Is the camp ACA
accredited?
The ACA is the
American
Camp Association, and they have guidelines
for camps to follow. They also inspect accredited camps.
No camp HAS to be ACA accredited and some follow the
guidelines, even if they are not accredited. If a camp
loses its accreditation or has a low inspection score,
this information is unfortunately still not available to
the public. Speak out and contact the ACA through their
website.
Does the camp
have a written safety plan?
Ask to see the emergency
procedure plan and any safety training. Ask about
fire exits, fire extinguishers, first aid boxes, pool
safety equipment, etc. Do counselors carry cell-phones,
(for off-site trips or if the camp is spread out)?
What is the
counselor/camper ratio?
Particularly around
water or potentially dangerous activities, you want to
be comfortable as a parent/guardian. An 8:1 ratio is
okay for day camps, but this number should be lower for
risky activities. MAKE SURE junior staff or trainees are
not counted in those numbers.
How are
counselors chosen and trained?
Are background checks done on
them?
Do they have any orientation
time?
Are they given any CPR or first
aid training?
Is there a minimum age one can
be a counselor?
If they are supervising a risky
activity for instance, do they get safety training
on that specific activity?
Who drives camp buses/vans/any vehicles?
Are counselors driving records
checked?
Are counselors given training
on buses/vans/camp vehicles?
Are children made to wear
seatbelts if over age 8 or 80 lbs?
Are they made to wear booster
seats if under 8 or 80 lbs?
How old are the vehicles and
have they all passed state inspection?
Are helmets worn by campers
when appropriate, e.g. rock climbing, bicycling,
riding All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s), Horse Riding,
Skateboarding, Skiing etc?
What is the
policy with bullying issues?
Believe it or not, this can be
an issue at camp and should be addressed
immediately. Talk with your child BEFORE camp about
talking with a counselor if any bullying of any kind
occurs at all. How are campers/counselors
disciplined if they bully or intimidate a child?
Who provides
medical care?
Is there a nurse available at
any time or all times? (Residential camps)
Is there a Doctor available at
any time or all times? (Residential camps)
Are they both fully qualified
and do they have a valid state license?
What is the travel time from
camp to the nearest hospital?
Ask to see the medical log from
last year (expect to see records of cuts, bruises
and scrapes, but serious injuries, particularly
large numbers, might be a red flag.)
Does the camp
have insurance?
Camps do not have to carry
insurance. For those that do, and in order to secure
coverage, camps often have to meet insurance standards
that are more stringent than ACA requirements.
