Download - CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL
CAMP
MANAGEMENT
MANUAL
Item 133-20
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1
Foundational Core Values of the Association 1
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE 3
Camp Relationship to State Association 3
Camp Management, Elections, and Terms of Office 6
CAMP OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES 7
Camp President 7
Camp Vice President 8
Camp Secretary 9
Camp Treasurer 10
Camp Chaplain 12
Common Responsibilities of Program Chairmen 13
Camp Webmaster 22
Camp Auxiliary President 23
Camp Auxiliary Vice President 24
Camp Auxiliary Secretary/Treasurer 25
Camp Auxiliary Chaplain 26
Auxiliary GideonCard Liaison 29
Auxiliary Scripture Secretary 30
OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE, CAMP MEETINGS, EVENTS AND PLANNING 33
The Camp Cabinet Meetings 33
Weekly Gideon Camp Prayer Meeting 36
Monthly Camp Meetings 39
The Annual Pastors Event 41
Welcoming New Members 41
Camp Committees 42
Topics of Discussion at Gideon Meetings 42
Planning the Annual Camp Program 42
FUNDING THE CAMP PROGRAM 45
The Camp Scripture Fund 45
The Camp General Fund 46
Manual Record Keeping 47
Audit 47
Legal and Tax-Exempt Status 47
Allocation of Contributions 48
Dashboard and Monthly Camp Report 49
Estates and Planned Gifts 50
KEY POLICIES OF THE GIDEONS INTERNATIONAL 51
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 1
INTRODUCTION
In July 1899, our ministry founders knelt before God to seek a name for the association of
Christian traveling men they had envisioned. Having been impressed by the Lord, one of the
founders, Brother William J. Knights, is said to have risen from prayer, saying, “We shall be
called Gideons.” God’s hand has been at work in The Gideons International ever since. As the
three founders considered the name “Gideons,” their minds likely pictured Gideon’s fledgling
army:
“every man stood in his place around the camp…” (Judges 7:21, ESV)
So, it has been, since the beginning of The Gideons International, that the local organization has
been known as a camp. Some organizations refer to their local unit as a chapter, club, or some
other name; but in The Gideons International, it is a camp.
The camp is the heart of the ministry. It is where members help one another strengthen their
testimonies for Christ, equipping each other to fulfill their God-given responsibilities as spiritual
leaders in their homes, churches, and workplaces. The camp is where members intentionally
engage churches and pastors; it is through the camp that Scripture placements and distributions
are planned; new members are recruited; GideonCards are promoted; Faith Fund gifts are
raised; the Auxiliary flourishes; and people are won to the Lord Jesus Christ! The camp is God’s
work, and that demands our very best response.
With glory to God, over 2 billion Scriptures have been placed or distributed by members around
the world since the first placement was made in Iron Mountain, Montana, in 1908. Such a
monumental opportunity has never happened haphazardly or accidentally, but within a simple,
disciplined, well-defined, organized structure.
Specific organizational standards, policies, and procedures must be carefully understood and
followed, lest our ministry should fall into disarray and its purpose be thwarted. Without
uniform direction, we would succumb to the same chaos that troubled the Israelites so long ago:
“…everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:6, ESV)
By the grace of God, the integrity of the ministry has always been above reproach, and it is
incumbent on us all to diligently maintain that standard. We must always guard our Christian
character and give all glory to our Lord Jesus Christ, who alone is worthy of our praise.
FOUNDATIONAL CORE VALUES OF THE ASSOCIATION
The following attributes, or core values, are essential to the identity of the Association and,
therefore, must be adhered to by every member. It is critical to understand how these core
values are supported by the organizational structure of the camp and how each aspect of the
camp impacts the ministry as a whole.
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• An uncompromised belief that the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God
• An intentional focus on the objective of winning others to the Lord Jesus Christ through:
▪ the association of Christian business and professional men for service;
▪ personal testimony and personal work by individual Gideons;
▪ placing the Bible – God’s Holy Word – or portions thereof, in hotels, hospital, schools, institutions, and also through distribution of same for personal use
• A membership consisting of business and professional men
• An integral part of the Association, known as the Auxiliary, is comprised of the member wives of Gideons who meet the same spiritual qualifications; the purpose of the Auxiliary is to assist the Gideons in their single objective through prayer, personal testimony, personal work, association for service, and placing and distributing the Bible – God’s Holy Word – or portions thereof in approved venues
• An ongoing emphasis on the importance of fulfilling the seven spiritual objectives
• Funding for the mission of the Association secured through personal contributions and bequests, church offerings, and through the GideonCard Bible Program
• Recognition of an intentional relationship with evangelical and Protestant churches as a prayer base, source of members, and financial support
• A simple, disciplined, well-defined ministry that is carried out exclusively by the membership of the Association under the authority and direction of the International Cabinet
These foundational core values apply worldwide.
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ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The camp is the fundamental and most important organizational unit in The Gideons
International. A camp consists of at least six Gideons who live within the geographic area
defined by either the state association, national association, or the International Outreach
Committee, depending on its location and the authority designated by the Association Bylaws
with respect to forming new camps. All camps worldwide operate under the same basic
structure, although there may be some variations from country to country. This manual
addresses only USA camps.
A man joins The Gideons International, but he is assigned to a camp in the community where
he lives; hence, he also becomes a member of the state association where the camp is located. It
is in the camp where men can most actively serve, so they do not attempt to serve in other camp
territories unless they are asked to assist.
A camp Auxiliary may be organized when there are at least four Auxiliary. The camp is the most
important unit of The Auxiliary of The Gideons International. It is at the camp level that the
work is done, and the functions of the ministry are accomplished. It is therefore imperative that
the Auxiliary have regular camp, cabinet, and prayer meetings. The basic rules governing the
camp Auxiliary are contained in Article 11 of the Bylaws of The Gideons International. The
Gideon camp president is responsible for the functions of the Auxiliary.
CAMP RELATIONSHIP TO STATE ASSOCIATION
Article 4 of the Constitution of The Gideons International vests management authority of the
Association in the International Cabinet. Article 9 of the Bylaws vests management authority for
USA state associations in the state cabinet.
The state association cabinet establishes camp territories under authority of the Bylaws with the
understanding that the ministry actually functions at the camp level. The same authority that
establishes a camp also has the authority to re-define the camp’s territory or dissolve a camp, if
necessary.
In the USA, each camp is part of an area, led by Gideon and Auxiliary area directors. Gideon and
Auxiliary camp presidents represent their camp as members of either the Gideon or Auxiliary area
team, which may consist of up to 8 camps. As such, the Gideon and Auxiliary camp presidents are
expected to attend their respective area team meetings. Area team meetings take place within two
weeks of state association leadership meetings, so any pertinent information from the state
meeting is shared with camp presidents as soon as possible. The area director is not a member of
the state cabinet but is a member of the state leadership team; therefore, the camp president’s
primary contact with the state association is through the area director.
The Gideon and Auxiliary management flow charts on the following pages illustrate the camp
relationship with the state association and the state association relationship with the
International Gideon and Auxiliary Cabinets.
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CAMP MANAGEMENT, ELECTIONS, AND TERMS OF OFFICE
The management framework of a camp is defined by Article 10 of the Association Bylaws.
Camp management in the USA is executed by five officers elected by the camp membership at
large––president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and chaplain. These five are commonly
referred to as the primary cabinet. Additionally, five program chairmen––church ministry,
GideonCard, Scripture distribution, Faith Fund, and membership––are nominated by the camp
president and elected by the primary cabinet. These ten officers comprise the camp cabinet.
Additionally, a camp webmaster may be appointed by the president and approved by the
cabinet. The webmaster is accountable to the camp secretary but is not a member of the camp
cabinet; thus, the camp webmaster has neither voice nor vote at cabinet meetings.
Camp management for the Auxiliary is similar, except the Auxiliary has fewer officers. The
camp president is responsible for the organization, function, and welfare of the Auxiliary. The
camp Auxiliary president, vice president, secretary/treasurer, and chaplain are elected annually
by the camp Auxiliary membership. The Auxiliary Scripture secretary and GideonCard liaison
are nominated by the Auxiliary president and elected by the Auxiliary cabinet. These six
comprise the camp Auxiliary cabinet.
All camps are to hold annual elections for both Gideons and Auxiliary conducted by the area
director or his qualified designee. Any officer must be a member in good standing––i.e.,
membership dues must be current––and they cannot be under any form of discipline. Officers
serve for one-year terms until their successors are elected. Primary cabinet officers may serve for
a maximum of three successive terms, but program chairmen are not limited to the number of
terms they may serve.
In conducting the elections, the area director or his designee should follow the procedure
outlined in the Guide Book (Item 102).
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CAMP OFFICER RESPONSIBIL IT IES
Consideration of each officer’s responsibilities in a camp quickly reveals that no single officer
exists independently. The camp cabinets, both Gideon and Auxiliary, must function as a team
with overall dedication to bring about a culture of excellence in all activities by which the
ministry reaches others for our Lord Jesus Christ. There must be a cooperative spirit within the
cabinet, as no program functions alone but in conjunction with all the others. This cooperative
effort carries over into the relationship between the Gideon cabinet and the Auxiliary cabinet.
Auxiliary activities are planned in conjunction with Gideon activities, which in a very real sense
reflects the following Core Value of the Association: “A integral element of the Association,
known as the Auxiliary, is comprised of the member wives of Gideon members who meet the
same spiritual qualifications.”
CAMP PRESIDENT
The president is the leader of the camp. He performs all duties normally pertaining to that
office, presiding at all camp meetings and events, such as Bible dedications and dignitary
presentations. The president closely supervises camp work and activities, always giving glory to
the Lord. Specifically, he:
1. Nominates program chairmen, committees, and those to fill other needed functions
with the concurrence of the other elected camp officers or the camp cabinet, whichever
is appropriate.
2. Finds the right man for the job, rather than trying to find a job for all men.
3. Guards against the formation of denominational or special interest groups within the
camp.
4. Assures that business meetings are conducted in a timely manner and follow Robert’s
Rules of Order.
5. Prayerfully plans the monthly camp meeting and the monthly cabinet meeting.
6. Serves as a member of the area team and attends the area team meetings under the
leadership of the area director. Submits a written report on his camp’s activities as
needed.
7. Maintains a supportive understanding of all Gideon programs, policies and procedures,
taking corrective action in the camp when necessary.
8. Participates in the recognizing new members, preferably at a camp meeting.
9. Leads in all planning efforts in preparation of the ensuing year of activity and should
complete the online Camp Goal Planner and the Camp Events Planner annually.
