MT/PFO: Schedules & Handbook

Overview

Nursery/Toddler

Beginner/Preschool/Early Elementary 

Bootcamp

Reentry/AD Camp

Coordinator Kid Care

Run & Roar / Media

This calendar is intended to give you an approximate idea of the dates and hours you will work during your employment with ISMK.  It is not intended to be exact, as employment for the summer programs requires a high degree of flexibility.  Please do not make outside plans based on the accuracy of this calendar, as arrival times and departure times may vary by half an hour to an hour at times.

Please email Sarah Goodapple or Chad Phillips for information about absences during scheduled work hours.

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The following information covers a number of topics including employment expectations, ISMK program expectations, and miscellaneous details that will be helpful to you. Please read and review each section and talk to the MK Office if you have questions about anything.

Employment Standards and Information:

Behavioral Standards

Excerpted from the Assemblies of God Employee Handbook, revised August 2004:

“Since the historic position of the Assemblies of God regarding alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and tobacco has been, and continues to be, total abstinence, it is expected of those who seek or hold employment within the General Council will abide by this policy of total abstinence. Any employee found in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline and/or dismissal” (p. 23).

“All employees should conduct their personal affairs so as never to cast a bad reflection upon the Assemblies of God Fellowship. Employee consumption and use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and illegal drugs, careless living, failure to pay debts, attending questionable places of amusement (clubs, discos, bars…), participation in lotteries, jackpots, raffles, or any other form of gambling, and any other departure from accepted Assemblies of God standards shall be considered grounds for dismissal” (p. 27).

As MT-PFO/MR staff, you are considered contracted laborers of the General Council of the Assemblies of God and are expected to uphold and practice these standards. Please know that although you are not an employee, you are held to the same standards.

Punctuality/Attention

As an contracted employee with ISMK, you are expected to be present and on-time for all working hours. Please talk to your coordinator in advance if you need to be late or absent. As a minister to MKs you are expected to be prepared and at your best. Give the MKs your undivided attention by getting enough sleep, eating well, and being 100% involved during all program hours. Make it a habit to be on time. Do not sleep on the job!

Language

With so many different family cultures converging on one campus, it is easy for some parents and youth to become offended by certain types of language. As a guideline, slang is permissible, crude language is inappropriate, and profanity is totally unacceptable. Exercise caution in your word choice. Please avoid such phrases as “sucks,” “ass,” “pissed off,” etc. as such terms are not widely accepted within the missions community.

Dress Code

Please remember that our goal as staff is to dress appropriately for the activity or occasion and stay within the realm of modesty and comfort. Anticipate that we may be dressed more conservatively than other camps or conferences taking place on our various campuses.
Staff may wear:
• Shorts
• T-shirts
• Sleeveless shirts (sleeves must meet the shoulder)
• Jeans

Staff may not wear:
• Tank-style or spaghetti strap tops
• Shorts that do not reach the end of fingertips that are fully extended
• Tops that expose the midriff in any way
• Pants that sag, expose undergarments, or have holes

For water based activities staff should wear:
• Female staff—modest swimsuit (no bikinis or two piece suits, except for tankinis that cover entire midriff)
• Male staff—swimming trunks (no Speedo-style bathing suits)

Dorm Life

The majority of our staff are housed at Evangel University unless they indicate otherwise. Keep in mind during your stay that you are a representative of ISMK even while you are off the clock. In addition, all meals will be held in the cafeteria or in program.

Time Off

The ISMK summer program is staffed carefully to provide for all the needs of MKs and still maintain a reasonable budget. There is no “substitute” staff hired. Contracted through AGWM, you are expected to be present and on-time for all working hours, including on-the clock activities and off-campus activities. If a valid need to miss program hours arises, please contact your coordinator or the MK Office as soon as possible to make arrangements. Valid reasons to be excused from working hours include illness, injury or family emergency. Time-off during program hours is not available for personal time or vacations.

Weekends/Days Off

Staff are on their own over the weekends unless the schedule indicates otherwise. Check with other staff members about weekend activities. Due to insurance liabilities, program vehicles are off-limits for weekend staff activities.

Schedules vary by program, but every staff member will have one or two free days during the program. Meals are on your own on your days off unless otherwise indicated.

