Project Hope and Compassion

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   Rules & Guidelines for
   Volunteer Groups
 

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  1. Attitude:  Come to serve and to be respectful of the people with whom you will be working, and for the facilities that have been generously provided.  While volunteers are and have been welcomed from a variety of religious backgrounds (or none at all), this is a Christian “faith-based” organization and the camp environment should reflect the Christian values of integrity, humility, tolerance, respect and service.  Use this experience as an opportunity to reflect upon your own convictions, while learning from and respecting those of others.

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  1. General Conduct: The conduct of volunteers while at Camp Hope, and when out in the community, reflects directly on the mission and reputation of both Project Hope & Compassion and St.Ann Catholic church, and the ability of PHC to attract future volunteers from a wide variety of backgrounds and religious beliefs.   We ask that all volunteers conduct themselves in a manner that upholds that mission and reputation, and which respects the values of others.  PHC does reserve the right to exclude any volunteer not conducting themselves accordingly.
     
  1. Volunteers will be residing on the property of St. Ann Catholic Church, a caring and active parish in the small rural community of Lizana in Harrison County, MS, just north and west of Gulfport.  Be mindful that the life of this church is going on while you are here volunteering, and be respectful and quiet when parish masses and functions are going on.
     
  1. Volunteer groups must be approved and scheduled in advance of arrival. For scheduling, contact Terri Moore @ 228.861.8129, ttdata@bellsouth.net;  or Karen Parker @ 228.860.1533, akaren@bellsouth.net .
     
  1. It is highly recommended that groups stay a minimum of 4-5 days to make the adjustment to the disaster area environment and make a productive contribution to the needs of the community.
     
  1. All travel costs (vehicle costs, fuel, food, etc.) to and from Camp Hope shall be the responsibility of each volunteer or group.  For those coming in groups, please check in advance with your group leader for travel plans and estimated costs associated with the trip.  Any exceptions to this must be pre-arranged and approved. 
     
  1. Housing space is provided by St. Ann in the parish hall, pavillion building, and/or in large tents.  Men and women are housed in separate facilities.  Except for those with RV’s or tents, married couples should expect to be in separate sleeping quarters.  Because of the crowded quarters, parents should not plan to bring children under the age of 16 with them.  (Any exception to this rule must be cleared with Karen Parker well in advance, and will only be granted in special cases.)

The parish hall is climate controlled, with commercial kitchen, men & women’s bathrooms, dining & open areas in two large rooms for sleeping.  It is recommended that you bring your own cot and/or air mattress (single or twin size only); however, some cots may be available on site (call to confirm availability).  Use of electronic devices in the parish hall and education building is limited to before 10:00 p.m. and only with headphones.  No pets are allowed unless owner(s) are staying in their own RV, camper, tent, etc.

Up to 10 electric, sewer and water hookups for RV’s are also available on sites around the hall, as well as space for some personal tents.  Outdoor shower, laundry and additional restroom facilities are available. Meal planning and food purchasing are generally planned by Karen Parker, with assistance in preparation and clean up being done by designated volunteers from each group. Volunteers or groups are responsible for covering the costs associated with their stay at Camp Hope.   The cost to each volunteer for their stay is $20 a day per person.  Meals are included in this cost.  Costs may be reduced or waived for special cases, but need to be cleared with Karen Parker prior to arrival. 

  1. In addition to the work projects that will be available in and around Camp Hope (food pantry, disaster victim assistance, and repairs to St. Ann facilities), all volunteer groups must daily maintain the kitchen, bathroom and housing facilities, as well as grounds, they will be using.  That means assignment within the group of individuals to maintain/rotate food in refrigerators/freezers, prepare meals, wash dishes, clean the kitchen, clean/mop bathrooms, showers, dining and living areas, etc.  These facilities should be left in as good or better condition as when you found them.
     
  1. Provide for “self initiative”:   Each group should have its own leaders to direct the work activities of the other volunteers in their group, and insure that the attitude, mission and goals of PHC are adhered to by all.   PHC is not responsible for directing the outside work activities of volunteers. (See: “Work Projects” below)
     
  1. Use of Alcohol and Tobacco: All buildings used by PHC for volunteers are alcohol and smoke free. 
     
  1. Youth groups have been a vital part of Camp Hope and will continue to be welcomed.  All youth and college age groups must be accompanied by an adequate number of adults who will act as leaders and insure the safe and responsible conduct of the youth in their care.  All group leaders must contact Terri Moore (ttdata@bellsouth.net) IN ADVANCE to provide information on your group and who will be the accompanying adults before permission will be given for the group to come.
     
  1. Under no circumstances are young people to engage in displays of romantic affection or other inappropriate behavior (as deemed by PHC) while at Camp Hope or at worksites.  Parents, adult supervisors and/or youth group leaders will be responsible for insuring this policy is followed.   Those who do not adhere to this policy may be asked to leave immediately.
     
  1. Rollerblading, roller skating and skateboarding are not permitted in any of the buildings at Camp Hope.  A softball field is available on the property for recreational activities.

 

 

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