10. Attends the state association convention, especially the Saturday morning presidents’
breakfast when he delivers his camp’s contribution to the Countdown 100 offering.
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11. Is responsible for the work and activities of the Auxiliary; if the camp does not have an
active Auxiliary, the camp president works to establish one.
12. Is the camp’s spiritual example and leader.
13. Establishes and maintains a personal and corporate standard of excellence in all camp
activities.
Having the title of camp president and being the camp president are not necessarily one and the
same. The president’s job is far more than simply knowing the above responsibilities. It involves
a passion for: reaching others for Christ, being a leader but not a dictator, planning the work
and working the plan, and pursuing a commitment to excellence. The success of the worldwide
ministry toward reaching people for Christ depends on the success of the camp president to
make it happen. However, the president cannot do it alone. He must inspire the cabinet and the
camp membership to fulfill their roles with the ministry’s singular goal in mind.
In addition to the camp cabinet, the president has an array of other officers to assist. As a
member of the area team, he should never hesitate to call on the area director; in fact, assistance
at the state level begins with the area director. The state association leadership team also has a
cadre of regional program leaders for each of the five international programs, and these regional
program leaders are responsible for providing assistance to camp program chairmen as needed.
The president should be sure the camp program chairmen know who these regional program
leaders are and how to reach them for assistance.
CAMP VICE PRESIDENT
The vice president should assist the president in every possible way and be prepared to assume
the presidential duties in his absence. The camp cabinet may delegate special responsibilities to
the vice president, such as publicity, promoting attendance at camp meetings, and/or arranging
transportation to Gideon functions. Therefore, he:
1. Makes himself generally useful to the camp, acting as an excellent source of ideas and
suggestions that can be effectively used in conducting the camp program within ministry
guidelines and policy.
2. Writes articles of interest for the camp and state newsletter or The Gideon magazine
regarding testimonies, success stories, and blessings received through the Gideon work
within the camp.
3. Serves as chairman of the camp telephone and communications committee to enhance
attendance at all camp activities.
4. Serves as chairman of the Annual Pastors Event.
5. Maintains a supportive understanding of all Gideon programs, policies, and procedures,
taking corrective action in the camp when necessary.
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6. Understands parliamentary procedure.
7. Establishes and maintains a personal and corporate standard of excellence in all camp
activities.
As with the president, the vice president’s job is more than merely holding the office. The vice president is
the primary source of support for the president. He functions as the camp president from time to time
during the president’s absence, so he should maintain an exemplary level of excellence. He ensures that the
Annual Pastors Event is properly promoted and conducted according to the published timetables and
agendas. He works with the camp program chairmen to be sure all program activities are executed properly.
CAMP SECRETARY
The secretary is the communications arm of the camp cabinet. He is responsible for:
1. Recording in the minutes all motions, whether carried or not.
2. Making an impartial summary of all discussions.
3. Bringing the minutes and other records to every camp cabinet meeting or, if absent,
having a substitute to present the minutes for cabinet approval or correction.
4. Providing the minutes of the camp cabinet meeting to the area director electronically.
5. Taking minutes of meetings neatly, accurately, clearly, and briefly.
6. Speaking distinctly when reading the minutes and making his report to the cabinet both
interesting and informative.
7. Recording and condensing officer reports at cabinet meetings.
8. Sending written memos of motions to all parties affected.
9. Handling correspondence in a business-like manner, typing letters on camp stationery or
other proper letterheads.
10. Recording elections and committee appointments, including those for the Auxiliary, and
communicating election reports to the correct parties, including International
Headquarters.
11. Promptly referring all correspondence to the proper officer and answering other
incoming correspondence.
12. Maintaining camp content on theConnection within established Gideon policies and
guidelines.
13. Supervising the camp webmaster. The secretary may serve concurrently as the
webmaster; however, he can only serve as secretary for three successive one-year terms.
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14. Maintaining a complete, current record of camp membership on theConnection, including
email addresses, phone numbers, mailing addresses, and church affiliation. The secretary
may conduct semi-annual reviews of the membership to assure complete and accurate
personal profiles exist on theConnection for all members.
15. Sending meeting notices to all concerned parties well in advance.
16. Ordering supplies for the camp on the Merchandise Order Blank (Item 502) or on
theConnection.
17. Preparing a written report on camp activities for the state leadership team when
requested.
18. Establishing and maintaining a personal and corporate standard of excellence in all
camp activities.
As with all officers, the job of the camp secretary goes beyond the title itself; his is a key responsibility.
His efficiency has a direct bearing on the overall success of the camp. He not only records decisions
and handles correspondence but also ensures members are informed of duties delegated to them. He
should help the president prepare an agenda for each cabinet meeting, and generally assist in seeing that
meetings are handled in a business-like way. The secretary is the nerve center of the camp, and his
communications with the membership help drive attendance and involvement.
CAMP TREASURER
The treasurer is responsible for the safe, accurate, and prompt handling of and accounting for all
funds of the camp. Please refer to the Camp Treasurer Manual for a detailed description of
these specific responsibilities:
1. Maintaining a local bank account in the name of the Gideon camp using the authorized
specific employer identification number (EIN) for the respective zone. Updating
signature cards as needed.
2. Depositing all funds received. Maintaining accurate records including the name and
address of each donor and the purpose for which the funds were given (Item 510).
3. Remitting Scripture Funds at least monthly via the electronic 503 (e503) on theConnection
or by sending a camp check along with a 503 Scripture Funds Remittance form to the
lockbox in Washington, D.C.
4. Remitting all credit card donations by sending the original, signed credit card slips along
with a 503C Credit Card Remittance form to the lockbox in Washington, D.C. The e503
does not have the capability of processing credit card information.
5. Communicating with the Church Ministry Chairman to report the statistic to how many
church presentations were made each month.
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6. Communicating with the GideonCard Chairman to report how many GideonCard
donations were made, how many GideonCard video presentations were led by
Gideons or Auxiliary, and how many churches participated in the Birthday for Jesus
program.
7. Communicating with the Auxiliary Secretary/Treasurer to ensure accurate reporting
of Auxiliary Scripture Funds or Faith Funds received for the HEART Program or
Auxiliary Events.
8. Issuing a donation receipt using the Receipt Template available in the Camp
Treasurer’s Tools or by using the Donation Receipt (Item 206).
9. Sending a copy of the receipts to International Headquarters for contributions of
$250 or more from individual donors.
10. Forwarding promptly to the International Headquarters any notice of, or proceeds
from, a will or estate received by the camp or any gifts of securities.
11. Consulting with the Development Division at International Headquarters prior to
accepting gifts to The Gideons International of real estate or other property.
12. Accounting for camp operating expenses, such as postage, meals, etc., and paying
for them using only Camp General Funds. Scripture Funds must never be used to
pay for general camp expenses.
13. Reviewing the Monthly Camp Report published on theConnection for accuracy.
14. Presenting a written report at every monthly camp cabinet meeting on the status of
both Scripture Funds and Camp General Funds.
15. Reviewing the monthly bank statement and giving a copy to the camp president
after reconciling the bank statement to the checkbook.
16. Completing the Monthly Camp Banking report on theConnection and uploading the
bank statement by the 15th of the following month for audit purposes.
17. Acquiring an understanding of all the Camp Treasury Tools available.
18. Establishing and maintaining a personal and corporate standard of excellence in all
camp activities.
19. Having records audited annually immediately following the end of the fiscal year
(May 31st). Providing a copy of the audit to the camp president
20. Retaining all financial records for five years. Turning over all records to the new
treasurer in a timely manner when the term is complete
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CAMP CHAPLAIN
The camp chaplain promotes the spiritual strength and well-being of the camp. In doing so, he
should exhibit compassion for members and their families, promptly representing the camp in
times of severe illness, bereavement, and other special needs. The camp chaplain should not
attempt to supplant the responsibility of the member’s church in his response to their spiritual
needs, but he should come alongside the church to offer additional support.
The Prayer & Personal Witnessing Program is the responsibility of the camp chaplain. Chaplains
have the opportunity to raise the standards as they encourage members to practice daily prayer,
Bible reading, and continual personal witnessing. Details of administering the program are
found in the Prayer & Personal Witnessing Manual (Item 400).
Additionally, the camp chaplain:
1. Promotes reading through the Bible annually using the Bible Reading Calendar (Item 414).
2. Encourages daily prayer for the ministry and daily quiet time among members using the
Daily Prayer and Bible Reading Calendar (Item 411) and Quiet Time Journal (Item 417).
3. Promotes members taking advantage of the Hour of Power, praying for the ministry
between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., for a few minutes as individual members have time.
4. Promotes Scripture memorization among members using the Scripture Memory Course
(Item 404KJV/404ESV).
5. Personally, conducts or assigns another Gideon to conduct the Scripture reading and
prayer aspects of camp and cabinet meetings.
6. Assists with Bible dedications, hospital services, and other camp activities that may
involve Scripture reading and prayer.
7. Assists members to develop their personal witnessing aptitude using Gideon tracts
(Items 405-408), the Gideon Bible App, Personal Workers Testaments (Items 4080,
4380), Personal Witnessing Tool Kit (Items 4002, 4003), and the books, Share Jesus
Without Fear (Item 415) and Secret to an Open Door (Item 418).
8. Arranges for and moderates the camp weekly prayer meetings, which may include
breakfast.
9. Works with pastors and other Gideons to arrange for personal follow-up with people
who have indicated a need for spiritual guidance during Scripture placements,
distributions, and dedications.
10. Arranges and promotes the camp’s annual International Day of Prayer (second Saturday
in June). Leads the International Day of Prayer by following the agenda developed by
the international chaplain and involving as many members as possible.
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11. Notifies the state association chaplain of deceased Gideons and Auxiliary, using the
Deceased Member Report (Item 106) found on theConnection.
12. Carefully and prayerfully follows the Discipline Manual (Item 103) whenever the
spiritual, moral, or ethical integrity of a member is in question.
13. Establishes and maintains a personal and corporate standard of excellence in all camp
activities.
By guarding the spiritual strength of the camp and its individual members, the camp chaplain
assures that the Seven Spiritual Objectives that undergird our ministry become personal
standards by which we should live:
• Men of the Book
• Men of Faith
• Men of Prayer
• Men of Separated Walk
• Men of Compassionate Heart
• Men Who Witness
• Men Who Give
It’s easy to see from the foregoing list that the camp chaplain’s job is far greater than just
reading Scripture and praying at camp meetings. He has a momentous responsibility since
The Gideons International is, indeed, a spiritual organization.
