Volunteer handbook · Camp TLC
Camp TLC policy and Camp John Marc home-site procedures — ethics, roles, emergency runbooks, medical guidance, and week schedules. Use counselor search to find a topic; bookmark the Volunteer handbook for season contacts and prep.
How to read this page
This handbook is policy and safety — not clinical care. When a camper or counselor needs licensed support, follow the escalation ladder: nurse, unit lead, or program director. Activity facilitation lives in the web app guides plus Shared language and Counselor wellness.
Campers choose their level in every activity — cheer or offer an alternate, never pressure. In SQUAD guides use pass is OK. See Boundaries on the Volunteer handbook.
Verify camp phone numbers and 2026 staffing counts each season. Directors update live contacts on the Volunteer handbook before deploy.
Post these numbers in cabins and staff areas. Full runbooks: TLC emergency summary and Camp John Marc procedures (2026).
Tutorial path for new counselors — do these before the first activity block. Directors verify contacts each season.
When facilitation is not enough — for campers or for you. Say the step aloud if it helps you stay calm.
The mission of Camp TLC is to provide a safe and fun environment where children with Spina Bifida can explore nature, try new experiences in a safe, supported environment, make friends with other children facing their same challenges, and strive for greater independence.
Statement Regarding Non-Discrimination The policy of Camp TLC to afford equal opportunity for volunteer staff to all individuals.
Volunteers will be selected based on qualifications necessary to perform the job (such as experience, knowledge, education, mental and physical skill, and ability to be a positive role model for children). The volunteer selection process shall be free from any discrimination based on an individual's race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. Camp TLC will take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity to all individuals in a positive program of non-discrimination in all areas of volunteer service, including, but not limited to, recruiting, selection and training. This same policy extends to our campers.
Camp John Marc inspires confidence for life through high-quality camping programs for children, teens and families. Year round programming and specialized camp facilities are uniquely designed in partnership with Dallas-Fort Worth area pediatric hospitals, community volunteers, and health organizations who are dedicated to serving campers living with chronic medical and physical challenges. The dignity of each camper is nurtured at Camp John Marc as well as in the community through its outreach programs.
Staff/volunteers must comply with this Code of Ethics throughout placement and continued involvement with Camp John Marc and in affiliation with the sponsoring organization. I understand that violation of the previously stated standards will be regarded as engaging in unethical behavior that is grounds for immediate termination of roles and responsibilities.
HIPAA, abuse reporting, dress code, and conduct — in the volunteer handbook.
Special Camps for Special Kids is a united group of individuals, organizations, and camps which support and seek to improve camping programs for children with chronic illnesses, major physical disabilities and their siblings. Special Camps for Special Kids established Camp John Marc, an organized residential camp, in 1987 to provide for these children valuable life experiences in a natural outdoor setting.
The essence of this camp program is: nurturing health-impaired children's positive self-image, providing peer interaction, allowing a chance for adventure and exploration in the great out-of-doors. Hopefully this will lead to an increased capacity to cope with their illness or disability.
Camp John Marc utilizes community and medical volunteers to provide program support and quality medical care and treatment in the camp setting. The governing board of Camp John Marc believes in the campers' right to discovery and adventure in nature's world, and in their chance to see, touch, play, and feel better.
Camp John Marc Environmental Statement GIVEN the rapid depletion of the earth’s physical and biological capacity to support life; And GIVEN organized camping’s unique mission to the nurture of human growth and development within the natural setting indigenous to the camp experience WE, the providers/administrators of the camp experience, RESOLVE to:
Actively perpetuate the concept of human beings as caretakers of the natural world:
Through our camp’s operational practices Through dynamic educational programs which effectively impact the life-style practices of our campers and staff To preserve the natural environment of the sites which we administer and use To support the preservation of open space; clean air, water and soil; and the conservation of plants and wildlife.
Spina bifida is a birth defect known as a neural tube defect (NTD) that happens during the first month of pregnancy, when the spine does not close properly while the baby is developing. In severe cases, the spinal cord protrudes through the back and may be covered by skin or a thin membrane. This opening is closed through surgery either in utero or at time of birth. Which parts of the body are impaired, and how much, depends on the area/level of the spinal cord that is affected.
Because of spinal cord damage, people with spina bifida often need crutches, braces or wheelchairs, as well as physical therapy, in order to attain mobility. They may also experience bowel and bladder complications. Food allergies, pressure sores and skin injuries (due to lack of feeling in the extremities) can also occur. . In addition, the majority of infants born with spina bifida require surgery to relieve the pressure of hydrocephalus, or fluid on the brain.
Hydrocephalus is controlled by a surgical procedure called “shunting,” which relieves the fluid build-up by redirecting it into the abdominal area.
Most campers have a scar on their back… this looks different for each camper depending on their opening / shape of spine / muscle formation.
Learning disabilities.
Individuals with Spina Bifida are at a slightly higher risk than the general public for learning differences, most frequently in abstract mathematics and areas requiring high organizational skills. You may also see a difficulty in how they process information or retaining steps to a process.
Video on Executive Dysfunction was provided… Please be sure you watched that prior to camp.
TLC Camp Director
TLC Camp Admin
Head Counselor(s)
Programs & Activity Supervisor(s)
SQUAD Leader(s)
Mentor Leader(s)
Camp Doctor / Medical Director
Nurse Coordinator
Cabin Nurse
Nurse Externs (SRH/UTSW nursing student)
Physical Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Child Life Specialist
The Cabin Counselor has the most direct contact with campers. There will be 3-4 counselors for 5-7 campers, and every effort will be made to have at least one experienced counselor in each cabin.
“Cabin Hosts” are CJM summer staffers who have the additional duty of helping to get your cabin settled on Sunday afternoon, helping with scheduling questions, helping your cabin at meal time. Some hosts have jobs that make it hard for them to spend much time with your cabin, such as those who work with horses or on the ropes course. It is not their job to help you take care of your campers. Do your best to make your cabin host feel like one of your cabin family and you will reap the rewards.
Communication Communication Communication!!!!
There is a lot of physical labor that comes with this job. Unless you are unable for physical reasons to lift, you are expected to help with transfers. We try not to put 2 counselors with lift limitations in the same cabin, so it’s important that you disclose any limitations to us.
You will learn safe lifting techniques during training. These techniques are safe for the camper, and safe for your back.
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Here are a few keys to being the best Counselor – Side Walker – Volunteer you can be:
Being Child -Focused
LIMIT GIFTS You are not obligated to bring anything but your patience, energy and good humor to share with your campers. It is OK if you decide to bring small things to share, or something of little or no monetary value for all your campers.