Direct Deposit & Paychecks

We have two primary pay periods during MT/MR; a third for coordinators and those serving during Safety Training 2. Direct deposit will be available to you as an independent contractor. In order to participate in direct deposit, you will be required to provide the MK Office with a signed copy of your W9, as well as copy of a voided check or direct deposit enrollment form. These documents must be submitted to the MK Office by May 16 using our secure server: uploads.ag.org. If you do not submit your documents by May 16 or choose not to participate in direct deposit, you will receive paper checks at the end of each pay period.

Timekeeping & Time Cards

No timeclocks are required due to the contract system. A representative from the MK Office will take attendance each day. Any absences during a specific pay period will be subtracted from that pay period’s paycheck. You will not be compensated for lost time.

Travel Reimbursement

The MK Office has researched the cost of travel (based on air travel) from your address listed on your application. That information has been recorded in our database and has been applied on your application. That information has been recorded in our database and has been applied to your contract total amount. The maximum amount of travel allowance is capped at $500. If you are within driving distance (over 45 miles), your travel allowance will be based on mileage at $0.45/mile. You will not need to turn in receipts to the MK Office, but it is advised to keep them for tax purposes. Your estimated travel expense will be included on your first check.

Termination

Termination is the last resort in resolving any staff problem. Grounds for termination are:
1. A staff member not fulfilling their responsibilities after repeated attempts to resolve the difficulty. (e.g. not abiding by handbook policies)
2. Any kind of sexual harassment, abuse, or improper sexual behavior by a staff member, in accordance with Headquarters procedures and policy.
3. Any kind of substance abuse by a staff member.
4. Theft, or “borrowing” things on a non-return basis.

Termination procedures are as follows:
1. The staff member in question will meet with the Coordinator and MK Program Manager.
2. The MK Office will listen to others involved.
3. A decision will be made.

Program Expectations

Confidentiality & MK Warning Signs

The role of MK Program coordinator/staff is to be a friend to the MKs in your program. As a friend you may observe behaviors which are warning signs or red flags indicating serious issues. It’s hard to judge MK’s behaviors when you have only spent a short time with them. Be careful not to read too much into behaviors you observe, but be mindful of some of the warning signs below. Please let the MK Office know if you think there may be a serious problem with an MK.

We are here to minister to and protect MKs. MKs may share things in confidence with you. For the most part, shared information can be kept confidential. However, if an MK expressly states that he/she is thinking about harming themselves, harming another person, or discloses some form of abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual abuse), please alert a coordinator immediately. Coordinator, please alert the MK Program Manager immediately. The MK Office will handle the issue from that point on. We are blessed to have accessibility to counselors for our MK and missionary family.

Warning Signs:
Please alert the MK Program Manager if these signs are present in any MK in your program.
• Wears long sleeved shirt everyday during summer
• Attempts to stay covered up at all times, even when swimming (Cutters tend to cut upper arms, stomach, and thighs)
• Steals sharp objects or has many of them in their possession
• Avoids eating in public
• Heads straight to the restroom every time after eating
• Corroded teeth or finger nails
• Becomes physically upset in order to make themselves vomit
• Random bruises on body (this could also be a sign of abuse)
• Hits themselves repetitively
• Speaks poorly of their self worth
• Acts sneaky and paranoid
• Is extremely dependent upon another person
• Lies about almost everything
• Frequently asks for medications

Discipline for MKs

Discipline and punishment are two different things. Discipline is training that corrects, molds, or perfects mental faculties or moral character. Punishment is suffering pain or loss that serves as retribution for a wrong. It is not the role of the ISMK program summer staff to punish anyone. Good discipline policies in ISMK program can begin the process of discipleship—learning to live like Christ.

The ISMK program uses two forms of discipline: preventative discipline and responsive discipline. Preventative discipline within your program will avoid most issues that arise during MT/ PFO and MR any kind of responsive discipline required beyond the most basic of correction is the responsibility of the Program Coordinator or the MK Office.

When dealing with any discipline issues, please remember that the MK Office does not allow any form of physical punishment in any program! Even if parents approve of spanking, swatting, or restraining their child, we do not allow any of these disciplines/punishments in any form in any program. This policy protects both the MKs and all of our staff. If parents have questions about the discipline policy, please send them to the MK Office to discuss the issue.

Below are two sections with tips on discipline you may find helpful, depending on the age of MKs you are working with.

