1. Purpose, Identity, and Baptist Ethos
This camp is conducted by Baptist Churches of Western Australia (BCWA). It exists to provide a safe, hospitable, and Christ centred environment for young adults to grow in community, leadership, reflection, and discipleship.
Consistent with the Baptist tradition, we affirm:
• The centrality of Jesus Christ in faith and life
• The worth and dignity of every person
• Freedom of conscience before God
• The responsibility of Christian communities to act with love, integrity, justice, and care
• The importance of safeguarding and healthy boundaries
Participation in the camp requires a willingness to respect:
• The Christian ethos of the camp
• Camp leadership and communal responsibilities
• The standards of conduct outlined in this document
We acknowledge that a call of God to all Christians is to value every human being as part of God’s creation and the whole people of God (Matthew 18). We are also called to “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute” (Proverbs 31:8). This camp is intended for, and so we will welcome - any young adults (18-30) who are current attendees of a Baptist church. Being welcoming does not require agreement with or affirmation of all beliefs or identities. These guidelines exist to care for individuals and protect the wider community.
2. Respect, Safety, and Community Life
In keeping with BCWA commitments to shared responsibility and mutual care:
All participants are expected to:
• Treat others with courtesy, maturity, and respect
• Refrain from bullying, harassment, intimidation, or exclusion
• Use language and behaviour that honours the dignity of others
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and peaceful camp environment
Harassment or targeting of individuals on the basis of gender, sexuality, faith, background, or personal history will not be tolerated.
3. Beliefs, Freedom of Conscience, and Conversation
As a Christian camp:
• Teaching, worship, and leadership reflect the Christian convictions of BCWA
• Leaders are not required to affirm beliefs that contradict their conscience or faith commitments
• Participants are not required to hold or adopt the camp’s beliefs in order to attend
In line with respect for freedom of conscience:
• Participants are free to ask questions and express personal views respectfully
• No participant will be pressured to disclose personal information about beliefs, sexuality, or gender identity
• Activism, campaigning, or pressured debate relating to gender or sexuality or any other sensitive issue is not appropriate within camp activities
4. General Conduct Expectations (Camp Rules)
To support communal life and shared responsibility, participants must:
• Follow camp rules, schedules, and leadership directions
• Participate appropriately in organised activities
• Respect camp property and facilities
• Keep shared spaces safe, clean, and usable for others
• Observe designated quiet hours and rest times
Disruptive, reckless, or unsafe behaviour is not acceptable.
5. Alcohol, Drugs, and Substances
• Illegal drugs and recreational drug use is strictly prohibited
• Misuse of prescription medication is prohibited
• Vaping and smoking are not permitted unless in designated areas
• Alcohol is not permitted to be consumed anywhere on or off the property for the duration of the camp. Serpentine Camping Centre is alcohol free
Breaches may result in immediate disciplinary action or removal from camp.
6. Relationships, Sexual Conduct, and Boundaries
To ensure safety and wellbeing for all participants:
• Sexual activity of any kind is not permitted during camp
• Sexualised behaviour and public displays of sexual intimacy are inappropriate
• Excessive public displays of affection are not appropriate for camp
• Participants must respect emotional, relational, and physical boundaries
• No participant should feel pressured into romantic, sexual, or emotionally intense interactions
These expectations apply equally to all participants, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity
7. Accommodation, Facilities, and Privacy
In line with safeguarding obligations and pastoral care:
• Sleeping and bathroom facilities are organised according to biological sex, or alternative arrangements as determined by camp leadership
• Participants must respect privacy and modesty in all shared spaces
• Entering another person’s accommodation space without permission is not allowed
• Concerns about facilities or personal privacy should be raised confidentially with leadership
If reasonably possible, additional privacy arrangements may be considered on a case by case basis.
8. Digital, Media, and Online Conduct
Consistent with values of integrity and respect:
• No photographs, videos, or recordings of others without consent
• No online behaviour that harasses, excludes, or misrepresents others or the camp
• No posting of content that violates privacy or undermines camp safety
• Leadership may designate phone free times or zones
9. Leaving the Campsite, Visitors, and Curfews
For safety, duty of care, and shared responsibility:
• Participants must not leave the campsite without explicit permission from camp leadership
• All approved off site movement must be logged
• Curfews and night time boundaries must be observed
• Visitors who are not registered camp participants are not permitted on site without approval
Failure to comply may result in loss of privileges or early dismissal.
10. Pastoral Care and Support
Reflecting BCWA commitments to compassion and care:
• Leaders are available to provide pastoral support, prayer, and listening
• Care is offered respectfully and without coercion
• The camp does not provide counselling aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity
• Serious wellbeing concerns may be referred to appropriate external supports or emergency services
11. Safeguarding, Accountability, and Reporting
In keeping with BCWA safeguarding expectations:
• Participants are encouraged to report unsafe, inappropriate, or concerning behaviour
• Reports will be handled seriously, confidentially, and appropriately
• Camp leadership is committed to protecting participants and maintaining healthy boundaries
12. Complaints Policy
• The church message is the story of redemption and reconciliation and we have a spiritual guide for how to address issues within the church. (Matthew 18:15-35, Acts 6:1-7, Acts 15, 1 John)
• As a BCWA run event, the camp will use the BCWA Complaints Management Policy and this document can be found here: https://www.baptistwa.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/CC-Po-BCWA-Complaints-Management-Policy.pdf
13. Record Keeping and Confidentiality
• Records are kept in line with our recording policy and are in line with our legal obligations
• We do not share your information with outside parties. Except when required by law ie safeguarding or police
14. Consequences for Breach of Conduct
Camp leadership may take proportionate action to protect individuals and the community, including:
• Behavioural warnings or agreements
• Restrictions on participation
• Requirement to leave camp early
Serious breaches may result in immediate dismissal and referral to external authorities where required.
15. Agreement to Participate
By attending this camp, participants agree to:
• Respect the Christian ethos of the camp
• Abide by this Code of Conduct & Camp Rules
• Accept leadership decisions made in the interest of safety, wellbeing, and care for the community
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