Bandanas / temporary Tattoos / string to make friendship bracelets / glow sticks / nail polish Rule of thumb is bring enough for everyone and NO LATEX (rubber) Camper Medical Reviews During onsite training, the medical director will conduct a session where they will answer any questions about spina bifida, explain how we deliver medical services at camp, and explain the roles of the medical staff. You will have a cabin team medical meeting with the Doctor and Nurse and Child Life where they will go over each camper’s medical history and care plan.
You will have the opportunity to ask specific camper questions during that time.
Paying attention during the medical review is critical.
If a co-counselor misses the review, Please update them with knowledge you learned.
In addition you will receive a form of info the parents fill out that will be a useful tool for you to determine how much help the parent thinks a camper needs to accomplish various tasks such as dressing and toileting. You will get this information prior to the arrival of campers - Please familiarizing yourself with the information.
This policy states that no volunteer, staff, counselor, or medical personnel will be alone with a camper or campers in a private place (a place out of view and ear shot of other adults).
Following this policy while providing personal care and trying to provide as much privacy as possible to a camper can be a challenge. If you are in a stall with a camper, you should have the curtain slightly open. It is a good practice to have a second counselor out by the sink area if you are alone in a stall helping a camper.
NO ISOLATED MOMENTS protects campers against child abuse, and it protects volunteers and staff against false accusation. It is probably the single most effective measure we take at camp to insure no child is ever exploited while at camp. We are very serious about this policy.
No excuses.
Sometimes a disappearing co-counselor will cause you to get caught in an isolated moment.
Look for help in the cabin across your breezeway. You can use the cabin intercom to try to get someone from the med shed to help you. If you see someone in an inadvertent isolated moment, help them out. We are all in this together.
For this safeguard to work, we all must be vigilant about the policy. This includes the Med Staff – Therapists – Camp Directors – Camp John Marc Staff – Counselors - Side walkers.
We ask that no one take photos inside the cabin, because people are frequently not fully dressed. Also, regarding your personal photos, you are welcome to take photos as mementos, however, you may not use these photos for any other purpose, including a school project, without Camp Director approval, who would gain written permission from the parents of campers. NO “SOCIAL MEDIA“(Facebook, Instagram, Snap Chat, TikTok, etc) posting of photos. And you should not disclose the names of the campers in your photos to anyone.
We ask that all photos taken on your devices be uploaded to Camp TLC in the manner provided at Training. You should not have photos of campers on your device that you have not submitted.
Taking Breaks You cannot provide the best experience for the campers if you are exhausted. This is much more physical activity than most of us are used to, the days are long, and it can be emotional at times. You MUST schedule and take one break each day.
If you are NOT assigned to a Project… this will be your daily break time. Horses or other activities that don’t require a lot of adult supervision are good times to choose for your break time. Work it out with your fellow counselors or discuss with Head counselor.
Bad time to schedule a break: boating or pool time. CJM staff needs maximum numbers for safety during these activities.
Nap in your cabin * Make Phone Calls * check Emails * Shower with Privacy * sit & enjoy the outdoors on a swing or bench Break time is also good for snacking and Caffeine intake. Volunteers should bring their own individual snacks, which we store in a small room with a refrigerator in the Silo Building. There will be “communal snacks” in that room.
You could bring enough to share Sodas too!
Snacking should not be done in the presence of the campers.
DO NOT BRING NUT / PEANUT BUTTER PRODUCTS.
The “disappearing counselor”. This is a common complaint, and you really negatively affect cabin life if you are not there when you are supposed to be. Counselors disappear for various
The best way to tell a camper you will not give contact information is to tell them that you will not be allowed to return to camp if you break this camp rule. ~~ Julie says NO!
The good news is that we don’t have many! Our campers are so grateful for this experience, that serious behavior problems are almost non-existent. Here are some occasional problems:
The “too needy” camper.
LOVEsick Camper
ADULT Drawn Campers
For any emergencies at Camp John Marc, the CJM Camp Director, Ian McKenzie, shall coordinate all emergency readiness and response activities. If the CJM Camp Director is not onsite during the emergency, the member of the CJM Director Team, comprised of the CJM Camp Director and CJM Assistant Directors, serving as the “point person” will assume these duties.
Camp Emergency Response Team (CERT)
fire in the cabin, move all campers, volunteers, and staff to the Muster Zone. One partner camp counselor should notify other cabins to do the same. Another partner camp counselor should notify the CERT.
fire in the Dining Hall cabin groups will leave the building at the nearest available exit. Partner camp counselors and CJM staff will take campers to a secondary muster zone and take a head count.
fire elsewhere on camp property other than the Dining Hall (including activity areas, activity and medical buildings, etc.), move all campers, volunteers, and staff the Muster Zone. A partner camp counselor or CJM staff member should notify the CERT using a 2-way radio or the intercom system.
SEVERE WEATHER PLAN Camp John Marc utilizes a real-time weather forecasting service that includes NWS alerts and lightning detection using an on-site weather station.
The CJM Director team will monitor the likelihood of inclement weather and plan activity adjustments accordingly.
If lightning is detected within a 10-mile radius of camp, one long air horn blast will automatically sound from the Dining Hall, and a strobe light will activate on the Dining Hall roof.
A member of the CJM Director team will notify all outdoor activities to move immediately to either the Dining Hall or Silo to proceed with camp activities.
30 minutes after the last lightning strike within the 10-mile radius, 3 air horn blasts will sound and the strobe light on the Dining Hall will turn off to indicate that outdoor activities may resume.
If a NWS alert is issued for a Tornado Warning, everyone on site will be moved from the Silo to the Silo Basement. An announcement will be made over the PA system and 2-way radios to seek shelter immediately. In the event that a Tornado Warning is issued suddenly, and without a prior Tornado Watch, announcements will be made over the PA system, 2-way radios, and intercom system to seek shelter immediately.
Intruder Policy and Lockdown Response It is important that Emergency Procedures / Protocols include a plan for responding to mass violent behavior & other situations that require a lockdown response. Due to recent active shooter situations, CJM’s plan includes specific references to responding to an active shooter.
However, the lockdown response plan should be engaged anytime there is a situation where an aggressor is trying to harm a group at Camp. Additionally, there may be times when the basic principles of the plan; remain calm, seek safety, and alert others, should be employed when there is NO aggressor, but instead another dangerous situation that requires similar action (sudden wildfire threat, toxic event, imminent storm)
CJM Intruder Policy If a CJM staff member sees an unidentified/unknown person at Camp they will initiate the CJM intruder policy. Volunteers will be trained to alert a CJM staff member if they see an unidentified/unknown person at Camp. If a CJM staff member is not present, the person who perceives the threat should initiate the plan. The KEY components of the
If you do NOT perceive a threat…
If you DO perceive a threat…
LOCKDOWN RESPONSE PLAN Responding to a situation that requires a Lockdown response, which includes but is not limited to an active shooter, is a dynamic situation. Your response will be based on the specific situation you encounter. However, 3 basic principles remain for any situation:
Responding to LOCKDOWN situation on Camp Grounds (danger NOT immediate) If you hear “Camp John Marc is in Lockdown” on the camp radio system, that means there is a violent or dangerous situation on the camp grounds. The situation may or may not be an
Responding to Dangerous Situation in your presence If there is an active shooter or other dangerous situation in your presence, the decision to escape or seek shelter can only be made by you and is dependent upon circumstances. Follow the principles below in making your decisions:
Full home-site emergency procedures — muster zones, CERT roles, weather, intruder lockdown.
