Home Christian News As Camps, VBS Approach, ‘Plan Way Ahead’ to Prevent Abuse

As Camps, VBS Approach, ‘Plan Way Ahead’ to Prevent Abuse

The right training and protocols can allow churches to continue offering fun and meaningful summer activities.

“I don’t think it’s wise to throw the baby out with the bathwater,” Norris said.

“I think life change happens at camp, and I spent a lot of my summers in camp contexts. I think it can be good to take kids out of their normal home environment. Kids can experience the great outdoors, you get a lot of time with them, they are hearing truth preached and reenforced in their small groups and they make friends along the way.

“All of these things are excellent, but the danger comes when churches fly by the seat of their pants. I think it would be a wrong response to simply not have overnight ministry programs, but I don’t think you do them without proper preparation. You have to be thoughtful, plan way ahead, get enough well-trained volunteers and have clearly defined policies. There can’t be one person walking around as the expert in this. All of your staff must know what they’re watching for.”

Founded in 1997 by legal professionals Gregory Love and Kimberlee Norris, MinistrySafe outlines their system of developing effective child safety systems using their 5-Part Safety System.

The 5-part system includes awareness training, skillful screening, monitoring and oversight, policies and procedures and criminal background checks.

MinistrySafe has trained more than 1 million staff members at different organizations since its inception.

This article originally appeared here