COMMON RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROGRAM CHAIRMEN
The camp program chairmen are central to the effectiveness of the ministry within each of the
international programs. Each serves for a one-year term but is not subject to a limitation in the
number of terms served. The program chairmen serve as members of the camp cabinet, and
each has the responsibility to coordinate camp activities as they relate to the program for which
he has been appointed while recognizing the synergy with which all the programs function to
the success of the camp.
All program chairmen are expected to make regular written reports at camp cabinet meetings.
Reports should provide an overview of both completed and planned activities that leverage the
program to sharpen the testimony of members and will thus result in achievement of the camp’s
annual goals. In addition to being committed men of God with a burden to reach others for
Christ, program chairmen should also:
1. Be able to motivate others.
2. Practice sound principles of delegation, management, and leadership.
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3. Be committed to engaging members in program activities that strengthens their
testimony for Christ.
4. Understand all details in the program for which they have been chosen.
5. Be wholly cognizant of the relationship between his program and the worldwide need
for the Word of God.
6. Establish and maintain a personal and corporate standard of excellence in all camp
activities.
CHURCH MINISTRY CHAIRMAN
The Church Ministry Program is the responsibility of the camp church ministry chairman. This
encompasses several different aspects: church relations, church presentations, church speaker
development, and obtaining church services. Details of administering the program are found in
the Church Ministry Program Manual (Item 223); however, the specific responsibilities of the
Church Ministry Program chairman are enumerated here:
1. Church Relations
a. Maintain on theConnection a current listing of all available information for each
church in the camp territory.
b. With the approval of the camp cabinet, appoint a Gideon church representative
to act as a liaison between the church and the camp for as many churches in the
camp territory as possible.
i. Promote intentionally developing and maintaining positive relationships
with churches and pastors.
ii. Provide church representatives with information, training, and materials
to successfully accomplish their task.
c. Schedule and hold two Church Relations Days annually to contact churches
where no church representative is functioning.
d. Work with the camp vice president to schedule and hold an Annual Pastors
Event.
e. Work with the GideonCard chairman to assure GideonCard materials are readily
available for church representatives and Church Relations Days.
f. Work with the membership chairman to be sure information and materials are
available for church representatives and Church Relations Days.
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2. Church Presentations
a. Obtain Gideon presentations in the same number of churches as the last fiscal year
through:
i. Church representatives
ii. Church Relations Days
iii. Personal contact
b. Communicate the details of church presentations and supply supportive materials to
pastors and church speakers as outlined in the Church Ministry Manual (Item 223).
i. Immediately after receiving the information gathered on the Gideon Church
Presentation form (Item 202), secure a qualified church speaker and assign a
prayer partner.
ii. Send a confirmation letter to the pastor (see sample letter on theConnection).
iii. Provide all pertinent materials to the church presenter:
• Completed Church Presentation Envelope (Item 205)
• Completed Church Presentation Information form (Item 202)
• Receipts for Offering and Gifts (Item 206)
• Directions to the church, if needed
• A Church Bulletin Insert (Item 209)
• Sample GideonCards (obtain from GideonCard chairman)
• Friends of Gideons Brochure (Item 313)
iv. Deliver the appropriate number of Church Bulletin Inserts (Item 209) to the
church at least 10 days prior to the presentation.
3. Speaker Development
a. Pray for church presenters as they qualify, re-qualify, and continue to improve their
messages.
b. Promote the blessings of being a church presenter. Identify members who could be
church speakers and encourage them to pursue qualification.
c. Provide necessary materials and instructions to potential church presenters that will
allow them to proceed with the qualification process. Follow up with members who
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are preparing to qualify as presenters.
d. Secure the venue for the qualifying presentation, which must be a church-like
setting.
e. Assemble the necessary outline and presentation evaluation teams.
f. Ensure the speaker evaluation process is handled promptly and efficiently; don’t
allow a potential presenter’s enthusiasm to become cold because of procrastination.
g. Maintain a record of presentation activity for each church speaker on theConnection.
h. Send the pastors of all churches where Gideon presentations are to be held an
Evaluation of Gideon Presentation form (Item 215) along with a self-addressed,
stamped envelope one week prior to the presentation (see sample letter on
theConnection).
i. Also furnish a copy of this form to the prayer partner assigned to
accompany the church presenter.
ii. Receive the evaluation from the pastor and prayer partner and notate the
date of receipt as part of the presenter’s record on theConnection.
iii. Together with the camp president, review any negative comments from
pastors or prayer partners with the Gideon speaker to encourage him to
improve. Take corrective action as needed according to the guidelines in the
Church Ministry Manual (Item 223).
i. Assure that all camp church presenters are re-qualified every four years by providing
them information, inspiration, and materials to accomplish that requirement.
j. Schedule regular qualifying/re-qualifying opportunities.
k. Encourage presenters to qualify using PowerPoint and video as a part of their
presentations. Be sure all video-qualified presenters have a copy of the latest church
ministry DVD or access to the online link.
A cursory review of the foregoing list indicates the camp Church Ministry chairman cannot
fulfill all the responsibilities alone. He should establish a Church Ministry Committee with
specific duties assigned to each member. For example, one committee member may be
responsible for speaker development, another for church presentations, and another for church
relations. Either of these three is a great deal of responsibility in itself, so each area may be
broken down further by enlisting additional committee members, depending largely on the size
of the camp.
Aspects of the Church Ministry Program:
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i. Maintain by scheduling a presentation in every church in which a service
was held in the previous year;
ii. Grow by contacting and visiting every church every year;
iii. Develop by contacting churches where there has been no service in the last
three years or more;
iv. Intentionally develop a relationship with the pastor or church leader in every
eligible church in the camp territory.
4. Establish and maintain a personal and corporate standard of excellence in all camp
activities.
GIDEONCARD CHAIRMAN
The GideonCard Bible Program should not be viewed in isolation. It is complementary to the
Church Ministry Program in that GideonCard displays in churches provide the most prominent
venue for Christian people to use the cards. It is complementary to the Scripture Distribution
Program in that its funds providing God’s Word for the world. It is complementary to the Faith
Fund Program in that 50% of GideonCard receipts are used to supply Scriptures in the
International Outreach Ministry, thus affecting the Faith Fund goal. It is complementary to the
Membership Program in that members themselves use the cards, give GideonCard Sample
Packs (Item 825) to friends and family, and make presentations to promote the GideonCard
Bible Program.
Details can be found in the GideonCard Bible Program Manual (Item 814) on theConnection.
The camp GideonCard Chairman should encourage the use of GideonCards in his camp by
suggesting giving cards for specific occasions, events, etc. He should also make GideonCards
available at each camp meeting. The GideonCard chairman promotes all efforts to attain the
camp’s GideonCard goal.
The GideonCard chairman is also a member of the camp cabinet. He should make a regular
presentation on the GideonCard Bible Program at camp cabinet meetings, reporting on the
progress of the program with respect to annual goals.
The GideonCard chairman’s areas of responsibility are:
1. Execute and promote the GideonCard Bible Program to achieve the camp’s fiscal year
goal.
2. Supervise the camp GideonCard Committee.
3. Execute all phases of the GideonCard Bible Program. This includes sending appropriate
GideonCards when requested.
4. Prepare and execute all GideonCard Bible Program activities involved in a Church
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 18
Relations Day.
5. Review the monthly camp report on theConnection to determine progress and monitor
results.
6. Maintain proper listings and reports on theConnection. Solicit the camp webmaster for
assistance, if needed.
7. Implement special programs, such as holiday card offerings.
8. Report program progress at camp cabinet meetings.
9. Use the GideonCard regional program leader as a resource for assistance.
10. Arrange for Gideons and Auxiliary, where appropriate, to personally visit and present an
“In Memoriam” Bible (special “In Memoriam” labels are available – Item 823) to the
bereaved when the GideonCard Bible Program is used in connection with a funeral.
11. Promote the camp program by bringing a display to meetings and encouraging use by
members.
12. Establish and maintain a personal and corporate standard of excellence in all camp
activities.
The GideonCard chairman obviously cannot be expected to conduct the entire program alone. A
Camp GideonCard Committee should be formed to assist with various aspects of the program.
The Auxiliary liaison serves as a member of the committee to coordinate the Auxiliary’s
responsibility within the program. The Auxiliary liaison coordinates presentations of the
GideonCard Bible Program to all-women church groups. Depending on the size of the camp, a
GideonCard committee may also consist of:
a. Materials and Displays Member to be responsible for keeping all the cards
formatted and inventoried, being sure the church and funeral home displays are
up to date and available, and the presentation videos are available to be shown
at the approved venues.
b. Video Scheduling Member to be responsible for coordination of video showings
in churches.
c. Record Keeping Member to be responsible for keeping all donor and location
records up to date on theConnection. This member may also be assigned
responsibility for acknowledging GideonCard gifts.
d. In Memoriam Presentation Member to make presentations to the bereaved
when the GideonCard Bible Program is used in connection with a funeral.
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 19
The potential of the camp GideonCard Bible Program can be very significant; therefore, the
program must be implemented with diligence and a vision for reaching the lost.
MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN
The camp membership chairman manages the process of recruiting, activating, and retaining
members. He should be familiar with all the details of recruitment and retention programs as
described in the Membership Program Manual (Item 128). Therefore, he:
1. Leads the camp to review the Gideon and Auxiliary Opportunities Worksheet (Item
107) with all members annually.
2. Develops and maintains a file of prospective new members on theConnection.
3. Implements action plans with the assistance of the camp cabinet to attain the annual
camp goal of growing the membership.
4. Reports progress toward goal achievement at camp cabinet meetings.
5. Plans and executes the Annual Membership Dinner according to the Membership
Program Manual (Item 128).
6. Serves as liaison between the camp and the state association when a Camp
Development Plan or Membership Development Plan is scheduled and executed
according to the Membership Program Manual (Item 128)
7. Assists the camp president in retention of members through a Membership Renewal
Project. Encourages all members to renew their membership by submitting membership
renewal payments by April 30 for the following fiscal year to avoid being delinquent.
Unpaid members are removed from the membership roll as of April 30.
8. Seeks the input and assistance of every camp member with respect to identifying
prospective new members.
9. Maintains a complete inventory of supplies and makes them available to members for
individual recruiting needs. Supplies include:
a. Gideon Membership Application (Item 501)
b. Auxiliary Membership Application (Item 603)
c. Membership Program Manual (Item 128)
d. Candidate Invitation Brochure (Item 352)
e. Candidate Invitation Card (Item 354)
10. Constantly promotes the need for new members among the existing membership and
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 20
develops within the membership the sense of a recruiter’s heart.
11. Establishes and maintains a personal and corporate standard of excellence in all camp
activities.