Universal Precautions For 6 days, approximately 200 children and adults will be living together in a communal environment. We recognize that all should understand precautions to minimize risk of disease transmissions.
Prescription Medications –
Suspected abuse: call DFPS 1-800-252-5400 or txabusehotline.org. Notify Camp TLC leadership immediately. Call 911 if anyone is in immediate danger.
Child abuse includes sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect.
It is not uncommon for a camper to reveal things at camp to a trusted counselor — often because they feel safe at camp.
Immediate danger: call 911. For non-emergency law enforcement at Camp John Marc (Bosque County): 254-435-2362 or 254-435-2363.
Suspected abuse or neglect (primary report):
Texas Family Code §261.101 requires any person who suspects child abuse or neglect to report immediately.
After your DFPS report: Texas youth-camp law also requires camp leadership to notify the DSHS Youth Camp Program. You do not need to make that second call yourself unless directed — see Texas youth camp law & reporting in the reference library.
24/7 reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect — phone 1-800-252-5400 or secure online form.
DFPS hotline, DSHS youth-camp licensing, dual reporting, and 2025 legislation — official Texas contacts.
HIPAA, abuse reporting, dress code, and conduct — in the volunteer handbook.
Lack of sensation leads to burns and scrapes and other wounds in lower limbs and feet.
Camp is a more physical activity than most of our campers are used to. Be sensitive to energy levels. Encourage naps at rest time, and don’t let them stay up too late. Pace your cabin’s activities as much as you are able.
Some medicines taken by kids with SB may cause them to easily overheat. The best defense is drinking plenty of water. We usually have water bottles donated to us, and there is chilled water at every activity site. Make it a game to drink water as a cabin.
Hey, we’re outdoors – what did you expect? There is a “prevention table” outside the dining hall with sun block and bug spray. Those tube socks with the yellow powder seeping out of them are for chigger prevention. Knock them against your ankles. Remember, an SB camper is not going to feel it if you mistakenly park their chair on an ant hill and the ants begin to attack his feet. BE CAREFUL!
HIPAA an acronym for a federal law intended to increase patient privacy. There are potential criminal penalties for HIPAA violations. For our purposes at camp, here are some guidelines:
Younger cabins are “scheduled” and older cabins have “free choice”. A scheduled cabin does all activities as a cabin group, and their schedule is set by Camp John Marc. Counselors in scheduled cabins are always with their cabins during activity times (unless on a scheduled break.) You will receive a daily schedule for your whole cabin to follow.
Free choice campers have some input into their activities, then CJM staff devises individual schedules which will put a camper with other campers outside his cabin group for part of the day. Campers are given a paper schedule for their reference individually at breakfast each day. CJM staff will also place cabin counselors in free choice activities and give you a schedule. Unless you are on a scheduled break, you should be at that activity. You don’t need to worry about keeping up with free choice campers while they are scattered at different activities. Believe it or not, it doesn’t cause a supervision problem.
Communication, Teamwork, Role Modeling, Empathy, Possibility & Perseverance, Authenticity, and Advocacy.
Camp TLC, along with Camp John Marc, is able to offer campers so many new experiences and experiences that may not be possible without the adaptation that Camp TLC and Camp John Marc are able to provide. One of those experiences is sleeping out.
Camp TLC believes that for many campers, camp is the only place they will ever get the opportunity to experience sleeping outside in nature under the stars. Camp TLC also believes that sleep out as well as all camp activities are challenge by choice activities.
Sleep Out Opt In/Out Procedure Campers are presented with the opportunity to sleep out on Sunday during Project/Free Choice selections. All campers will be encouraged to participate in sleep out and all camp activities.
Camp TLC Counselor Expectation
If for any reason a camper becomes unsure or concerned about sleeping out at a sleep out site, Counselors and Camp John Marc staff are encouraged to work with the concerned or worried camper to make them feel more comfortable and safe. If additional help Camp John Marc staff should notify Camp TLC Directors or the camp child life specialist in order to provide appropriate additional support to the camper.
If a camper needs to be transported back to the cabin, Camp John Marc staff will notify Camp TLC Director who will provide adequate supervision for transportation back to cabin, as well as make overnight arrangements.
These locations are subject to change… any updates are posted in the cabin at camp.
- Evening Activities Sunday Grill Out and Welcome to Camp @ Chapel
Monday TOY SOTRY Theme Night – WEAR TLC THEME SHIRT ALL DAY
Tuesday Cookout
Wednesday Water Extravaganza (afternoon)
Thursday Toy Story THURSDAY Party Night!
Season leadership and on-call numbers. Confirm current contacts in your printed volunteer packet or with the program director before camp.
For Spina Bifida Association of North Texas (SBANT) organization contact, see spinabifidant.org.
**Source:** [Camp TLC Volunteer Packing List.pdf](../assets/camp-tlc/Camp-TLC-Volunteer-Packing-List.pdf) (Desktop TLC folder, June 2026)
**Source:** [Camp TLC SQUAD SCHEDULE.pdf](../assets/camp-tlc/Camp-TLC-SQUAD-SCHEDULE.pdf)
SQUAD campers are ages 16–17. They participate in the adaptive SQUAD program (self-respect, quality, unity, adventure, determination) with **bright yellow lanyards** for identification.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00–8:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00–10:00 | Activity 1 |
| 10:40–11:40 | Activity 2 |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch |
| 12:35–1:35 | Rest / break |
| 1:40 PM | Word of the Day |
| 2:00–3:10 | Projects |
| 3:30–4:30 | Activity 3 |
| 5:00–6:00 | Activity 4 |
| 6:30 PM | Dinner |
| Day | Evening |
|---|---|
| Monday | Theme night 7:00–8:30 |
| Tuesday | Cookout at treehouse 6:30–8:45 |
| Wednesday | Water games afternoon; campout at Silo; activity 7:30–8:30 |
| Thursday | Party night 7:30–8:45 |
**Counselor guides:** SQUAD session activities are in the Camp TLC web app (`/#squad-heading`). This schedule is the **camp-week clock**; activity guides are the **facilitation scripts**.