Preventative discipline with children
• Communicate your expectations: State the rules clearly and stick to them. Bending the rules only confuses children. A good broad set of rules that covers most situations is this: respect God, respect people (including yourself), and respect our classroom.
• Use distraction: when tempers escalate, remove the MK from the situation before an issue arises.
• Catch misbehavior before it happens and remind MKs of the rules.
• Avoid situations that trigger conflict.
• Be clear and direct in your instructions. Do not leave them open to “interpretation.”
• Use positive language instead of threats. For example, it is better to say, “Your feet need to stay on the floor,” than to say, “If you don’t get off the table right now, I’m going to put you in a time-out.”
• Choose your battles. Some issues are just not worth a conflict . A good rule of thumb when to intervene is if someone is getting hurt (physically, emotionally or spiritually) someone is getting angry, or something is being damaged.

Responsive Discipline with children

• Respond immediately. Depending on the age of the MK, their memories are short. You cannot deal now with a discipline issue that happened earlier today.
• Move to the area of trouble. Solve the problem with action as well as words. This will mean you have to get out of your seat.
• Use the MK’s name to get his attention.
• Explain to the MK what she did wrong in terms she can understand.
• Acknowledge any negative feelings the MK may have.
• Redirect undesired behavior. Move the MK away from the situation, remove the source of conflict and provide another activity.
• Immediately stop mistreatment of others.
• Have the MK apologize for any behaviors that have negatively affected others.
• Time-outs: If a child will not respond to redirection, sit her alone in a quiet place. After the time-out ends, help the MK become involved in an activity. Stay nearby to insure the negative behavior in not repeated. If necessary, repeat the time out.
• At the point that a time-out is needed, please release the issue to the responsibility of the program coordinator. If the problem persists, the MK Office will respond as needed.

Coordinators, please make sure you are familiar with the “Policies and Procedures” section of your curriculum for more detailed information on discipline, and for information on communicating with parents about injuries or negative behaviors.

Responsive discipline with older children and adolescents
The following guidelines were adapted from Dr. Rohm of Personality Insights, Inc. (1993).
When the Discipline Problem Arises the First Time:
• Get the MK alone—no one likes to be embarrassed.
• Explain the problem as you see it. Be gentle and use the words “This is how I see it.”
• Be willing to take the blame—say, “Am I doing something wrong?” Remember to watch your tone of voice and that God gives grace to the humble ( see James 4:6-10).
• Ask them to explain the problem as they see it. Focus on asking questions rather than making dogmatic statements. Be careful not to use the words “always” and “never.” Ask them if they “plan on keeping this (the particular behavior) up.”
• Get a commitment—come to a mutual understanding. You explain the commitment to them and have them explain the commitment to you. Get a handshake from them as a reinforcement of the commitment.
• Set the time—get a good fresh start. You may want to start the commitment period at the beginning of the next week, next grading period, etc. You can say “the next few days will be a trial run and then we’ll start fresh on Monday.”

When the Same Problem Arises Again:
• Appeal to the conscience—this was the key approach to the ministry of Jesus (see John 4:7-29; John 8:3-11). Ask the MK, “Does this (behavior) violate your commitment?” Focus on the commitment rather than the breach of behavior.
• Seek to win their spirit—your goal is not to be right or to win the battle. Your goal is to disciple them (see Luke 6:40; James 5:19-20). Typically, appealing to their conscience will win their spirit.
• Ask for an apology—not for your sake, but for their sake (see 1 John 1:9).
• Clean the slate—get a good fresh start (see Romans 8:1). If an MK does not respond to repeated attempts to win their spirit, it may be a sign of a hard heart which may require firm action in the future in terms of their continued enrollment in the program.

As a member of the ISMK staff, if you feel frustrated with behavior issues, please discuss those issues with your program coordinator or the MK Office. The MK Office is available to help you and serve you. We want to protect the MKs and their families and provide a safe, fun environment for learning and play. Take the approach of finding out why a child is having disciplinary problems. It could be from jet lag, being off their schedule, separation anxiety, attention-getting, etc. Once the source of misbehavior is discovered, you can deal with it. In general, give the rules from the very beginning and expect the MKs to follow them. Tell them what they can and cannot do. Explain that this is the way it is, and why. Always consult your coordinator when problems arise.