CAMP SCRIPTURE CHAIRMAN
The camp Scripture chairman is responsible for ordering all Scriptures for the camp, including
Auxiliary Scriptures, in which case he coordinates closely with the Auxiliary Scripture secretary.
His duties include storage, transportation, display, and delivery of Scriptures to accommodate
placements, distributions, blitzes, etc. It is important he use a current Scripture Order Form
(Item 507) when ordering Scriptures with his camp number be recorded on the form.
As is the case of all other officers, the camp Scripture chairman serves as the leader of a team
that accomplishes the task of Scripture distribution. Details of the Scripture distribution and
placement program are found in the Scripture Distribution Manual (Item 115), the current
edition of which the chairman should have in his possession.
The Scripture Chairman:
1. With the assistance of other members, constantly surveys the need for Scriptures in the
camp territory. All officers and members of the camp should be alert to opportunities
for Scripture placements within the camp territory.
2. Reports the results of Scripture placements and distributions monthly to the camp
cabinet, along with those that are planned for the future.
3. Maintains on theConnection a list of all Scripture placement and distribution venues within
the camp territory and ensures placements and distributions are made systematically.
4. Maintains on theConnection a complete record of all placements and distributions of
Bibles and New Testaments conducted by his camp.
5. Arranges to have a suitable Scripture display (when appropriate) for camp activities,
such as Bible dedications, Annual Pastors Events, etc.
6. Completes a Camp Scripture Fund Credit Agreement (Item 504) and submits it with any
Scripture order that would result in a negative Scripture fund balance.
7. Contacts the state Scripture coordinator for potential use of the Emergency Scripture
Fund when camp Scripture funds are insufficient to cover large Scripture orders.
8. Maintains complete and current knowledge of all policies and guidelines related to
Scripture distributions and placements as found in the Scripture Distribution Manual
(Item 115).
9. Provides enforcement of Gideon Scripture placement and distribution policies in the
camp.
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 21
Note: If any member for any reason cannot or will not follow the policies and guidelines
for placement and distribution of Scriptures, he must not be allowed to participate due
to the potential of bringing irreparable harm upon the ministry.
10. Establishes and maintains a personal and corporate standard of excellence in all camp
activities.
The camp Scripture chairman is at the heart of the ministry in terms of spreading the Word of
God, so men, women, boys, and girls will have an opportunity to learn of Jesus’ saving grace.
This work is the forefront of camp activity. All Gideons should be engaged in our purpose of
reaching others for Christ through Scripture placement and distribution.
FAITH FUND CHAIRMAN
Scripture distributions in international outreach countries and supported national associations
are largely influenced by the camp Faith Fund chairman. Therefore, he should have a complete
understanding of his camp’s role in worldwide Scripture distribution.
He promotes giving to the Faith Fund to attain the goal in cooperation with the state Faith
Fund coordinator and the Faith Fund regional program leader. The camp Faith Fund chairman
is a member of the camp cabinet.
His specific duties include:
1. At the discretion of the camp president, making a Faith Fund appeal during the
discretionary time of the monthly camp meeting using the Faith Fund section of the
International Bulletin.
2. Promoting Faith Fund giving through:
a. Establishing, with concurrence of the camp cabinet, the goal for the camp’s
Annual Faith Fund Rally or Annual Pastors Event
b. The state’s Countdown 100 Program that takes place during the 100 days prior to
the state association convention
c. The camp newsletter
3. Coordinating Friends of Gideons at the camp level through:
a. Welcoming each new friend via a phone call. Camps are notified from
International Headquarters via the camp report when a new friend is registered.
b. Inviting friends to the camp Annual Pastors Event and Faith Fund Rally.
Friends are expected to pay for their own meals. Friends do not participate in
Scripture distributions, camp meetings, or functions other than Annual Pastors
Events, Faith Fund Rallies, and International Day of Prayer.
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 22
c. Understanding funding stream. The camp will receive a $12.00 rebate after the
end of the fiscal year for each friend who is registered as a financial partner. The
rebate is used to offset camp expenses for Friends of Gideons. The first $120.00
received each year from a Friend of Gideons may be used at the Finance
Committee’s discretion for Scripture distribution support cost. Additional
contributions from friends, when undesignated, will be credited to the
International Outreach Fund. There is no indication on the camp report as to a
friend’s level of financial support.
4. Establishing and maintaining a personal and corporate standard of excellence in all
camp activities.
CAMP WEBMASTER
The camp webmaster is appointed annually by the camp president with approval of the camp
cabinet. He is not a member of the camp cabinet; therefore, he has neither voice nor vote in
conducting the business of the camp. The camp webmaster is accountable to the camp secretary
and may concurrently hold the office of camp secretary with approval of the camp cabinet;
however, the camp secretary is limited to three consecutive one-year terms.
The camp webmaster assists the camp in maintaining camp data on theConnection and retrieving
data to benefit the camp as necessary. The camp webmaster performs his function in keeping
with standards and protocols established by the Information Technology Division at
International Headquarters. Camps are not authorized to develop their own websites outside of
the design, format, and technology developed by the Information Technology Division at
International Headquarters.
The webmaster maintains a working knowledge of features on theConnection as developed by
International Headquarters and assists members in their use. He restricts camp postings on
theConnection to Gideon-related business, and he secures the approval of a camp cabinet member
(usually the camp secretary) prior to posting any information, including photographs, on
theConnection. He assures that all information of any kind posted on theConnection on behalf of the
camp is in compliance with policies and procedures established by the International Cabinet
and, when in question, verifies such compliance with the state cabinet or International
Headquarters. The camp webmaster is responsible for updating camp utilities on theConnection as
they are developed by International Headquarters and become available for use by camps.
Realizing that not all Gideons are well acquainted with electronic media, the camp webmaster
works closely with the camp cabinet and individual members, as appropriate, to assist in the area
of electronic communications, providing reports and forms in support of camp programs.
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 23
CAMP AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
The camp Auxiliary president performs all duties pertaining to that office. She prayerfully plans,
presides over, and participates in camp activities, giving glory to the Lord. Specifically, she will:
1. Be committed to attend every Gideon cabinet meeting and report the status of Auxiliary goals.
2. Report to Auxiliary cabinet members the information, important dates, and distributions
from the Gideon cabinet meeting.
3. Plan and preside at Auxiliary cabinet meetings or delegate to the camp Auxiliary vice
president, if necessary.
4. Plan and present the Auxiliary president’s report at camp meetings.
5. Participate in the recognizing new Auxiliary, preferably at a camp meeting.
6. Serve as a member of the Auxiliary area team and attend the area team meeting as
scheduled by the area director within two weeks of the state leadership team meeting.
7. Promote the HEART Program, in the camp, 100 days before the state association
convention.
8. Attend the state association convention, especially the Saturday morning Auxiliary
presidents’ breakfast, and deliver the camp offering during roll call.
9. Attend the camp presidents conference held by the state Auxiliary president following
the biennial Auxiliary Presidents Conference.
10. Attend and promote the area, regional, state, and/or camp Auxiliary Events.
11. Encourage all Auxiliary to assist in activating inactive members, regardless of their
husband’s activity.
12. Plan and promote participation in possible activities to engage non-member wives of
Gideons to become active Auxiliary members.
13. Oversee Auxiliary activities relating to the camp’s Annual Pastors Event, including
inviting wives (not spouses) of pastors to attend the traditional evening banquet with
their husbands. See Church Ministry Program Manual (Item 223) for details regarding
the Annual Pastors Event.
14. Personally send, or delegate to a communications committee, agendas and/or an item of
encouragement to active, inactive, and non-member wives, and ascertain whether they
may have prayer needs to be included in Auxiliary prayer meetings.
15. Establish and maintain a personal and corporate standard of excellence in all activities.
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 24
The Auxiliary president sets the manner for the direction and implementation of the Five Core
Programs in her camp. She must inspire the Auxiliary cabinet and membership to fulfill their
roles with the ministry’s singular goal in mind and lead them to realize the significance of their
service to our Lord Jesus Christ. In that sense, the Auxiliary president is a spark plug. She
should produce a spark in her Auxiliary, which will ignite a passion to further God’s Kingdom.
While there is much work to be done in the camp, the Auxiliary president cannot do the work
alone. Through her passion and inspiration, she coordinates the efforts of the camp with the
assistance of her Auxiliary cabinet and membership.
CAMP AUXILIARY VICE PRESIDENT
The Auxiliary vice president performs all the duties of the president in her absence and assists
the president whenever possible. In addition, she:
1. Oversees personal enlistment of new members.
2. Focuses on activating less active members.
3. Reaches out to non-member Gideon wives.
4. Attends, participates, and presents the membership report at all Auxiliary cabinet
meetings.
5. Attends the area, regional, state, and/or camp Auxiliary Events.
6. Serves as chairman of the name tag, communications, and table decoration committees.
7. Establishes and maintains a personal and corporate standard of excellence in all camp
activities.
Membership in The Auxiliary of The Gideons International is a joy. This blessing is only fully
realized by individual Auxiliary members when they become active in some aspect of the work.
As with the president, the Auxiliary vice president inspires the membership to be active in the
ministry. Her focus is specifically membership. Even though everyone participates in
membership, the Auxiliary vice president’s responsibility is to encourage growth and value of
membership. Using the Gideon and Auxiliary Opportunities Worksheet (Item 107), the vice
president should enlist Auxiliary members to become mentors. Through the mentoring process,
relationships are built resulting in personal spiritual growth, additional prayer power, more
hands to distribute the Scriptures, more personal witnessing, and more Scripture funds, thereby
resulting in more souls won for the Lord Jesus Christ. In addition to mentoring members, the
Auxiliary vice president should organize Auxiliary teams to pray, call, and visit non-member
Gideon wives encouraging them to join the ministry. Suggested items for membership visits
include:
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 25
• Prayer materials
− Bible Reading Calendar
− International Prayer Calendar
− State Prayer Calendar
− Camp Prayer Calendar
• Additional items
− Possible Activities List
− Calendar of camp meetings and prayer meetings
− Auxiliary membership application
CAMP AUXILIARY SECRETARY/TREASURER
The secretary/treasurer performs all duties pertaining to that office; specifically, she will:
1. Keep careful and accurate minutes of all proceedings at each cabinet meeting, making
notes of all motions, carried or not. Make a copy of the minutes available to all
members.
2. Handle all correspondence prayerfully and promptly.
3. Unless specifically handled by Auxiliary Camp Development Leaders or Annual
Membership Dinner moderators, forward Auxiliary membership applications, along
with membership payments, to:
Membership Services Department
The Gideons International
P. O. 140800
Nashville, TN 37214-0800
4. Maintain a complete and current roster of all camp Auxiliary members, including:
Name
Mailing address
Auxiliary membership number
Phone number
Email address, if available
Make a copy of the camp Auxiliary membership roster available to all Auxiliary
members. The camp Auxiliary roster can be obtained on theConnection.