Typical Daily Schedule for a CJM Summer Camp 8:30 Breakfast 9:15-10:15 Activity 1 10:25-11:25 Activity 2 11:45 Lunch 12:45-1:45 Rest 1:50-2:05 Word of the Day, please gather in front of the Dining Hall 2:10-3:20 Projects 3:30-3:40 Snack, please gather in front of the Dining Hall 3:50-4:50 Activity 3 5:00-6:00 Activity 4 6:00-6:20 Cabin Time 6:30 Dinner 7:30 Evening Activity Typical Daily Schedule for a CJM Weekend Camp 8:30 Breakfast 9:30-10:30 Activity 1 10:40-11:40 Activity 2 12:00 Lunch 12:45-1:45 Rest 2:00-3:00 Activity 3 3:10-4:10 Activity 4 4:20-5:20 Activity 5 5:30-6:00 Cabin Time 6:00 Dinner 7:00 Evening Activity
Extracted from the 2026 PDF for search and skim. Counselors: use Emergency quick reference on the handbook hub and TLC emergency summary. Directors: keep the synced PDF in docs/handbook/assets.
Emergency Response 2026 This plan is available on the Camp John Marc website at https://www.campjohnmarc.org/campers- families/camp-safety/. This plan will be provided to parents/guardians of campers and prospective campers either by email or as part of the registration process by the Partner Camp Director. Partner Camp Directors will document the distribution of this plan which can be made to the Texas Department of State Health Services upon request.
All CJM staff members receive in-person emergency preparedness training before assuming their roles at the start of each camp session. Training is conducted in person by the CJM Camp Director at the Silo. Upon completing training, each staff member signs a training log confirming their participation. Training records, including signed logs, are maintained by the CJM Camp Director and stored in a physical file at the Silo. These records are available for review by the Texas Department of State Health Services upon request. Each staff member is provided with a copy of these plans, and the plans are posted in the main office (Children’s Building) at all times.
Partner camp volunteers and staff receive the same in-person emergency preparedness training before each camp session in which they participate. No staff member or volunteer assumes their role before completing this training. Upon completing training, each partner staff member and volunteer signs a training log confirming their participation. This documentation can be shared with the Texas Department of State Health Services upon request.
As of 3/30/2026 Contents Camp Emergency Preparedness Coordinator ....................................................... 3 Camp Emergency Response Team (CERT) ............................................................. 3 Parent/Guardian Notification Process .................................................................. 4 Muster Zones ........................................................................................................ 4 Camper Accountability ......................................................................................... 4 PA System Independence ..................................................................................... 5 Floodplain Disclosure ........................................................................................... 5 Redundant Internet .............................................................................................. 5 Emergency Procedures ......................................................................................... 5 A. Lost Camper ..................................................................................................... 5 B. Severe Weather ................................................................................................. 6
As of 3/30/2026 Camp Emergency Preparedness Coordinator For any emergencies at Camp John Marc, the CJM Camp Director, Ian McKenzie, shall coordinate all emergency readiness and response activities. If the CJM Camp Director is not onsite during the emergency, the member of the CJM Director Team, comprised of the CJM Camp Director and CJM Assistant Directors, serving as the “point person” will assume these duties.
The Emergency Preparedness Coordinator can be reached by phone at (254) 635-8811 or by email at imckenzie@campjohnmarc.org. The Emergency Preparedness Coordinator (EPC) is responsible
(1) Developing, maintaining, and annually reviewing the Camp Emergency Action Plan; (2) Coordinating all emergency readiness activities before and during each camp session; (3) Serving as the primary point of contact for local authorities, Bosque County Emergency Management, and the Texas Department of State Health Services during an emergency; (4) Activating and directing the Camp Emergency Response Team (CERT) during an emergency; (5) Ensuring all staff and volunteers receive emergency preparedness training before assuming their roles; (6) Maintaining records of all emergency training and drills; (7) Ensuring emergency equipment (PA system, weather radios, 2-way radios, AED, fire extinguishers) is tested and operational before each camp session; (8) Notifying Bosque County Emergency Management of any updates or revisions to this Emergency Action Plan within 10 days of approval; (9) Overseeing parent/guardian notification during emergencies in coordination with the Partner Camp Director; (10) Coordinating with the CJM Facility Director to ensure all evacuation routes are posted and illuminated.
Camp Emergency Response Team (CERT)
As of 3/30/2026 All members of the CERT will carry 2-way radios at all times during camp sessions. Upon activation of any of the following emergency procedures (see part A – J), the CERT will receive notification of that process via these 2-way radios. The CJM Camp Director will update the camp administrative team consisting of, at a minimum, the CJM Executive Director upon activation of the following emergency procedures (see part A – J).
Parent/Guardian Notification Process If Camp John Marc activates an emergency procedure for which parents/guardian notification is deemed necessary and appropriate, the Camp Emergency Response Team (CERT) will implement
1) Members of the CERT will identify the campers involved in the emergency response.
2) For emergencies involving treatment by the camp medical team, the Partner Camp Medical Director will contact, by phone, the parents/guardians of the campers involved.
3) For all other emergencies, except the evacuation procedure, the CJM Camp Director and/or the Partner Camp Director will contact, by phone, the parent/guardians of the campers involved.
4) For the evacuation procedure, the CJM Camp Director and the Partner Camp Director will receive digital communication (email or text) from the CERT.
5) The details to be shared include, at a minimum, the following:
Muster Zones The muster zones used during emergencies shall be the following (see Exhibit C):
1) The Dining Hall 2) The Silo, if the Dining Hall is inaccessible 3) The Silo Basement, for weather related emergencies only Camper Accountability Within a cabin, each counselor should be aware of the number and names of campers. Whenever completing a roll call, campers names should be read aloud one by one. Whenever one of the policies below is initiated (see part A – M), counselors shall conduct a roll call before leaving their cabin or activity area and again immediately upon reaching the designated muster zone or shelter- in-place location. During any active emergency, roll call shall be repeated every 30 minutes until the emergency is resolved. Once all campers are accounted for, the counselor reports results to the Partner Camp Director and CJM Director Team.
As of 3/30/2026 PA System Independence Camp John Marc maintains a working emergency warning system capable of alerting all occupants of the camp during an emergency. The system consists of the following components: a Public Address (PA) system with speakers mounted on top of the Dining Hall, operating on battery backup; a cabin intercom system, also operating on battery backup; handheld 2-way radios carried by all CERT members at all times during camp sessions; an automated air horn signal and rooftop strobe light on the Dining Hall, activated upon lightning detection within a 10-mile radius; and the Perry Weather alert system for camp-wide notifications. This emergency warning system does not rely on internet connectivity to function. In the event of a localized or widespread internet outage, all emergency announcements and instructions will remain fully operational. For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, counselors assigned to their cabin will relay all emergency announcements directly and in person. The rooftop strobe light on the Dining Hall provides a visual alert signal for camp-wide emergencies. The CJM Camp Director is responsible for operating the PA system and cabin intercoms during an emergency. If the CJM Camp Director is unavailable, a CJM Assistant Camp Director will assume this responsibility.