Parents

Every parent has been charged by God with the responsibility of raising their child as a servant of Him. Our role in the MK program is to come alongside parents and work with them to help accomplish this goal.

ISMK staff are expected to maintain a friendly, helpful, and courteous attitude toward parents at all times. Even if there is conflict, please do not confront or engage in confrontation with a parent. Respond to parents rather than reacting to them.

Listen to them, even in the case of conflict. Make sure they know that you understand what they have said by restating and rephrasing their concerns back to them. Ask for clarification and verification when needed, and remember to have an attitude of service to the parents of MKs. If you have made a mistake or inconvenienced a parent, please apologize. As a staff member of ISMK, you represent the entire MK program to parents.

Please report any conflict or confrontation with a parent honestly and openly to your program coordinator without delay.

Parent Perceptions

As a staff member of ISMK, you represent the entire MK program to parents.

MT/PFO is the first extended introduction to the MK program new missionary families receive. And MR is possibly the first face-to-face contact veteran missionary families have had with the MK program in four years. Therefore, how you treat MKs and their parents during the summer program has a profound impact on the parents’ overall perception of the MK program. Since we deal with parents’ perceptions, it is vital that we build their trust. This means that we endeavor to run a quality program. We work to respect parents’ feelings and be aware of their impressions. We return on time from off-campus activities. We keep parents informed of what is happening in their children’s programs. We keep their children engaged and occupied right up until they are picked up. Every aspect of the ISMK program needs to build parental trust in our ability to minister to their children.

We want parents to feel that the MK program is:
• A safe place for their children, and safety-conscious for their children
• Concerned about the spiritual welfare of their MK
• Helping to support missionary families by helping MKs with adjustments
• Always available to work with the parent and listen to their needs

When parents drop off their children in the morning and when they pick up their children at the end of the day, it is important that they have total confidence in the MK program.

Late Pickup of MKs

Parents are expected to pick up their MKs immediately after their sessions have ended. Parents who do not pick up their MKs within 15 minutes after their session ends will be charged a $5 surcharge for every additional 15 minutes they are late. The 15 minute grace period will begin after the session officially ends and the first parent arrives to pick up a child.

Coordinators will keep a list of late parents and submit it to the MK Office. These lists should include the missionary’s name, how many minutes they were late, and the amount of
surcharge. Do not collect the money from the parents. Simply inform them that the charge(s) will be shown on their monthly statement from AGWM as a personal expense.

Staff Meetings

You are required to attend your program’s morning staff meetings. This time will be used for prayer and preparation for the day within your program. Anticipate that MKs will start arriving at least 15 minutes before the program begins each day, and plan staff meetings accordingly.

Buses/Vans

The MK program frequently travels off campus for activities. Our means of transportation to and from these activities are leased school buses and 12-passenger vans.

Please make sure everyone in your vehicle remains seated while traveling. Also, make sure you know who in your program (if anyone) is required by Missouri Law to be in a car seat for the type of vehicle you’ll be traveling in. Be diligent about making sure these MKs are always secured in their car seats when you travel. For any other questions related to transportation, please contact Sarah Goodapple in the MK Office.

Rules for the Bus
For the safety of all MKs and staff, we respect all Missouri state and federal laws for the transportation of minors on school buses.
• Every passenger on the bus is to remain seated at all times. This includes chiefs and staff members.
• Every child should ride in an appropriate restraining device. Information specific to the children in your program will be covered during your training week.
• The aisles of the bus must remain clear at all times. It is against the law to place backpacks, coolers or other cargo in the aisles, including at the back. Cargo should be placed on or under empty seats.
• Always obey the instructions of the driver, and require the children in your care to do so as well.
• Monitor children carefully while entering and exiting the bus. It is very easy for a small child to fall under the bus, or off the stairs and get injured.
• While it is MK culture to sing MK songs on the bus, please be aware that excessive noise-level may be a hazard to the driver.
• The buses are leased and ISMK pays for any and all damage done to the vehicle while in our possession. Please do your best to avoid damage to the buses or vans.

Logistics and Other Details

Badges/Security

In an effort to make the campus as safe as possible, everyone is required to wear their name badge at all times. These name badges are our way of identifying who is a part of the program. If you ever see a suspicious person or activity, please report it to the MK Office or campus security right away.