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 26
5. Immediately after each annual election, ensure the officer conducting the election and
the camp secretary receive a complete list of all newly elected and appointed camp
Auxiliary officers.
6. Order Auxiliary supplies and Auxiliary Personal Workers Testaments through the
International Headquarters merchandise ordering system, either manually using the
Merchandise Order Blank (Item 502) or, preferably, on theConnection.
All Scripture orders other than Personal Workers Testaments are ordered through the
camp Scripture chairman.
7. Ensure the number of Auxiliary GideonCard presentations are reported monthly to the
camp treasurer, so he can accurately report them on the camp Scripture Funds
Remittance form (Item 503).
8. Reconcile with the camp treasurer at the end of each monthly camp meeting amounts
given to the Auxiliary Scripture Fund. Any contributions received by the Auxiliary
secretary/treasurer should be promptly given to the camp treasurer in an envelope
clearly marked “Auxiliary Scripture Fund.” The camp treasurer is responsible for
promptly remitting Auxiliary Scripture Funds, properly designated as such. The
Auxiliary secretary/treasurer monitors the monthly camp report on theConnection to
assure Auxiliary Scripture Funds have been properly credited.
9. Receive free-will offerings at Auxiliary meetings for the Camp Auxiliary Fund for
incidental expenses, such as the cost of prayer center materials, favors for visitors, etc.
10. Maintain an accurate accounting of the Camp Auxiliary Fund.
11. Establish and maintain a personal and corporate standard of excellence in all camp
activities.
CAMP AUXILIARY CHAPLAIN
The chaplain is the spiritual leader of the camp Auxiliary. She encourages the Auxiliary and
performs the following duties:
1. Lead in prayer.
Be the one who sets the example for the Auxiliary in the primary function of praying for the
ministry. Lead in Auxiliary prayer times and encourage all Auxiliary likewise.
a. Plan and moderate all Auxiliary prayer meetings or designate a substitute
moderator, when necessary. The Auxiliary chaplain is responsible for Scripture
reading, a brief devotion, praise report or testimony of answered prayer and
leading the Auxiliary in the actual prayer time.
b. Encourage participation in the International Hour of Power, for Auxiliary to
take a few moments from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. to pray specifically for the needs of
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 27
the ministry.
c. Urge members to take advantage of a daily quiet time using the Daily Bible
Reading Calendar (Item 414), prayer calendars, and Quiet Time Journal (Item 417).
d. Initiate the camp Auxiliary prayer chain for urgent Gideon-related prayer needs
and praise reports.
The Auxiliary prayer chain should be initiated only by the camp Auxiliary
chaplain (for specific urgent camp needs), the state Auxiliary chaplain (for
specific urgent state needs), or the international Auxiliary chaplain (for specific
urgent international needs). The Gideon policy on things we do or do not
discuss at Gideon and Auxiliary meetings also applies to prayer chains. Prayer
chain items should be kept brief and accurate. To ensure confidentiality, direct
contact should be made with prayer chain participants; do not leave prayer
requests on telephone answering machines. If a person cannot be contacted,
contact the next person on the list. These guidelines apply to both telephone
and email prayer chains. It is always encouraging to communicate, back through
the prayer chain, praise reports for answered prayer.
e. Work with the camp chaplain to plan and promote the International Day of
Prayer, held the second Saturday of June.
2. Encourage personal witnessing. Be a personal witness and set the example for the camp
Auxiliary. Encourage Auxiliary members to use Personal Workers Testaments (Item
4090, 4390) in their daily activities. Use Personal Witnessing Tool Kit (Item 6002, 6003),
Gideon Bible App Cards (Item 403), Share Jesus Without Fear (Item 415), Secret to An
Open Door (Item 418) and tracts as resources to encourage personal witnessing.
3. Participate in Scripture distributions. The camp Auxiliary chaplain should participate in
distributions at domestic violence shelters and crisis pregnancy centers. In Auxiliary jail
and prison ministry distributions, when possible, she may:
a. Relate salvation testimonies.
b. Share the Gospel through music, prayer, and individual spiritual counseling.
c. Present the Gospel and give invitations to receive Christ as Savior.
d. Lead a Bible study, avoiding any controversial doctrinal matters.
All such services must be arranged with the permission of jail/prison
authorities. Auxiliary distribute Facilities Testaments to female inmates. Jail or
prison chaplains may distribute the Testaments if, and only if, the facility is
closed to visits by Gideons and Auxiliary. Each jail and prison facility has its
own policies, and these must be strictly followed by Auxiliary.
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 28
Used Bibles may be placed in cells and chapels, and they should be included in
“Bibles Placed” in the Auxiliary records.
4. Internalize the Seven Spiritual Objectives. The Auxiliary chaplain should make the seven
spiritual objectives part of her daily life and encourage all camp Auxiliary to do likewise:
a. Women of the Book
b. Women of Faith
c. Women of Prayer
d. Women of Separated Walk
e. Women of Compassionate Heart
f. Women Who Witness
g. Women Who Give
5. Provide prayerful assistance to other camp Auxiliary in times of sickness, bereavement,
and personal trials.
6. Communicate notification of death of the wife of a Gideon, whether or not she is an
Auxiliary, using the Deceased Member Report (Item 106) on theConnection. Include the
deceased’s name and address, Auxiliary membership number if applicable, and the name
and address of the Gideon or other survivor.
7. Establish and maintain a personal and corporate standard of excellence in all camp
activities.
8. Conduct outreach to widows in the camp. Encourage the widows in your camp to
remain active members of the Association in honor of their husband’s legacy of faith. In
addition, many widows long for the continued fellowship of women who are like-
minded and have a deep burden and love for reaching the lost. Many widows cannot be
active, yet they continue to support the ministry through active prayer lives, the
GideonCard Bible Program, and financial gifts. They are a special asset to the ministry.
Below are some specific ways to stay connected with the widows in your camp:
Keep an up-to-date list of your camp widows. Take time to visit them—if for no
other reason than to check on them and have prayer with them. When possible, go out
for coffee or lunch together. A personal touch is always best; do not assume they have
access to the internet.
Encourage widows to participate. Make an intentional effort to keep them intimately
connected to this ministry. Promote active participation in every phase of the ministry
by:
a. Sending personal letters.
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 29
b. Sending holiday greeting cards.
c. Encouraging attendance at Auxiliary Events, state and international convention.
d. Providing transportation to meetings, distributions, conventions, and prayer
meetings.
e. Discussing the options of paying her dues or encouraging “veteran
membership.”
AUXILIARY GIDEONCARD LIAISON
The primary members of the Auxiliary cabinet elect the Auxiliary GideonCard liaison, and she
becomes a member of the camp Auxiliary cabinet. She serves on the camp GideonCard
Committee. As such, she is responsible for communicating details of the GideonCard Bible
Program to the camp Auxiliary and securing Auxiliary participation in the program as needed.
She is specifically responsible for the following activities:
1. Serve as the GideonCard Bible Program communication link between the Gideon
cabinet and the camp Auxiliary.
2. Coordinate all Auxiliary GideonCard activities with the GideonCard chairman.
3. Contact all-women church groups for the purpose of arranging a GideonCard
presentation by the Auxiliary.
4. Coordinate equipment and any other Auxiliary needs with the GideonCard chairman
when a video showing is scheduled at all-women church groups.
5. Coordinate reporting and handling any GideonCard offerings received as a result of
Auxiliary presentations.
6. Provide training for Auxiliary to present the GideonCard presentations and/or video at
all-women church groups.
7. Ensure the number of GideonCard presentations by the Auxiliary is properly reported
to the camp treasurer, so he can accurately report the results on the Scripture
Remittance Form (Item 503) at least monthly.
8. Establish and maintain a personal and corporate standard of excellence in all camp
activities.
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 30
AUXILIARY SCRIPTURE SECRETARY
The Auxiliary Scripture secretary ensures Auxiliary conduct distributions in all approved areas of
Auxiliary Scripture distribution in the camp territory. It is especially important that she
encourage all Auxiliary to participate in this vital activity. Her specific duties include:
1. Prepare and maintain a complete listing of camp Auxiliary Scripture distribution points
on theConnection.
2. Have sufficient supplies on hand to effectively carry out Scripture distributions as
needed; e.g., supplies for distributions at medical conventions.
3. Maintain a proper inventory of all Auxiliary Scriptures needed. All Auxiliary Scriptures,
other than Personal Workers Testaments, are ordered by the Gideon Scripture
chairman; however, the Auxiliary Scripture secretary must communicate needs with him.
[See Auxiliary Distribution Checklist on the following page.]
4. Understand and enforce Association policies regarding Scripture distribution as they
pertain to the Auxiliary.
Note: If any member for any reason cannot or will not follow the policies and guidelines
for placement and distribution of Scriptures, she must not be allowed to participate due
to the potential of bringing irreparable harm to the ministry.
5. In conjunction with the camp Scripture chairman, contact hospitals and nursing homes
to arrange for joint distributions. Be prepared to furnish Auxiliary with Medical
Testaments for hospital personnel and Personal Workers Testaments for personal
witnessing during these distributions.
6. Be sure an adequate number of Auxiliary are committed to participate in all Scripture
distributions and placements.
7. Contact domestic violence shelters, crisis pregnancy centers, and correctional facilities to
arrange for Scripture distributions.
8. Record the number of Scriptures placed on theConnection and report figures at the next
camp Auxiliary cabinet meeting.
9. Be thoroughly familiar with approved procedures for Medical Testament distributions
as found in Five Core Programs of The Auxiliary of The Gideons International (Item 600) and
enforce them at all such distributions.
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 31
AUXILIARY DISTRIBUTION CHECKLIST
Bibles Medical
Testaments
Facilities
Testaments
Personal Workers
Testaments
Distributed by: Auxiliary members
Distributed by: Auxiliary members
Distributed by: Auxiliary members
Distributed by: Auxiliary members
Ordered by: Camp Scripture Chairman
Ordered by: Camp Scripture Chairman
Ordered by: Camp Scripture Chairman
Ordered by: Auxiliary Secretary/Treasurer or individual Auxiliary members
Funded by: Camp Scripture Fund
Funded by: Camp Scripture Fund
Funded by: Camp Scripture Fund
Funded by: Auxiliary members personally
Placed in: Rooms of domestic violence shelters, crisis pregnancy centers, waiting rooms of medical facilities, including medical and dental office waiting rooms, medical waiting rooms of industrial plants, medical waiting rooms located in pharmacy clinics, and veterinary clinic waiting rooms
Given to: Medical personnel
Given to: Female inmates in correctional facilities, or to chaplains (if access is denied); residents of domestic violence shelters, and staff and clients of crisis pregnancy centers or to chaplains/directors (if access is denied)
Given to: Anyone to whom Auxiliary witness
See Five Core Programs of The Auxiliary of The Gideons International (Item 600) and Scripture
Distribution Manual (Item 115) for additional information relating to approved areas of
Auxiliary distribution.