Floodplain Disclosure In accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code requirements, Camp John Marc certifies that no portion of the camp’s property, including cabins, activity centers, or muster zones, is located within a 100-year floodplain. (Exhibit A) Redundant Internet Camp John Marc attests that it maintains a primary internet connection using connection using NextLink fixed wireless technology, as well as a secondary connection from Starlink using satellite internet technology. The CJM Facility Director is responsible for monitoring both the primary and secondary internet connections at all times during camp sessions and for notifying the CJM Camp Director immediately if either connection becomes unavailable.
A. Lost Camper If a camper is determined to be missing, the volunteer or staff member making the determination will contact a member of the CERT immediately via radio. A member of the CJM Director Team will check with each activity area via radio (Channel 1) to confirm the camper is not there. The CJM Camp Director will designate a person to search the most likely area for this camper (their cabin, last activity area, the Dining Hall, etc.). If the camper is not found within 5 minutes, the CJM Camp Director will notify staff and volunteers to muster in the Dining Hall using two-way radios and the cabin intercom system. Once at the Dining Hall, cabins should be seated at their assigned tables; partner camp counselors should take head counts of their campers and place one counselor in charge of the table.
When the Lost Camper procedure is implemented, the CJM Camp Director will call the As of 3/30/2026 Bosque County Sheri ’s office and the Bosque County O ice of Emergency Management — which operates independently from the Sheri ’s O ice — to inform them of the situation.
Both contacts should be made as soon as the Lost Camper procedure is activated. This should put authorities on alert, but they should not be immediately dispatched. If the lost camper is not found within 20 minutes of the start of the search, the Sheri ’s office will be called again, and a search and rescue e ort will be requested. The Partner Camp Director will complete the parent/guardian notification process. The timing of this notification is up to the discretion of the Partner Camp Director, but notification should occur no later than 30 minutes after the child was determined to be missing. CJM staff will complete a structured search of the camp facility and surrounding areas. Once the search is complete, the CJM Camp Director will notify the Sheri ’s O ice and CJM Executive Director regardless of the outcome.
B. Severe Weather Camp John Marc utilizes a real-time weather forecasting service that includes NWS alerts and lightning detection using an on-site weather station. The CJM Director team will monitor the likelihood of inclement weather and plan activity adjustments accordingly.
If lightning is detected within a 10-mile radius of camp, one long air horn blast will automatically sound from the Dining Hall, and a strobe light will activate on the Dining Hall roof. A member of the CJM Director team will notify all outdoor activities to move immediately to either the Dining Hall or Silo to proceed with camp activities.
30 minutes after the last lightning strike within the 10-mile radius, 3 air horn blasts will sound and the strobe light on the Dining Hall will turn o to indicate that outdoor activities may resume.
To ensure continuous monitoring during power or data failures, the CJM Director Team utilizes a dedicated NOAA Weather Radio. This serves as a primary backup to the on- site battery-powered weather station to receive National Weather Service alerts. In the event of a weather station failure, the CJM Camp Director will provide updates received by NOAA weather radio through the PA system, cabin intercom system, and 2-way radios. The on-call CJM Director, who rotates each night of the camp session, is responsible for monitoring both the weather station and the NOAA Weather Radio overnight. Upon receiving a weather alert, the on-call CJM Director will immediately relay the information to the CJM Camp Director and appropriate CERT members via 2-way radio.
If a Tornado Watch is issued for the entirety of Bosque County via NWS, staff will be placed on heightened alert. The CJM Camp Director will notify all kitchen and support staff to be prepared to take shelter in the event severe weather or shelter is needed. When a notification of a Tornado Watch is in effect via Perry Weather, the entire camp population will move to the Silo so that if the weather escalates to a Tornado Warning, they are in close proximity of the Silo Basement.
If a Tornado Warning is issued via NWS or Perry Weather for the county, if a tornado is spotted, or if conditions worsen to a dangerous point, staff will move the camp population immediately into the Silo Basement. The CJM Camp Director will notify the kitchen and support staff (including facility staff living on-site). A CJM Assistant Director will announce via the Perry Weather alert system for all camp areas to report to the Silo Basement immediately.
As of 3/30/2026 Silo Basement. Sta should aim to have the camp population in the Silo Basement within 2-3 minutes of an issued tornado warning.
The CJM Director team will continue to monitor the weather via radio and NWS updates.
. In the event that a Tornado Warning is issued suddenly, and without a prior Tornado Watch, announcements will be made over the PA system, 2-way radios, and intercom system to seek shelter immediately.
Where to take immediate cover if a tornado is spotted or a camp-wide announcement is
As of 3/30/2026
The CJM Camp Director will call the Bosque County Sheri ’s O ice (local law enforcement) to notify them of the procedure in progress. The CJM Camp Director will separately contact the Bosque County O ice of Emergency Management — which operates independently from local law enforcement — to inform them of the situation. The Partner Camp Director will complete the parent/guardian notification process. The timing of this notification is up to the discretion of the Partner Camp Director, but notification should occur no later than 30 minutes after the incident.
In the event of a fire in the cabin, counselors and staff move all campers, volunteers, and staff to the Dining Hall. One partner camp counselor should notify other cabins to do the same. Another partner camp counselor should notify the CERT. Evacuation plans are posted in cabins and in this plan (Exhibit B). Within the cabin, the likeliest exit will be the door farthest away from bathroom. If this door is blocked, head toward the other door or go through the windows.
In the event of a fire elsewhere on camp property other than the Dining Hall (including activity areas, activity and medical buildings, etc.), all campers, volunteers, and staff move to the Dining Hall. A partner camp counselor or CJM staff member should notify the CERT using a 2-way radio or the intercom system.
In the event of a fire in the Dining Hall, cabin groups will leave the building at the nearest available exit. Partner camp counselors and CJM staff will take campers to the Silo and take a head count.