Meals

On days you are required to serve the MK Program, two meals will be provided by ISMK. Lunch will be served at the Fusion Center at the scheduled time (see calendar) and dinner will be provided at the Lamplighter Inn – North at 6:00 pm (unless otherwise stated). Breakfast will be served daily at the Lamplighter Inn – North during their posted hours. On occasion, meals will be “In Program.” Please see the calendar for these dates.

A meal schedule will be provided and those with food allergies will be able to plan accordingly. The MK Program will not provide additional meals for those with food allergies as it is to difficult to please everyone.

For Parents:
All MK meals will be the responsibility of the MK’s parents, with the exception of those listed as “In program” meals. These meal times will be clearly stated on the provided MT/MR and Safety Training schedules.

Snacks

Snacks are provided for the MKs and staff in each program. We are one of few organizations which provide snacks for our employees. In most situations, employees are expected to pay for snacks personally.

Please follow these guidelines:
1. Snacks are for snack time only.
2. Snack in moderation to protect your health and to be a good example.
3. Snacks are for work hours only. The purpose in providing snacks is to give nourishment, quick energy, and to quench thirst during work hours.
4. Snacks should be eaten only from the program that you work. Each program has snacks allotted for them.
5. Remember that snacks are provided primarily because of the MKs in your program.

Abuse of rules may result in loss of privileges. Please be respectful of the provided guidelines.

Mail and Messages

You may have mail sent to you during the summer in care of the MK Office. Feel free to forward any mail that you will need during your time in Springfield. However, it is important to remember the MK Office is not responsible for lost mail or time delays in delivery. Also, please be aware that all mail is opened and read by the NLRC staff. If your mail is of sensitive nature, be sure to have the sender write “Personal & Confidential” on the evenlope.

If you have mail forwarded to you, it needs to be addressed as follows:
Your Name
c/o MK Office
1445 N. Boonville Avenue
Springfield, MO 65802

The MK Office will pick the mail up and deliver it to the the Evangel MK Office. It will be filed alphabetically in our staff hanging files. Please notify the MK Office ahead of time if you plan on receiving a larger package or time sensitive mail.

Medical Needs

For MKs
When an MK shows signs of illness or injury, talk with your coordinators first. Your coordinator will contact the MK Office. We will then get in touch with the parents and proceed with care.

For Staff
If you are sick or injured during program hours, please let your coordinator(s) know as soon as possible. It is your responsibility to let your coordinators know you will not be in program BEFORE your scheduled shift begins. If you need medical care, it will be necessary to arrange a visit to a clinic or hospital. IMG (which is the insurance carried by most AG missionaries) is accepted at all Cox medical facilities. You will be required to present your personal primary insurance card at time of service. Please let the MK Office know if you are going to a clinic, so we can give you information regarding secondary insurance provided by the MK program.

Clean Up & Packing

All staff are expected to assist fully with the clean up and pack up of your program. Your coordinator will have information from the MK Office about inventory and packing procedures.

Telephones

It is recommended that you use your personal cell phone while staying at Evangel University. Please do not use Evangel phone for any outgoing calls, with the exception of placing calls to other rooms at Evangel.

Theft and Loss

Neither Evangel University, Central Assembly, nor AGWM is responsible for stolen or lost items. Take every necessary precaution to protect your material goods. Lock your room doors, lock your car doors, and keep an eye on any personal belongings in public places. Theft has occurred in previous years, so please be careful with your belongings.

If you lose something, check with the MK Office or AGWM’s information desk located on the first floor of Central Assembly. If you find something that does not belong to you, please turn it in to the MK Office. Any lost property that remains unclaimed after all the staff have checked out will become property of the MK Office.

Social Life

Romances

Romancing and flirting with fellow staff during program hours is discouraged. Occasionally, healthy romances have found their beginnings at MT-PFO/MR. This is permitted as long as it take place exclusively during a staff member’s personal time and does not interfere with their work responsibilities. Public displays of affection are not allowed. Romances between staff and MKs in the program are strictly prohibited.

Visitors

Do not invite visitors to see you during work hours. This disrupts the dynamics of the program. You may invite visitors to the Lamplighter Inn; however, they will not be permitted to participate in meal times, as we have planned for a certain number of people. Also, please do not visit fellow staff members in their program rooms unless you have a valid program-related reason to do so. Visitors are not approved to be at MuKappa at any time.