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 32
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 33
OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE, CAMP MEETINGS, EVENTS AND PLANNING
THE CAMP CABINET MEETINGS
The Gideon and Auxiliary cabinets are charged with the responsibility for maintaining the
business aspects of a camp; that is, they do the planning, promotion, record keeping, and
communications within the camp. Since no business is conducted at the monthly camp meeting,
it is absolutely necessary that both Gideon and Auxiliary cabinets meet monthly in order to
maintain the business aspects of the camp according to the following suggested agendas. All
camp business, including controversial matters, is handled at the cabinet meetings. In order to
maintain continuity, the Auxiliary president attends and gives a report at the Gideon cabinet
meeting. She has a voice, but does not vote, at the Gideon cabinet meeting.
GIDEON CAMP CABINET MEETING AGENDA
6:00 pm Call to Order President
6:01 Scripture Reading and Prayer Chaplain
6:04 Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting Secretary
6:06 Treasurer’s Report Treasurer
6:09 Camp Vice President’s Plan Vice President
6:11 Church Ministry Chairman’s Plan Church Ministry Chairman
6:15 Scripture Chairman’s Plan Scripture Chairman
6:19 GideonCard Chairman’s Plan GideonCard Chairman
6:23 Membership Chairman’s Plan Membership Chairman
6:27 Faith Fund Chairman’s Plan Faith Fund Chairman
6:30 Auxiliary President’s Plan Auxiliary President
6:34 Review of Goals and Progress President
6:38 Review of Upcoming Camp Meetings President
6:40 Review of Annual Planner President
6:45 Program Emphasis Member of State Leadership Team
7:05 Unfinished Business President
7:10 New Business President
7:15 Adjournment Prayer Chaplain
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 34
From time to time, special matters, such as the Annual Pastors Event, will need to be discussed
in detail. With the exception of such matters, all cabinet members should be mindful of the time
and share their reports with as much brevity as possible. Officer reports should summarize
immediate past accomplishments, plans for the immediate future, and where the camp is with
respect to its annual goals. Detailed written reports should be made available to the other
cabinet members and given to the camp secretary to be included with the meeting minutes.
The cabinet, both individually and collectively, must realize its leadership responsibility to
influence camp activity.
AUXILIARY CAMP CABINET MEETING AGENDA
Welcome and Call to Order Auxiliary President
Prayer Auxiliary Chaplain
Approval of Minutes of Previous Cabinet Meeting Secretary/Treasurer
Officer Reports
President
1. Review Auxiliary goals, progress, and overall health of the camp
2. Share information from Gideon cabinet meeting
3. Share focus of next monthly camp meeting and make assignments as necessary
Vice President
1. Review status of membership and ongoing action plans
2. Share status of visitation to inactive members and non-member wives
3. Discuss upcoming membership meetings; e.g., Annual Membership Dinner
Secretary/Treasurer
1. Review Auxiliary Scripture Fund goal and progress
2. Report of camp Auxiliary General Fund, if applicable
3. Review status and promotion of The HEART Program, if applicable
Chaplain
1. Report on number of prayer meetings (optional)
2. Review jail/prison ministry report
3. Encourage the use of Personal Workers Testaments
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 35
4. Encourage ministry to widows
5. Emphasize spiritual growth
6. Review special upcoming prayer meetings; e.g., International Day of Prayer
Scripture Secretary
1. Review Scripture distribution goal and progress
2. Report on recent distributions
3. Announce upcoming distributions
GideonCard Liaison
1. Report on number of presentations made last month and year-to-date
2. Announce upcoming presentations and presenters
3. Discuss promotion of the program
4. Review training opportunities
5. Encourage use of cards and GideonCard Collections
Review upcoming events, such as Annual Pastors Event, Faith Fund Rally, Auxiliary Events,
state or international convention.
Program Emphasis – presentation by a member of the State Auxiliary Leadership Team
concerning upcoming camp Auxiliary programs and activities
Old Business
New Business
Dismiss in Prayer
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 36
WEEKLY GIDEON CAMP PRAYER MEETING
Camps hold a weekly prayer meeting for many reasons, including:
• to undergird the entire ministry before the Throne of Grace
• to encourage united prayer for national and world leaders
• to stimulate prayer for churches, pastors, and general Christian work in the camp area
• to unite Gideons in prayer for one another and for the activities of the camp
• to provide fellowship in the spiritual context of who we are as Gideons
The weekly prayer meeting is 30 minutes and moderated by the camp chaplain. Consisting only
of Bible reading and prayer, there should never be any preaching, Bible study, or doctrinal
comments.
Camps generally use the New Testament portion of the Daily Bible Reading Calendar (Item 414)
for Scripture reading, with each Gideon reading a verse at the time until the entire passage is
read. Scripture reading is done from a Gideon approved version of Scripture. It is generally
helpful if a single version is used by all in attendance; therefore, the camp chaplain may have a
supply of New Testaments available for attendees. Camp members may also download the TGI-
Member App, which contains all necessary prayer meeting materials.
After Scripture reading, all those present should be given an opportunity to express prayer
requests, which should be restricted to Gideon activities, pastors and churches, and immediate
personal concerns. This is not the time to voice prayers for healing, extraneous physical needs,
or other matters far removed from those in attendance. It is not the function of the camp to
supplant the prayer ministry of members’ churches.
It is useful to pray for the item(s) on the International Daily Prayer Calendar (Item 411), the prayer
calendar produced by the state association, and other officially produced prayer calendars (e.g.,
the International Convention prayer calendar). Use prayer requests on theConnection for those
traveling worldwide on behalf of The Gideon ministry.
Verbal prayer should always be entirely voluntary. No one should feel obliged to verbalize a
prayer just because it’s his turn when the camp is praying in order around a circle or a table. The
camp chaplain should emphasize a statement, such as, “Please pray aloud as you feel led, and I
will close at the appropriate time.” The common Gideon prayer posture in the USA, for many
years, has been to kneel for prayer; however, no one should be made to feel uncomfortable due
to their inability to kneel.
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 37
SAMPLE PRAYER MEETING AGENDA
Moderator – Camp Chaplain
1. Brief opening prayer (1 min)
2. Scripture reading (use New Testament portion of Daily Bible Reading Calendar) (6 min)
3. Gideon-related prayer (use international, state, and camp prayer calendars) (5 min)
4. Prayer (on knees if possible) (14 min)
5. Scripture memorization (verse taken from Item 404) (1 min)
6. Testimony (Camp Chaplain or selected member/local testimony recommended) (2 min)
7. Announcements (1 min)
8. Breakfast and fellowship (for those who are able to attend)
DAILY HOUR OF POWER
All Gideons and Auxiliary are officially urged to spend a few moments, however much time one
can afford, in prayer for the Gideon ministry between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. daily. The Daily Prayer
and Bible Reading Calendar (Item 411), which is mailed to all members during August or
September, is an excellent tool for the Hour of Power. The Prayer Calendar is also available on
theConnection.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
The second Saturday of June is designated annually as the International Day of Prayer,
worldwide for the ministry of The Gideons International. The extended program and agenda are
drafted by the international chaplain and promoted through official Gideon publications. Each
camp should make plans for this important event. The impact of camps around the world
praying on this special day is tremendous. In all 24 time zones, members are praying for the
needs of The Gideon International, churches, national and world leaders, spiritual awakening,
salvation of lost souls, open doors, and many other considerations. The International Day of
Prayer may be either a joint or separate meeting for Gideons and Auxiliary. Friends of Gideons
may also be invited to this special prayer event.
CAMP AUXILIARY PRAYER MEETINGS
Prayer is the fundamental function necessary for an effective Auxiliary. The camp Auxiliary
chaplain should promote Auxiliary prayer meetings through the camp newsletter, on
theConnection, and by personal contact. She can be used of God to deepen the spiritual life of the
Auxiliary through regular and effective prayer meetings. Since prayer is so central to the
Auxiliary, and the camp as a whole, prayer meetings should be held regularly on a monthly,
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 38
semi-monthly, or weekly basis.
Weekly Prayer Breakfast
If Gideon and Auxiliary prayer meetings are held at the same time, the Auxiliary prayer meeting
should be separate from the Gideons, in another area of the facility. At the invitation of the
Gideons, Auxiliary members may join the Gideons during their weekly prayer meeting.
TRAINING ON PRAYER MEETINGS
Training on how to conduct effective Auxiliary prayer meetings should be held whenever
possible. Following are some considerations:
Possible training subjects
• Fervent, effective prayer
• The value of intercessory prayer
• Praying Scripture
• Praying in short, simple sentences
Possible training times
• Additional camp prayer meetings
• In conjunction with camp cabinet meetings
• Training conferences and conventions (camp, state, zone, national or international)
ADVANCE PREPARATION FOR THE CAMP AUXILIARY PRAYER MEETING
• A prayer interest center may be used to create a reverent atmosphere
• Written prayer requests specifically for the ministry, prepared as single-page printouts or on individual cards, obtained from:
- Camp Gideon chaplain for camp needs (including known needs of local
pastors)
- State association paper and state prayer calendar
- Daily Prayer Calendar
- Prayer requests on theConnection (Resources > Prayer Center) or accessible
from the TGI-Member App
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 39
CAMP AUXILIARY PRAYER MEETING AGENDA
Moderator – Camp Auxiliary Chaplain or her designee, as necessary
Brief opening prayer (1 min)
Scripture Reading (one to ten verses from a Gideon-approved Scripture version)
Brief Devotional (optional)
A devotional must be limited to two to three minutes, must be carefully selected to be
interesting to members from various denominations, and must avoid any controversial,
doctrinal, or denominational matter.
Brief Testimony or Result of Answered Prayer (optional as time permits)
Prayer Time
Chaplain should encourage members to pray as led with:
• Intercessory prayer for the Gideon ministry
• Praying Scripture
• Simply, using short, simple sentences
• Random as led, not in a circle
• Printed praise and prayer items (see “Advance Preparation”)
Scripture memorization (verse taken from Item 404) (1 minute)
Closing Prayer
The chaplain closes after 20 minutes in a monthly camp meeting, or 30 minutes in an
additional prayer meeting, after all who desire to pray verbally have done so.