Regardless of location, 9-1-1 should be called and attempts to suppress the fire should be made, using fire extinguishers, if volunteers or staff can do so safely. The CJM Camp Director will call the Bosque County Sheri ’s O ice (local law enforcement) to notify them of the fire. The CJM Camp Director will separately contact the Bosque County O ice of Emergency Management — which operates independently from local law enforcement — as soon as the fire is confirmed and 9-1-1 has been called. In the event of a fire, the partner camp counselor(s) in the a ected area are responsible for moving all campers to the designated muster zone. Upon reaching the muster zone, each partner camp counselor will immediately conduct a roll call of their cabin group and report results to the Partner Camp Director and CJM Director Team. Roll call will be repeated every 30 minutes until the emergency is resolved. The first available CJM staff member or partner camp counselor who is able to do so safely will call 9-1-1 immediately upon confirming a fire. The Partner Camp Director will initiate the parent/guardian notification process by text or email no later than 30 minutes after the fire is confirmed. The Facility Director may also use the on-site firetruck to contain the fire, if it is safe to do so. If the CJM Camp Director deems it appropriate, or is instructed to evacuate by local authorities, the Evacuation Plan will be As of 3/30/2026 implemented. The Parent/Guardian notification process will be initiated by the Partner Camp Director. The timing of this notification is up to the discretion of the Partner Camp Director, but notification should occur no later than 30 minutes after the incident.
LODGES FIRE EXIT PLAN As of 3/30/2026
SILO BASEMENT FIRE EXIT PLAN As of 3/30/2026
Prevention All aquatic activities are supervised by trained lifeguards while activities are in session. The CJM Pool gate is always locked when not in use. At the beginning of each session, campers are required to complete a swim check to assess their swimming ability. Before each swim session, campers are required to identify another camper to pair up with for a randomly conducted “buddy check” during the swim period, as recommended by the American Red Cross. The watercraft and supplies used for boating activities are locked when not in use. Campers and volunteers are oriented on the location of the lakefront and instructed not to utilize the area without trained supervision from CJM Sta . All waterfront floating platforms are anchored and secured. For all participants at the waterfront, properly fitted personal floatation devices (PFDs) are required for all campers and volunteers to participate when in watercraft and on the floating dock. The waterfront is only used for non-motorized watercraft activities. Swimming is not permitted at the waterfront.
If there is an aquatic emergency at the Pool, During a supervised activity (including a drowning or missing swimmer):
As of 3/30/2026
If there is an aquatic emergency at the Waterfront (including a capsized watercraft or water rescue)
As assessed during Lost Camper Plan protocols
Aquatic Missing Person Procedure If the Aquatic Missing Person (AMP) procedure is activated, the CJM Director team will immediately notify EMS/9-1-1, the Bosque Sheri ’s O ice, and Bosque County Emergency Management of the As of 3/30/2026 situation and request additional resources. The CJM Director will also begin the process of search and rescue of the suspected area by CJM waterfront team including the following steps:
For all aquatic emergencies, counselors not directly involved in the rescue will be responsible for supervising all una ected campers. A designated CJM staff member will be stationed outside the pool or waterfront area to assist counselors in managing una ected campers and maintaining order. Counselors will conduct a roll call of their cabin group immediately upon clearing the pool or waterfront area, and every 30 minutes thereafter until the emergency is resolved. The Partner Camp Director will initiate the parent/guardian notification process by phone no later than 30 minutes after the incident. The timing of this notification is up to the discretion of the Partner Camp Director, but notification should occur no later than 30 minutes after the incident.
E. Intruder Policy All campers, staff , and volunteers at camp should be clearly identifiable by a name badge worn on a lanyard when at camp. All visitors should be checked in at the main office and can be identified by a sticker name badge. If a CJM staff member or partner camp volunteer sees an unidentified/unknown person on the campgrounds and there is no perceived threat, the staff member or volunteer will notify the CJM Camp Director as to the presence of an unidentified person. The CJM staff member or partner camp volunteer will greet the person and determine their name and the purpose of their visit. The CJM staff member or partner camp volunteer will escort the person to the office to complete the appropriate check-in process, if appropriate, or they will be escorted back o property.
If there is a perceived threat, the staff member or volunteer will activate the Lockdown Response, including calling 9-1-1. The specifics of the Lockdown Response are not included here to prevent the plan from being available to potential bad actors. The Lockdown Response was prepared in partnership with local authorities, and the details of the Lockdown Response are shared with local emergency responders. If a perceived threat is confirmed and 9-1-1 has been called, the CJM Camp Director will separately contact the Bosque County O ice of Emergency Management — which operates independently from local law enforcement — to notify them of the situation. Once the threat has been resolved and the lockdown procedure has concluded, the Partner Camp Director will initiate the parent/guardian notification process by text or email.
F. Natural Disasters As of 3/30/2026 This plan will be activated upon a NWS or Local Emergency Services alert of a wildfire, hurricane, or other adverse weather event (tornado watch and warning are covered under the Severe Weather section) in Bosque County or the surrounding areas. The CJM Camp Director will continuously monitor NWS and Bosque County Emergency Management alerts for evacuation and shelter-in-place orders. In the event of a wildfire, the CJM Camp Director will assess the threat and, if the fire poses an imminent danger to camp property or the surrounding area, will activate the Evacuation Plan (see Section H). In the event of a hurricane, the CJM Camp Director will activate the Severe Weather Shelter-in- Place Plan (see Section B). If Bosque County Emergency Management or other relevant authorities issue a directive to evacuate, the CJM Camp Director will activate the Evacuation Plan (see Section H). For all other adverse weather events, the CJM Camp Director will activate either the Severe Weather Shelter-in-Place Plan or the Evacuation Plan based on guidance from NWS alerts, the Bosque County Sheri ’s O ice, or the Bosque County O ice of Emergency Management, or at their discretion. If a natural disaster poses an imminent threat to the camp population or results in a confirmed injury, the first available CJM staff member or partner camp counselor will call 9-1-1 immediately. The CJM Camp Director will separately contact the Bosque County O ice of Emergency Management — which operates independently from local law enforcement — as soon as the threat is confirmed. The Partner Camp Director will initiate the parent/guardian notification process by text or email no later than 30 minutes after the emergency is confirmed.
The CJM Camp Director will continuously monitor NWS and County Emergency Management alerts for evacuation and shelter-in place orders. No part of the Camp John Marc property is in the FEMA Flood Plain.
The CJM Camp Director will initiate the Severe Weather Shelter In-Place plan (see part B) or the Evacuation Plan (see part H) under guidance from NWS alerts, the Bosque County Sheri 's O ice, or the Bosque County O ice of Emergency Management, or at their discretion.
G. Transportation Emergencies Camp John Marc does not transport campers in camp vehicles. Camp John Marc partner group staff may transport campers at their discretion. Camp John Marc partner groups contract with a charter bus company to transport campers to and from camp at the beginning and end of every session. Camp John Marc partners are required to submit a transportation policy to the CJM Camp Director before each session. The specific delegation of responsibilities and chain of command for each partner group can be found in those policies. The below statement represents the minimum requirements of information
As of 3/30/2026 If there is an emergency when a camper is being transported in a vehicle to, from, or on camp property, the Partner Camp Medical Team representative on the vehicle — or the most senior staff member present if no medical representative is on board — will assume immediate responsibility for coordinating the emergency response. The responsible staff member will ensure the safety of all campers, direct other staff to keep campers calm and seated or move them to a safe location away from the vehicle if necessary, and call 9-1-1 immediately upon confirming the accident. A roll call will be conducted by name as soon as campers are secured, and again once emergency personnel arrive. The responsible staff member will notify the CJM Camp Director and Partner Camp Medical Director by phone as soon as possible after 9-1-1 has been called. The CJM Camp Director will separately contact the Bosque County O ice of Emergency Management — which operates independently from local law enforcement — as soon as they have been notified of the incident. The Partner Camp Director will complete the parent/guardian notification process. The timing of this notification is up to the discretion of the Partner Camp Director, but notification should occur no later than 30 minutes after the incident.
