Summer Camp Safety
Kids of all ages enjoy the change of pace that comes with summer camp. Whether it is day camp or sleepaway camp, there are fun options for everyone. Parents need to feel confident when sending their children off to camp for the day or for the month! All camps should have a summer camp safety plan available for parents to review. There is a lot to consider. From staff requirements to water safety to beating the heat, be sure the camp you choose has all the bases covered.
Summer Camp Safety 101
Texas law dictates many requirements for youth camps. All camps are required to have medical staff onsite as well as follow food storage and preparation rules and meet code for safe structures and sleeping areas. Most camps include some kind of water activity and adult (over 18) supervision is required. Campers should all be assessed for their swim level and restricted to water activities that match their skill. Hydration is essential especially in the full heat of summer . Also, all medicine must be administered by the medical staff onsite and kept in the clinic area. An on-call physician must be available as well as emergency transportation.
Who’s the Boss?
Camp counselor is a fun job for high school and college students. But it takes more than a fun personality and some babysitting experience to handle the responsibilities of kids at camp. Confirm with the camp what their hiring standards are and then expect at the minimum:
- all staff members have passed a background check
- a stringent selection process is in place
- adults (over the age of 18) are supervising as required by law
- appropriate staff to camper ratios (in Texas this is 10:1 for most activities)
- a training curriculum including abuse training
- additional training/requirements for those in specialty areas (archery, swimming, zip line)
Meeting the Emotional Needs of Camper
In addition to summer camp safety for the body, it is important to have systems in place to support the emotional health of the campers. For sleepaway camp, homesickness is common. Ask how this is handled and be sure there is a support system in place for a camper missing home. Are they allowed to contact parents? What comfort is provided especially for younger campers?
As is often the case in group situations and with new social groups, cliques may form or bullies may emerge. If possible, send your child to camp with friends to ensure he/she starts out with a core group. Making lifelong friends is one of the best things about camp. But feeling at ease with people you know is a good plan as well.
Discuss handling conflict with your child ahead of time and be sure he/she knows what to do if they need adult intervention. If they do go with a group of friends, remind them to be inclusive of others who may be there alone.
Have fun!
With all the summer camp safety concerns addressed well in advance, all that is left is for the kids to have fun!
Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/group-of-children-walking-on-a-pathway-9292928/
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