairs, and/or with staff. Staff can remain outside bathroom

• Staff must monitor bathrooms to prevent campers from being alone for extended periods of time, particularly between activities.

 

B. CAMPER- ADULT CONTACT

Abuse of any form will not be tolerated and is cause for immediate termination. Maker & Kin/Camp Kindling is obligated to inform staff of our concerns and the laws regarding child abuse, including but not limited to, sexual, physical, verbal, mental, or neglect of an individual.

 

If and when touching campers, the following guidelines should be followed:

• Only on the hand, shoulder, or upper back

• Only in the company of other adults

• Never against a child’s will (unless in the case of clear and present danger of the child)

• Never in violation of a child’s comfort level, whether expressed verbally or non-verbally

• Never when it would have the effect of over-stimulating the child

 

Appropriate displays of affection include:

• Hugs, shoulder/ back pats, handshakes, high fives, verbal praise, Holding hands with younger campers to escort them to a space

 

Inappropriate displays of affection include:

• Full frontal hugs, kisses on mouth, touching private areas, showing affection in isolation, wrestling, tickling, massages, unwanted affection, compliments to physique, sitting on laps, writing inappropriate letters

 

Additional guidance to prevent stress, accusations or uncomfortable situations:

• Watch for signs of stress in yourself and others as a way of maintaining a safe environment.

• Provide assistance to other staff who seem at risk for hurting campers or abusing campers.

• Alert the director for more careful supervision, intervention or support or to report risky behavior

• Seek help if you feel at risk for hurting, over stimulating, or abusing a camper

 

C. DISPLACED CAMPERS

Teachers/ Assistants are responsible for monitoring campers’ whereabouts at all times. If for any reason a camper’s location is unknown please notify the Camp Director/ Pastor. Also follow procedures:

Check where camper was last seen, head count and conduct a roll call, make sure class is monitored by an adult so we can expand the search location.

 

D. UNAUTHORIZED PERSON(S)

Unauthorized persons are not permitted to visit the camp and should be asked to leave the premises. Any person refusing to adhere to this request for any reason must be reported to the Camp Director. Staff should contact the Camp Director to share the general location of the unauthorized person(s)

 

E. CHILD ABUSE GUIDELINES

The safety and well-being of every camper is our highest priority. These guidelines provide clear expectations for camp staff, volunteers, and leadership in recognizing and responding to suspected child abuse or neglect.

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Definition of Child Abuse

Child abuse includes, but is not limited to:

• Physical abuse: Non-accidental injury (e.g., hitting, shaking, burning).

• Emotional abuse: Verbal assaults, humiliation, intimidation, or rejection.

• Sexual abuse: Any sexual contact or exploitation of a child.

• Neglect: Failure to provide for a child’s basic needs (food, shelter, supervision, medical care).

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Reporting Procedure

• Immediate Action – If a child discloses abuse, staff should:

  • Stay calm, listen, and believe the child.

  • Do not promise secrecy; explain that you must keep them safe by reporting.

  • Document exact words/statements made by the child.

• Internal Notification – Staff must immediately inform the Camp Director.

• Legal Reporting – As mandated reporters (per state law), the Camp Director will file a report with Child Protective Services or local authorities within required timelines.

• Confidentiality – All reports are handled with discretion. Only those who need to know will be informed.

 

Response Protocol

• The camper will be kept safe and supported.

• The accused individual (if on camp property) will be removed from contact with children until investigation is resolved.

• Law enforcement and/or child welfare agencies will guide next steps.

• Parents will be notified unless they are the suspected abuser

  

F. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Our goal is to keep children safe while on camp property. We do understand at times we will be outdoors enjoying the beauty of our surroundings. There are insects such as mosquitos and different types of bees, spiders, etc... that can bite children. Also, our lake and dock is off limits to students. Classes may meet at times near the lake, but for the safety of our students and families, we ask that you stay off of the dock.

 

G. First Aid Kits

Maker & Kin/Camp Kindling will purchase first aid kits and make sure they are well supplied. First aid kits, bandages and other necessities are kept in the lodge closet. Camp Directors need to be notified of injuries so they can document and share with parents. Teachers or Assistants are never allowed to give campers medicine. Camp director first needs to contact parents before administering any medicine. A life vac and a venom extractor is in the first aid cabinet of the lodge closet.