If a CJM Sta member is involved in an emergency or accident while operating a camp vehicle, or personal vehicle for camp purposes, the staff member will notify the CJM Camp Director by phone as soon as possible after 9-1-1 has been called, if necessary. The CJM Camp Director will separately contact the Bosque County O ice of Emergency Management — which operates independently from local law enforcement — as soon as they have been notified of the incident. The CJM Camp Director will notify staff emergency contacts by phone no later than 30 minutes after notification. If multiple staff members are involved, the CJM Camp Director will complete this process for each staff member. If campers are involved in incident, refer to above section on camper transportation.
When it has been decided an evacuation of camp is needed, the CJM Camp Director will notify the Camp Emergency Response Team (CERT). This team will be made up of the
As of 3/30/2026
After the CERT has been notified of the need to evacuate, a CJM Assistant Director will sound the emergency alarm (one loud blowing of an air horn) and activate the Perry Weather alert system for everyone onsite to convene at the Dining Hall. If another method of communication is needed, members of the CERT will cover the facility to notify the camp population of the need to assemble.
The CJM Camp Director will contact the County Emergency o icial to see if buses are available for an evacuation.
When it has been decided an evacuation of camp is needed, all camp participants will gather at the Dining Hall. A structured role call will be completed by partner cabin counselors. The CJM Camp Director will check with the CERT to determine if all participants and staff are accounted for. In the case that a participant or staff member is missing, the CJM Camp Director will organize a search using the Lost Camper Procedure.
Once the population has been accounted for, or at the appropriate time, the CJM Camp Director will instruct the population on the situation and how to proceed with the evacuation.
As of 3/30/2026
The CJM Camp Director will determine the best location for the population to go. The CERT will execute the best and safest method of evacuation.
If the case arises that the entire population needs to be shuttled to an evacuation location, the following will be a guideline as to the order in which the population shall be evacuated. The Partner Camp Director will be the director at the location of the evacuation site.
The path of evacuation will be determined by the direction(s) of the impending danger. The most viable path of evacuation would be via the campsite’s main entrance from CR #1105. From this location, the evacuation can proceed in either direction to a designated safe area. The designated safe area will be determined by the CJM Camp Director.
In the case of evacuation, communication methods will be essential. Evacuation routes are illustrated in Exhibit B. Evacuation routes are posted in every cabin on camp property. All As of 3/30/2026 evacuation routes are paved or brick paths that are illuminated at night and wide enough to accommodate manual and power wheelchairs. Campers with disabilities or functional needs will be assisted by the counselor(s) assigned to their cabin group. Upon gathering at the Dining Hall, each partner camp counselor will conduct a roll call of their cabin group immediately. Roll call will be repeated every 30 minutes until the emergency is resolved. Results will be reported to the Partner Camp Director and CJM Director Team. If the emergency poses an imminent threat to the camp population or results in a confirmed injury, the CJM Camp Director will call 9-1-1 immediately.
The CJM Camp Director will separately contact the Bosque County O ice of Emergency Management — which operates independently from local law enforcement — as soon as the situation is confirmed. The designated reunification site will be the Morgan School or the Meridian Civic Center, or another location identified by Bosque County Emergency Management based on the safest available route at the time of evacuation. The CJM Camp Director will confirm the reunification site with the Bosque County O ice of Emergency Management before directing families to that location. Upon arrival at the reunification site, the Partner Camp Director will manage the release of campers to their parents or guardians. Release will only be authorized upon verification of a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license. A log of all released campers will be maintained by the Partner Camp Director. The Partner Camp Director will initiate the parent/guardian notification process by text or email no later than 30 minutes after the evacuation is activated, and will provide updated information including the reunification site location as it becomes available.
In the event that any of the following occurs to a camp participant:
As of 3/30/2026
If the Partner Medical Director assesses a camp participants medical condition is evaluated to require testing, equipment, or evaluation outside that which is available in the camp’s medical building or staff ing. The Partner Medical Director may arrange for transport via ambulance or helicopter. The procedures for which are outlined below:
Ambulance Procedure When the CERT determines an ambulance needs to be called to Camp John Marc, the CJM Camp Director will identify and send one person to the front gate in a vehicle to let the ambulance in and guide it onto the campgrounds. If it is necessary to clear an activity area or cabin of other campers, counselors and staff will complete a roll call and move to the Dining Hall.
Helicopter Procedure When the decision is made to call for a Helicopter, the CJM Camp Director will inform CJM staff of the incoming helicopter and will establish a plan to move campers away As of 3/30/2026 from the designated landing zone (LZ). The CJM Camp Director will assign staff to set up the LZ. When the helicopter approaches, the CJM Camp Director will communicate with the pilot via radio. The CJM Camp Director will walk the aircrew outside the perimeter and transport them by ATV to the patient. After the camper is loaded onto the transport, staff will follow the directions of the aircrew when approaching the helicopter.
In the event of the death of a camper, the CJM Camp Director will notify the
1) Child Protective Services 2) Texas Health Department 3) Meridian Sheri Department 4) Bosque County O ice of Emergency Management For all of the procedures in the Injury, Illness, Death section, the Partner Camp Director will initiate the Parent/Guardians Notification process. The timing of this notification is up to the discretion of the Partner Camp Director, but notification should occur no later than 30 minutes after the incident.
J. Epidemic Response Camp John Marc partners are required to submit a general health policy to the CJM Camp Director before each session. The specific delegation of responsibilities and chain of command for each partner group is subject to the specifics of those policies. The following are the minimum requirements of information to be included in these policies: Any counselor or staff member who observes a camper or fellow staff member displaying symptoms of a communicable illness — including fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, skin rash, or generalized aches or pains — will report the illness immediately to the Partner Camp Medical Director via 2-way radio. The Partner Camp Medical Director will notify the CJM Camp Director (EPC) by 2-way radio as soon as the report is received. Any participant displaying symptoms will be isolated from others immediately upon report, before the medical assessment is completed. The primary isolation room is the single bedroom with a private bathroom in the Medical Building. If additional isolation rooms are needed, other bedrooms in the Medical Building will be utilized and medical staff will relocate to the back area. Anyone entering an isolation room to care for the a ected individual will wear an isolation gown, mask, and gloves. Masks and additional PPE are available in the Medical Building for all staff . Certain communicable diseases are required to be reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Local Health Department within 24 hours of identification. The Partner Camp Medical Director is responsible for making this determination and submitting the required report within that timeframe. If a camper’s condition becomes life-threatening, the counselor or staff member present will call 9-1-1 immediately. The CJM Camp Director will separately contact the Bosque County O ice of Emergency Management — which operates independently from local law enforcement — As of 3/30/2026 as soon as 9-1-1 has been called. The Partner Camp Medical Director will initiate the parent/guardian notification process by phone no later than 30 minutes after a camper is confirmed or suspected to have a communicable illness.