MONTHLY CAMP MEETINGS
The monthly experience of fellowship, personal development, and spiritual growth is intended
to foster engagement with other members in preparation for what God is doing in the life of the
camp, as members strive side by side for the faith of the Gospel.
Portions of the monthly camp meeting may be conducted with Gideons and Auxiliary together
or separate. Some camps find it advantageous, especially for Auxiliary considerations, to
conduct a separate prayer time even when the rest of the meeting is held jointly.
Through this event, members around the world will be encouraged to conduct missional
activities as similar times. This will enable prayers to be focused on these events collectively, and
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 40
the move of God will be manifested as members join with Him in executing the work of The
Gideons International. Coordinated resources are available for download, equipping the camp
president to moderate and promote participation in this monthly event. Camp leadership should
take time to address the members on camp activities and communicate missional events around
the world. In doing so, camp members will develop a sense of urgency to win the lost for Christ.
Members of the leadership team should be invited to address particular program subjects and
assist with camp activities, when appropriate. For assistance in developing monthly camp
meetings that include a program leader or other state or national leader, the camp president
should contact the area director.
Under the leadership of the camp president, the camp Auxiliary president, with guidance from
the camp Auxiliary cabinet, may occasionally choose to conduct training specific to the work of
Auxiliary during a monthly camp meeting or invite the appropriate Auxiliary leader for
assistance.
The camp president may, at his option, choose to have another Gideon moderate any part of
the monthly camp meeting. Members should be encouraged to share testimonies of their
personal witnessing experiences during the dinner/fellowship time.
SAMPLE MONTHLY CAMP MEETING AGENDA
Welcome Guests and Introductions (up to 3 min) Camp President
Invocation (up to 2 min) Camp Chaplain
Meal/Fellowship (up to 40 min)
Devotion (up to 5 min) Camp Chaplain
Latest News/Developments (up to 5 min) Camp President
Gideon and Auxiliary Prayer Time (up to 15 min) Joint or Separate
Educational Session (up to 20 min) Camp President
Faith Fund Challenge/Offering (up to 5 min) Camp Faith Fund Chairman/Camp Treasurer
Camp President’s Time (up to 15 min) Camp President
Closing Prayer Camp Chaplain
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 41
THE ANNUAL PASTORS EVENT
The Annual Pastors Event is the primary public relations tool for the camp and should be
included in the Annual Meeting and Event Planner. This event may be held in the form of a
breakfast, luncheon or traditional evening banquet and must be well planned, promoted, and
executed. Resources for the Annual Pastors Event can be found on theConnection.
WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS
The following process is set to change effective November 2020. Please refer to the next section
for the new process for welcoming new members.
Prior to November 2020: A welcome letter from the international president and a Quick Start
Guide are mailed to every new member as soon as the Membership Committee approves that
person’s application. This will give new members helpful, up-front information on the ministry
of which they are now a part.
Also, a packet of individual welcome packages for each new Gideon and Auxiliary is mailed to
the camp president, containing:
1. A welcome letter from the executive director
2. A Gideon or Auxiliary emblem
3. The individual’s membership card with unique member number
4. A Guide Book or Auxiliary Guide Book
5. A Daily Prayer and Bible Reading Calendar
6. A sample GideonCard
These items should be presented to the new member as a part of the New Member Recognition
Ceremony designed to create a sense of significance of their commitment. The New Member
Recognition Ceremony sample script is also provided in the welcome package and can be
downloaded in the document center on theConnection.
After November 2020: A new member welcome package is mailed to every new member as
soon as the Membership Committee approves that person’s application. This welcome package
includes:
1. A welcome letter from the executive director
2. A Gideon or Auxiliary emblem
3. The individual’s membership card with unique member number
4. A Daily Prayer and Bible Reading Calendar
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 42
5. A New Testament and pen for the Gideon and a journal for the Auxiliary
6. A New Member Brochure for the Gideon
The new member should be immediately engaged by the camp president or the Gideon who is
sponsoring the new member. It is a best practice to recognize the new member at your earliest
scheduled camp meeting. The updated New Member Recognition document can be downloaded
from the Document Center on theConnection.
CAMP COMMITTEES
The camp president, with approval of the cabinet, may establish and appoint members to
committees for specific purposes. Given the extent of Gideon programs, many times
committees are required to adequately accomplish the camp’s goals. Such committees may
include, but are not limited to:
• Church Ministry Committee
• GideonCard Committee
• Scripture Distribution Committee
• Membership Committee
• Annual Pastors Event Committee
TOPICS OF DISCUSSION AT GIDEON MEETINGS
The Association has a long-standing policy that prohibits discussion of doctrinal matters and
performance of certain practices regarding which earnest Christians have different opinions.
Specifically, communion services, baptismal services, divine healing meetings, speaking in
tongues, and other similar practices should never be discussed or engaged in during, or in
connection with, Gideon meetings.
From a positive standpoint, we should focus on the power of the Word of God and winning the
lost to Christ, which is the purpose of The Gideons International. When this policy is violated, it
inevitably brings division among the Gideon members and serves to tear down our ministry,
rather than build it up. Obviously, every Gideon has the right to his own persuasion regarding
such doctrinal matters and practices; however, to repeat, we must refrain from discussing or
performing such practices at Gideon meetings and focus on the primary things regarding which
we can all agree as members of this Association.
PLANNING THE ANNUAL CAMP PROGRAM
Gideon events require proper planning in order to maintain a camp culture that both honors
God and engages members.
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 43
A. Camp Meeting & Event Planning
Camps plan their meetings and events annually using the Camp Meeting and Event Planner
(Item 125), which is available for download on theConnection. The camp president should call
a special meeting of the camp cabinet to complete the planner. The camp Auxiliary
president attends the meeting and event planning session since the timing of many Auxiliary
activities is dependent on the planning of the Gideons.
The cabinet should review its calendar at the monthly cabinet meeting to assure that all
planned activities have a high probability for a positive outcome. Sometimes the schedule
will need to be revised. The camp planning calendar should also be made available to the
entire camp. A letter from the camp president that encloses the planning calendar is
appropriate. It should also be posted on theConnection camp resource board.
The online camp planners are available on theConnection. The online planner provides camps
a useful tool to combine all their planning, calendar, and goal planning activities in a single
forum.
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 44
B. Goal Planning
Goal planning is a year-round spiritual effort by the camp to have discussions related to camp
potential, goal setting, and related engagement planning. The camp cabinet will meet in early
January to determine their camp goals for the upcoming fiscal year in Scripture receipts,
Scripture placements, and church presentations. Goals will be determined based on the potential
that exists within the camp. Membership goals will be determined in June following the
membership renewal time period. The camp will have approximately six weeks in January and
early February to input the goals online in theConnection. Goals are then locked-in by the camp
and the cumulation of goals from all camps in the state association become the goals for that
association. This bottom-up approach puts accountability and responsibility on the camp for the
achievement of the goals which they have determined.
Area Directors and state cabinet leadership, in reviewing the goals set by the camps, are
encouraged to have conversations with the camps throughout the process. That conversation
may result in an agreement to change a camp’s goals. The state cabinet has the ability to make
these changes after camp goals are locked through approximately the 2nd week in March. This
conversation is two-way and should revolve around the potential of a camp. All goals are then
locked in place and submitted to the International Finance Committee and International
Executive Committee.
Activity engagement planning follows the goal-setting process to create opportunities within the
camp to achieve the object of The Gideons International. The Camp Annual Planner is available
on theConnection for planning camp activities. During the activities throughout the year, camp
leaders should work to identify new or additional potential to be included in the next goal
planning cycle. Camp activities allow for camp members to associate together for service,
maintain or strengthen their personal testimony and personal work, and place the Bible––God’s
Holy Word––or portion thereof in their community and around the world.
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 45
FUNDING THE CAMP PROGRAM
The three approved methods for securing funds for general expenses of the camp and for
purchasing Scriptures are:
1. Personal contributions and bequests
2. Church offerings
3. The GideonCard Bible Program
It is the responsibility of the Camp Treasurer to keep an accurate, but separate, record of Camp Scripture Funds and Camp General Funds received and deposit them into the camp’s bank account. All accounts opened by camp officers must be set up using the authorized specific employer identification number (EIN) for the respective zone. While it is acceptable to maintain both types of funds in a single bank account, the records must never be co-mingled. Scripture Funds must only be used for Scriptures and Camp General Funds must only be used for the operating expenses of the camp.
THE CAMP SCRIPTURE FUND
The following is a list of Scripture Fund categories. A full description can be found in Camp
Treasurer Manual (Item 512.)
• Church Receipts – 35% allocated to Camp Scripture Fund Balance
• Gideon Card Receipts – 35% allocated to Camp Scripture Fund Balance
• Auxiliary Scripture Fund – 35% allocated to Camp Scripture Fund Balance
• Faith Fund – 100% goes to Faith Fund to buy Scriptures in countries that cannot fund Bible
purchases themselves; 0% allocated to the Camp Scripture Fund Balance
• Camp Scripture Fund – 100% allocated to the Camp Scripture Fund Balance in the Store
and is reported as “Other Desig” on the monthly Camp Report
• USA Outreach Fund – 100% allocated to the USA Outreach Fund and is also reported as
“Other Desig” on the monthly Camp Report
All Scripture Funds should be remitted as soon as the funds are available after the deposits have
had time to clear. At the very least, this should be done once per month.
The Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, 50 Century Blvd., Nashville, TN 37214, USA, is
the only legal entity of the Association in the United States as recognized both by its charter and
by the USA Internal Revenue Service. Therefore, this address is the only official repository of all
USA Scripture Funds. Very careful attention must be paid to this fact, so the tax-exempt status
of the Association is not questioned or placed in jeopardy.
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 46
REMITTING SCRIPTURE FUNDS
USA Camp Treasurers are encouraged to take advantage of theConnection to remit Scripture
Funds electronically (e503), saving both time and money; i.e. delays in delivery and lost checks.
An online enrollment form located in the Camp Treasurer’s Tools must be completed prior to
remitting funds using this method. See Camp Treasurer Manual (Item 512) for detailed
instructions.
The other method for remitting Scripture Funds is for the Camp Treasurer to complete a paper
503 Scripture Remittance form and send it along with a camp check to the following address:
TGI 503 Camp Remittance
P.O. Box 97342
Washington, D.C. 20090-7342
Donations received by credit card cannot be processed by the camp in theConnection at this time.
