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Believe Performing Arts Camp

Child Safety Policy

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Effective Date: Sept 14th, 2025
Reviewed/Revised: Oct. 14, 2025
Approved by: Bruce Sampson, Camp Founder/Director

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1. Purpose

Here at Believe Performing Arts Camp, we know that when parents trust us with their children, they’re giving us something precious. Our mission guides us every day: to Educate, Engage, Inspire, and Unite through the performing arts. This policy sets clear expectations to protect every child's body, mind, and spirit—so they can fully embrace the possible.

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2. Who This Policy Covers

This policy applies to everyone involved with the camp: staff, teaching artists, volunteers, interns, contractors, and any guest performers, whether we’re rehearsing at the community center, traveling for a show, or meeting online.

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3. Core Beliefs

  • Children First: Their well-being and dignity take precedence over schedules, ticket sales, and everything else.

  • Zero Tolerance: We do not tolerate abuse, neglect, harassment, or exploitation of any kind.

  • Shared Duty: Protecting kids is everybody’s job—from the camp director to the newest volunteer.

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4. Code of Conduct

All adults working with our campers agree to:

  1. Treat every child with respect, no matter their background or ability.

  2. Use encouraging, positive words—never yelling or shaming.

  3. Avoid physical contact that could be misunderstood.

  4. Follow the “two-adult rule” whenever possible; no one-on-one private situations.

  5. Keep all communication with campers inside official camp channels.

  6. Get written permission before taking or sharing photos or videos of any child.

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5. Screening & Training

  • Background Checks: Every staff member and volunteer passes a criminal background and sex-offender registry check before working with children.

  • References: We check at least two references for all new hires and volunteers.

  • Annual Training: Everyone completes training on child protection, mandatory reporting laws, and maintaining healthy boundaries.

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6. Supervision & Ratios

  • We maintain at least a 1:8 adult-to-child ratio for ages 7–12 and 1:10 for ages 13–17.

  • Dressing rooms, rehearsals, and transport are always supervised by at least two adults.

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7. Reporting Concerns

  • Mandatory Reporting: By Louisiana law, any suspicion of abuse or neglect must be reported to the Department of Children & Family Services or law enforcement.

  • Internal Steps: Concerns should also be reported right away to the Camp Director or our designated Child Safety Officer.

  • Confidentiality: Reports are handled with care and shared only with those who need to know.

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8. Physical & Online Safety

  • Our rehearsal spaces meet safety standards and have first-aid supplies handy.

  • Online sessions use secure, password-protected platforms with at least two adults present.

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9. Health & Wellness

  • We collect emergency contact information and medical details for every child.

  • Staff members maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications.

  • We follow clear policies for allergies, medications, and injury response.

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10. Review

This policy is reviewed each year by camp leadership, with any updates shared with staff, parents, and participants.

Acknowledgment
All staff, teaching artists, and volunteers must sign an acknowledgment form stating they have read, understood, and agree to follow this Child Safety Policy.

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