In the event that, the Partner Medical Director decides to end a session due to a communicable disease outbreak, the CJM Camp Director will notify the Bosque County O ice of Emergency Management, the Local Health Department, and Texas Department of State Health Services.
K. Flash Flood Warning Plan In the event of a flash flood warning issued for Bosque County or the surrounding area by the National Weather Service, the CJM Camp Director will immediately activate this Flash Flood Warning Plan. Upon activation, all CJM staff and partner camp counselors will move campers, volunteers, and staff to higher ground or an identified safe location following the evacuation routes illustrated in Exhibit B. Campers with disabilities or functional needs will be assisted by the counselor(s) assigned to their cabin group. All evacuation routes are paved or brick paths that are wide enough to accommodate manual and power wheelchairs. Each partner camp counselor will conduct a roll call of their cabin group immediately upon reaching the safe location. Roll call will be repeated every 30 minutes until the emergency is resolved. Results will be reported to the Partner Camp Director and CJM Director Team. If the flash flood poses an imminent threat to the camp population or results in a confirmed injury, the first available CJM staff member or partner camp counselor will call 9-1-1 immediately. The CJM Camp Director will separately contact the Bosque County O ice of Emergency Management — which operates independently from local law enforcement — as soon as the threat is confirmed. If a full evacuation of camp is required, the designated reunification site will be the Morgan School or the Meridian Civic Center, or another location identified by Bosque County Emergency Management based on the safest available route at the time of evacuation. The CJM Camp Director will confirm the reunification site with the Bosque County O ice of Emergency Management before directing families to that location. Upon arrival at the reunification site, the Partner Camp Director will manage the release of campers to their parents or guardians.
Release will only be authorized upon verification of a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license. A log of all released campers will be maintained by the Partner Camp Director. The Partner Camp Director will initiate the parent/guardian notification process by text or email no later than 30 minutes after the flash flood warning is activated, and will provide updated information including the reunification site location as it becomes available.
Upon the issuance of a flash flood warning by the National Weather Service (NWS) for Bosque County or the surrounding area, the CJM Camp Director will immediately evaluate the need to evacuate camp. If evacuation is warranted, the CJM Camp Director will activate the Evacuation Plan and the Flash Flood Warning Plan simultaneously. The CJM Camp Director will call 9-1-1 immediately upon determining that evacuation is necessary.
As of 3/30/2026 The CJM Camp Director will separately contact the Bosque County O ice of Emergency Management — which operates independently from local law enforcement — to coordinate the evacuation and confirm the safest available evacuation route and reunification site.
The designated shelter-in-place location for all emergencies requiring shelter-in- place is the Silo Basement. This location is distinct from the general muster zones (the Dining Hall and the Silo) and is used specifically when conditions require the camp population to take immediate protective cover. Upon activation of the shelter-in-place procedure, all CJM staff and partner camp counselors will move campers, volunteers, and staff to the Silo Basement immediately using the following routes: individuals in the Silo Classrooms will exit via the Nature Porch and follow the ramp down to the Silo Basement; individuals in the Tipi Room, Story Room, Hello Friend foyer, bathrooms, and/or climbing walls will exit via the front door to the Silo Building, turn left, and proceed to the Silo Basement via the Archery path under the Nature Porch balcony; individuals coming from Arts and Crafts or other buildings will evacuate via the path towards Archery as described above. All routes are paved or brick paths that are illuminated at night and wide enough to accommodate manual and power wheelchairs. Campers with disabilities or functional needs will be assisted by the counselor(s) assigned to their cabin group. One CJM Assistant Director or appointed staff member will ensure all doors to the Silo Basement are unlocked and will sound an air horn from the entrance to signal the shelter-in-place procedure is active. Upon reaching the Silo Basement, all campers will remain with their cabin groups.
Each partner camp counselor will conduct a roll call of their cabin group immediately upon arrival. Roll call will be repeated every 30 minutes until the CJM Camp Director determines it is safe to exit. Results will be reported to the Partner Camp Director and CJM Director Team. The CJM Camp Director will make all decisions regarding when it is safe for the camp population to exit the Silo Basement, based on continuous monitoring of NWS updates and guidance from local authorities.
Local Coordination A copy of this Emergency Response Plan has been provided to the Bosque County Emergency Management Coordinator and the Bosque County Sheri ’s O ice and will be submitted annually.
Any significant amendments to these procedures will be shared with these agencies within 10 days of approval.
Camper Safety Orientation Implementation All campers receive a standardized safety orientation within 24 hours of arriving at camp, delivered via a comprehensive orientation video. The orientation is shown by a member of the CJM Director Team and is developmentally appropriate for the age, reading level, and comprehension level of the campers receiving it. A member of the CJM Director Team is responsible for ensuring every camper receives this orientation within 24 hours of arrival at the camp session. At Camp John Marc (CJM), this is delivered via a comprehensive orientation video.
As of 3/30/2026 The CJM orientation script specifically addresses the following safety and emergency
As of 3/30/2026 Exhibit A As of 3/30/2026 Exhibit B – Evacuation Routes Tonkawa & Caddo Cabins Dove Creek & Bob White Cabins Sundance & Roadrunner Cabins As of 3/30/2026 Crescent & Coyote Cabins Mockingbird & Dove Creek Cabins Comanche & Apache Cabins As of 3/30/2026 Ft. Graham & Ft. Parker Cabins Ft. Gates & Ft. Fisher Cabins Pioneer & Wagon Wheel Cabins As of 3/30/2026 Ranger & Lone Star Cabins Exhibit C (Muster Locations) Red Marker – Fire & Evacuation Muster Location Purple Marker – Shelter-in-Place Location As of 3/30/2026 Exhibit D (Route to Morgan School) Morgan School 1306 Charles Morgan, TX 76671 As of 3/30/2026
Full home-site emergency procedures — muster zones, CERT roles, weather, intruder lockdown.
Camp John Marc: Risk Management Every Camp John Marc staff member and activity leader commits to following a set of principles.
Rev 2022