For the most part: Yes
It would (of course) be good for us to have a conversation on the phone. Both to make sure you and your leaders understand what religious influences might be unavoidable, and to make sure we understand what you are and are not ok with.
Non-Religious Groups we have worked with in the past
We have successfully (and positively) worked with many non-religious groups and secular public schools in the past.
- Public Schools
- Private Schools (both non-religious and semi-religious)
- YMCAs
- Scouts BSA
- Girl Scouts
- Family Reunions with families of mixed beliefs
Making Adjustments
Each group is different. Even different Christian groups are different. So we will work with you to find the right balance. Some non-religious groups want nothing at all. And so, with the three exceptions noted below, we’ll make that happen. Some groups are open to talking about the Bible as simply a historical book of wisdom. While we disagree with that characterization, we can work with that and teach upon different topics of your choice, using the Bible to help illustrate our talks. Some groups are open to talking about spiritual topics if the campers initiate the conversation, while for other groups a camper’s spiritual question should be answered as minimally as possible and then move along to a new topic.
Let us know what you are and are not comfortable with, and we’ll let you know if we can accommodate those requests. If we don’t feel comfortable with a boundary you would like drawn, we’ll talk with you about it. The vast majority of the time we’ll be able to make it work.
Basically put: we do not believe in force feeding our beliefs upon a captive audience. While we believe that adventures in the outdoors can result in temporarily uncomfortable situations that are positive incubators for growth, we do not believe that unwanted spiritual conversations should be the cause of that uncomfortableness.
Unavoidable Religious Influences
Even with adjustments, we are a Christian camp, and so some things will be unavoidable.
- Meals – If you are the only group in camp or on an adventure, we’ll lead a short moment of silence before each meal. If there are other groups in camp, this silence will likely include a short prayer. You can talk with your group in advance to use this as a moment of silent reflection before we eat. You obviously don’t need to agree with what others are saying, but do share your respect for the beliefs of others.
- Bible Verses – Around camp, there are painted various quotes from the Bible that will be visible during your stay. Most notably there are verses on the rafting paddles and the doors of our bathrooms.
- The Staff – Our staff work here because they are exciting about sharing the joy of God’s love with others. They are not going to force this upon you (that wouldn’t be very joyful or loving), but if a camper ask us a spiritual question, our staff isn’t going to lie. They’ll hold back the floodgates of everything they want to say, but their answer might gently touch upon how their belief in Jesus Christ has shaped that part of their life. Again, how deep that answer goes, and where the conversation goes from there, will depend upon what you are and are not comfortable with.
Non-Religious Influences
While not strictly religiously influenced, the following are some standards we hold of all groups that attend Rock-N-Water
- No Alcohol
- No Profanity
- Adults needing to Smoke can do so in the Parking Lot (away from campers)
- Adults needing to use Electronics can do so in the Parking Lot (away from campers)
- Help maintain a family friendly environment. Among other things, please avoid clothing that is overly provocative – you don’t need to buy new swimsuits, but please pick ones from your closet that are more modest.
- As an Organized Camp in the State of California, all adults visiting Rock-N-Water are required to have had a background check performed by you. You probably already meet this requirement as a part of your own inhouse requirements.
More Information
Again, please contact us or give us a call (1-800-738-0555) so that we can talk with you in more detail about how your trip specifically would look.