Credit cards must be submitted with a paper 503C Credit Card Remittance Form. The original,
signed slips with the donor’s name, billing address, legible card number, and expiration date
should be sent along with the Credit Card Remittance Form to:
TGI 503 Camp Remittance
P.O. Box 97342
Washington, D.C. 20090-7342
THE CAMP GENERAL FUND
Gideons themselves provide for the Camp General Fund, which is used to pay for the camp’s
operating expenses such as postage, meals, Gideon Card materials, church presentation
materials, stationery, etc. Many camps secure funds for their General Fund by over-paying the
cost of the meals at the monthly camp meeting or other Gideon event such as a banquet. The
Camp General Fund is held in the camp’s local checking account and never sent to International
Headquarters.
Gideons themselves provide for the Camp General Fund, which is used for camp expenses,
such as meals, supplies, GideonCard materials, church presentation materials, stationery, etc.
Many camps provide for their General Fund by over-paying the cost of meals at the monthly
camp meeting or other activity involving camp expenses. The camp General Fund can also be
managed and tracked on theConnection, although General Fund money is held locally. Camp
treasurers are again encouraged to take advantage of this resource to keep an accurate and
current record of all camp expenses.
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 47
MANUAL RECORD KEEPING
The Treasurer’s Record Sheet (Item 510) is designed for keeping a record of camp finances.
Because Scripture Funds are never to be used for general expenses, it is imperative to keep
records of both funds separately. Good record keeping will allow camps to maintain only one
bank account for both types of funds instead of having to maintain a separate bank account for
each.
Instead of using Item 510, a camp treasurer may choose to create an Excel spreadsheet for
record keeping. Since financial records are eventually handed off to a new treasurer, the
spreadsheet should be kept as simple as possible. See the Camp Treasurer Manual (Item 512) for
additional information.
AUDIT
The completion of the Monthly Camp Banking Report and uploading of the camp’s bank
statement has been a camp requirement since the fiscal year 2016-2017. Records of camp banking
activity helps maintain a clean audit opinion which is of great value to the Association, its
members and to donors. All camps operate under the non-profit status of The Gideons
International. This reporting process helps protect the integrity of the Association and the
individuals who serve in Treasurer roles.
The transactions from a camp’s bank statement are summarized in a report located in the Camp
Treasurer’s Tools in theConnection and the corresponding statement is uploaded. See pages 14-16
for detailed information in the Camp Treasurer Manual.
A separate audit should be completed annually. A camp member who has some financial aptitude,
but who has not handled funds in any way would be the primary choice to serve as the auditor.
The current camp president is highly encouraged to attend the audit. The current camp treasurer is
excluded from being auditor, but he should be present to answer questions and provide
explanations.
The auditor is to ensure all records are properly filed and the bank statements have been
reconciled to the checkbook. He is not expected to check every entry for the entire fiscal year
unless the entries are incomplete or not in good order. A written report of the audit results should
be presented to the camp president, the current camp secretary, and the camp treasurer whose
records were audited. See the Camp Treasurer Manual for detailed information.
LEGAL AND TAX-EXEMPT STATUS
The Gideons International is incorporated and exists under the laws of the state of Illinois,
having had its headquarters office in Chicago, Illinois, USA, for over sixty years. Since 1964, the
headquarters office has been located in Nashville, Tennessee. The Association operates in
Tennessee as a foreign corporation; i.e., outside the state of incorporation.
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 48
The official corporate name of the Association is The Gideons International, which is a non-
profit membership corporation qualified under paragraph 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code of the United States. The corporation is listed on the IRS website under the Exempt
Organization Select Check. Thus, gifts to The Gideons International may be deducted on USA
federal income tax returns. Documentation from camps of individual gifts in the form of an
official Donation Receipt (Item 206) may be required to ensure compliance with current IRS
regulations. Donation receipts are issued by International Headquarters for all credit card
donations, non-cash donations, and planned gifts/estate bequests.
Cash contributions to The Gideons International are generally deductible for income tax
purposes to the extent of 50% of adjusted gross income with carryover to future years as
allowed. Donations may be designated for the general fund for use in conducting the overall
ministry or to purchase and place Scriptures. Individual receipts may be required to ensure
compliance with current IRS regulations.
Charitable gifts of non-cash assets may also be made, which will allow the fair market value of
the property to be deductible, generally up to 30% of adjusted gross income, if the asset qualifies
for long-term capital gains treatment. The deduction for any other asset depends on its cost
basis. Any deductions that exceed the above noted limits can be carried over into future years as
specified by IRS regulations.
Since tax laws regarding charitable contributions are complex, it is suggested that a donor
contact his accountant or lawyer for advice.
The only non-profit corporation in the USA involving Gideons is The Gideons International,
P.O. Box 140800, 50 Century Blvd., Nashville, Tennessee 37214-0800; all camps and state
associations are unincorporated subsidiaries. Upon receipt of any notification from an executor
or other person concerning an estate or other legal document in which The Gideons will benefit
or is concerned, the camp or state officer should immediately forward complete information to
International Headquarters along with a copy of the document(s), if available. Even though a
bequest may be designated for use by a camp or state association, it is essential that all
correspondence, checks, documents, etc., first be cleared through International Headquarters.
Any gift or potential gift of property other than cash, or any contact by an estate attorney,
executor, or administrator must be referred to the Development Division at International
Headquarters since peculiar tax and legal documentation circumstances may be involved. If
the camp should receive a check from an estate, the camp must not cash it, but send it along
with any other documentation to the Development Division at International Headquarters.
The Tax ID number of The Gideons International is 36-2270051.
The fiscal year of The Gideons International is June 1 through May 31.
ALLOCATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS
FROM CHURCH PRESENTATIONS AND THE GIDEONCARD BIBLE PROGRAM
All contributions to The Gideons International that are received in the USA, either through
offerings at the time of church presentations or through the GideonCard Bible Program
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 49
(including Birthday for Jesus), are allocated among Scripture Funds as indicated:
1. Camp Scripture Fund – 35%
This is the major source of the Camp Scripture Fund, from which a camp purchases
Scriptures to be placed or distributed in its geographic area. Under certain unusual
circumstances, part or all of this 35% allocation may be credited to a state association’s
Undistributed Scripture Fund for use by camps within the state association or to assist
with state sponsored Scripture blitzes.
2. Emergency Scripture Fund – 4%
The Emergency Scripture Fund is used basically as the name implies; i.e., for supplying
Scriptures in an urgent situation when other funds are not available. The most common
use of the Emergency Scripture Fund is for USA Metropolitan Scripture Blitzes.
3. USA Outreach Fund – 7%
This is used to provide Scriptures to military personnel, military chaplains, emergency
services personnel and place Scriptures in Veterans Administration hospitals. It is also
the funding source for The Life Book.
4. International Outreach Fund – 50%
This is the major source of funding for the Scriptures to be placed in the international
outreach countries and supported national associations. It is managed by the
International Outreach Committee.
5. Scripture Distribution Fund – 4%
Gideons should especially be aware of this allocation, which is used to offset the cost of
freight, customs, importation duty, order processing, and other expenses. Since such
costs are part of the allocation, it is improper to say, “100% of your contribution is used
to purchase Scriptures.” Rather, it is more correct to say, “For an average cost of $1.20
you can provide for the purchase and placement of Scripture in 200 countries,
territories, and possessions.”
The Faith Fund is not part of the allocation from church presentations and the GideonCard
Bible Program. It is a separate program that promotes contributions provided almost exclusively
by Gideons and Auxiliary to provide Scriptures for the International Outreach Ministry. The
50% allocation described above is insufficient to provide all the Scripture needs budgeted by
these countries; therefore, there is almost always a deficit in the International Outreach Fund.
That deficit is made up by the Faith Fund, 100% of which is used for Scripture needs in
international outreach and supported national association countries.
DASHBOARD AND MONTHLY CAMP REPORT
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 50
International Headquarters publishes camp reports on the 3rd business day of the month for the
previous month’s transactions. A copy can be viewed on theConnection. Additionally, camps have
access to the same vital information contained in the Monthly Camp Report, for current month
data and is updated daily.
ESTATES AND PLANNED GIFTS
Often Gideons, Auxiliary, and non-member donors desire to make gifts to The Gideons
International that require careful planning in consideration of their overall financial stewardship
goals. The Development Division at International Headquarters exists to assist those individuals
to achieve the most beneficial method of accomplishing their goals, given their personal, family,
taxation, and estate situations. There are several ways in which an eternal investment can be
made through The Gideons International. Some of these are cash gifts, securities, life insurance,
a bequest through a will or trust, and retirement plans.
Those who wish to make special, planned gifts to The Gideons International are advised to
consult the Development Division at International Headquarters. The following information
may be helpful to attorneys and tax advisors:
The official corporate identification of the Association is The Gideons International, P. O. Box
140800, 50 Century Blvd., Nashville, Tennessee, 37214-0800. The Tax ID number of The
Gideons International is 36-2270051. Contributions to The Gideons International, designated
by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, qualify as tax deductible, per allowance of the law.
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 51
KEY POLIC IES OF THE GIDEONS INTERNATIONAL
In an organization as large and complex as The Gideons International, there must be certain
policies that ensure uniform adherence to its core values and orderly execution of its purpose.
The International Cabinet over the years has established certain policies that are followed
throughout the worldwide ministry. Further, the International Cabinet is the only entity within
the Association that has the authority to establish these policies, and International Headquarters,
through the executive director serving as secretary to the International Cabinet, is charged with
enforcing their compliance. All members should be fully cognizant of the key policies of The
Gideons International and adhere to them in all their Gideon activity. Please refer to the Guide
Book (Item 102) for specifics on the following key policies of The Gideons International:
• Scripture Versions Policy
• Scripture Distribution Affiliation Policy
• Non-Qualified Churches
• Safekeeping of Records and Finances
• The Approved Gideon Emblem
• Use of Gideon Name and Emblem
• Meaning of the Emblem
• Electronic Communications
A. Social Media
B. Internet
C. Email
D. Blogs
E. Videos and Other Electronic Postings
F. Online Sharing of Gideon Content
• Business Use of Gideon Information
• Publicity
• Public Relations
• Topics of Discussion
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 52
• Social, Political and Other Causes
• Policy on Human Sexuality
• Gideons Traveling Abroad
• Bequests, Trusts, and Other Special Gifts
• Approved Methods for Securing Funds
• Use of Published Music
• Policy on Attire
• Corporate Apparel
• Presentation of Awards
• Separate Meetings at International Conventions
• Parliamentary Procedure
• Policies Related to Conducting Specific Programs
.
CAMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL 54 © 2020 The Gideons International 133-20