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H. PERSONAL INJURY: SERIOUS INJURY/ LIFE THREATENING 

These situations call for immediate positive action to prevent the loss of human life or some level of permanent damage to the victim. Examples are: severe bleeding, head wound or injury, suspected spinal injury, heart attack, poisoning, drowning

 

Serious Injury/Life Threatening Procedures

• Assess the situation.

• Call 911

• Contact a parent/loved one

• Continue first aid

 

As soon as the situation is under control, complete and submit a Maker & Kin Medical Incident Form in our form binder on top of the first aid cabinet. Be sure to get the name of the victim and any witnesses and give the filled out form to Camp Director.

 

I. MINOR INJURY/ NON- THREATENING

Some examples of situations that may require advanced medical treatment or on-site first

aid are: cuts, bruises, muscle strain, insect sting/ bite

 

Minor Injury/Non-Threatening Procedures

A non-life threatening injury may become life threatening if not handled properly.

• Administer first aid if necessary.

• Depending on the severity of the injury, call 911 or the camp director so he/she can contact and advise parents to seek further medical attention for their child.

• Fill out and submit Maker & Kin Medical Incident Form on top of the cabinet and give to camp director 

• Be sure to get the name of the victim and any witnesses and give to camp director

 

Please contact the Camp Director in the event 911 is called so security can direct emergency personnel to the specific location.

 

J. WEATHER EMERGENCIES

Maker & Kin/Camp Kindling will closely watch the National Weather Service’s guidelines to make the best possible decisions regarding weather emergencies. Parents will receive email notifications about weather related closings or emergencies.

 

Tornadoes

It is the policy of Maker & Kin/Camp Kindling that when a tornado watch is issued all recreational staff involved with outdoor activities will monitor conditions that may affect them. When a tornado warning is issued all outdoor recreational activities will cease and all activities will be moved indoors. All persons are to stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Always go to the most interior section of a building at its lowest level. If caught outdoors, with no shelter, lie flat in a nearby ditch and shield your head with your arms.

 

Fire Emergencies

Camp Directors  and staff should know the locations of the nearest fire extinguishers. The camp director shall plan for emergency procedures to be used in case of fire including notifying the fire department, provisions for access to firefighting (nearest fire extinguisher), evacuating, and instructing campers on procedures to be followed when the fire is expected. Report all smoke or fumes of undetermined origin to the Fire Department.

 

In case of fire

• Assess the situation.

• Use one fire extinguisher.

• Evacuate the building 

• Report the emergency and contact the Camp Director and Fire Department 

• Only return to the building when determined safe by the Fire Department

 Please contact the Camp Director in the event the Fire Department is called so they can direct emergency personnel to location and assist with evacuation.

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EXTRA THINGS THROUGHOUT OUR YEAR!

We have fun things happening throughout camp year round that we would LOVE to have you be a part of!​

 

1.SUMMER CAMP!!!!!

Every summer we have amazing summer camps here at Camp Kindling!!!! We are already excited for this summer!!!!  We have options for 1. Kids camp   2.Middle school camp 3. High school camp 4. Camp counselor training. Let me know if you are interested in volunteering in any of our camps or retreats​

 

2.Community Worship Nights

We are excited to have community nights to gather and celebrate all God is doing in our region.  We post dates on our Camp Kindling social media so keep on the lookout!​

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3. After school program

Tony and I have been praying for years for a program that ministers to kids from our local public schools. This scholarship program will be offered free to kids who have a desire to grow in areas of the creative arts and outdoor exploration/ adventure and grow in leadership. This is a ministry opportunity that will have layers of connectedness with children + their families + our community. Please be praying that God will lead us to partner with a local school and leads us to all the people + needs to make this happen. This will be a volunteer position and opportunity but we hope to soon get enough sponsorship to pay our teachers/ helpers in this program. 

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4. Expanding our Kitchen Team

We will be now providing meals for our retreats/ camps both through our camp and other rented groups and are in need of kitchen helpers. These will be paid opportunities throughout our year from fall and spring retreats to summer camps. If you are interested in being trained to be part of the team let Martha Pell know. She will be coordinating helpers and leading training on our kitchen. You do not have to be available for all events to be trained and be on call for the team.