Summer seems to have snuck up on us this year. Maybe it's because much of the country experienced a long, cold, damp spring. Suddenly it's June, school's out and parents need to figure out how to keep their kids occupied until they go back to school in the fall.
If you haven't already made plans, you may be considering whether to send your child to summer camp. But before you fill out the forms, write a check and pack their lunch (or their suitcases), do your homework to make sure that you've found a safe, secure environment for your children.
Each summer, there are news reports about kids who are injured, permanently disabled or killed while at camps. You shouldn't automatically assume that an expensive camp is better than an inexpensive one, or that a private camp is safer than one run by the local parks department. It really comes down to the people who work at the camp, the training and policies they have in place, and the equipment designed to help kids have a fun and healthy experience.
When evaluating the camp, ask the director about the procedures they have in place to create a safe, healthy environment for their campers. A camp that places an emphasis on safety should happily and directly answer your questions. If you get evasive or defensive answers, that's a reason for concern.
Among the factors to consider:
Safety:
- What kinds of safety equipment does the camp have in place? Is it easily accessible and well maintained?
- When touring the camp, do you see first-aid kits, life preservers, fire extinguishers, etc., in plain sight? Does the sports equipment and safety equipment appear to be well maintained?
- What kind of supervision is provided? Do counselors seem alert? Are they paying attention to the campers?
- What kind of security is in place at the camp?
- Who is responsible for driving kids when transportation to other locations is necessary?
- How many lifeguards are on duty at any time?
Staff:
- Are background checks performed on all camp personnel, regardless of whether they come in contact with the kids? What does the background check entail?
- Is licensed medical staff on duty at all times that kids are present?
- Does the camp have a program in place designed to prevent sexual molestation?
- What is the average age of counselors?
- What is the ratio of campers to staff?
- What is the staff disciplinary policy? Is it zero-tolerance?
Training:
- What is the camp owner's experience?
- What kind of training do counselors receive, and how often are they given refresher training?
- How many staff members have first aid and CPR certification?
Emergencies:
- Does the camp have a written safety plan?
- How are these handled?
Miscellaneous:
- What type of insurance does the camp have in case something happens to your child?
- Is the camp licensed by the state?
- Is the camp accredited by the American Camping Association?
Forms & Waivers
When enrolling your child in camp, you'll probably be asked to sign a detailed waiver and liability release form. This form may also ask for detailed information about your child's health, allergies and other physical or mental issues that the camp should be aware of. Be honest! If the camp is likely to reject a camper because of health issues, it probably isn't a good fit in the first place.
The release form may ask you to agree not to sue if your child is injured or killed. Camp activities, like everything in life, carry some risks. However, if your child is hurt or dies and the camp is truly negligent, it's unlikely that the waiver will hold up in a court of law
Use Common Sense
Before sending your child to camp, do your homework, talk to your child about their behavior while away and use common sense. Get references, talk to the camp director and check camp reviews from past campers. You may come across one or two complaints, but if a negative pattern emerges, think twice about whether to enroll your child in the camp.
Talk to your child about the potential risks they may encounter. Camp, particularly overnight camps, can give children more freedom than they may normally be used to. Make sure they understand the importance of thinking before they act.
Finally, use common sense. Don't send your child to camp with expensive possessions that could get lost or stolen. Don't lie about a child's age or skills to get them into a camp they wouldn't otherwise be qualified to attend.
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