Safety at Camp
Safety at Camp
A safe camp is a happy camp! With caring and competent camp staff, your child is sure to be well cared for.
Camp Staff
At each of our camps, there is a camp director and two counselors per unit. These counselors are 18 or older, background-checked and trained. Key staff have first aid and CPR certification and are EpiPen certified.
Our staff participates in training in child development, behavior management, bullying intervention, abuse and neglect prevention, general camping skills, the values of Girl Scouting, curriculum planning and implementation, specific area responsibilities, and safety procedures. They are enthusiastic, excited to be at camp, and ready to let campers lead the way in fun and adventure this summer! Most of all, they embody the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
At overnight camp, members of our camp team are candidates from all around the globe selected to help enrich your camper’s experience. Most of our staff members are college students, college graduates, and camp professionals. Staff at all camps must meet American Camp Association and Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints age requirements.
Camp Nurse and Special Needs
The health and safety of campers and staff is our first priority. Our healthcare policies meet or exceed standards set by Girl Scouts of the USA’s guidelines, state licensing requirements, and American Camp Association guidelines. Day camps employ a health supervisor, who is supported by a licensed nurse and an on-call physician for consultation. Our camp staff are trained in First Aid, CPR, and other health care certifications as required by their positions.
We provide reasonable accommodations for campers with special needs. Please contact us to see if we can adequately meet your camper’s needs.
Accessibility
Camp takes place outdoors, in all weather, over uneven ground, and inside and outside of buildings and units. In every case, we want campers to be safe and meaningfully participate in all aspects of camp activities. Please contact us if your camper has any physical, emotional, dietary, or medical needs that might make meaningful participation a challenge.
Sun Safety
We recommend that campers use sunscreen daily and take precautions such as wearing long sleeves and hats with a brim to avoid the sun. Most camp activities take place outside, in the sun, although we will avoid direct sun when we can. Please send sunscreen to camp that you have determined is appropriate for your camper and teach them how to apply it.
Water safety
Camps provide swimming and boating when available. Whenever campers are participating in waterfront activities, we use a buddy tag system. All campers take part in a waterfront safety orientation and swim check on their first or second day at camp. This swim check follows nationally recommended standards and determines the camper’s buddy tag color. Campers wear personal flotation devices for any boating activity and can choose to wear them swimming. Swim level does not limit camp activities for girls; it ensures that campers participate in the safest way possible.
Boating
Campers who participate in any boating activity will complete a “tippy test” as part of our waterfront orientation. This includes how to safely overturn a canoe or kayak, exit the boat, and either return to the boat or return to shore safely. Additional instruction may be part of canoeing or boating skills lessons, or as campers show interest.
COVID-19 exposure at home or at camp
Exposure at home
Campers or staff who refuse to be screened at arrival, who display symptoms, or who answer yes to any of the screening questions will not be allowed to attend camp.
If a staff member or camper has been exposed to COVID-19 and is not exhibiting symptoms they can continue coming to camp in accordance with the CDC guidelines.
If a camper is exposed to COVID-19, and is displaying signs of symptoms, then they will not be allowed at camp.
If a camper is exposed and then tests positive, they need to quarantine for 5 days and wear a mask in public for 5 days in accordance with the CDC.
Exposure at camp
If a camper or staff in a child’s group has tested positive for COVID-19 and notifies camp, the staff member and campers in that group will be contacted (the name of the individual will be withheld for confidentiality) and made aware. We ask that families keep an eye on their campers and if they do start to display any symptoms, keep them home.
COVID-19 symptoms appearing at camp
To investigate any suspected symptoms of COVID-19 that appear during the camp day, staff will assist campers in taking a home test. Parent/guardian will be contacted first. If you choose to not have us test, you will need to come pick up your camper. For a camper to return to camp, the family must provide a negative test result. You can bring a home test and do it at camp with Health Supervisor.
Emergency Procedures
Health and safety at camp is our first priority. Campers and staff practice emergency assembly drills every week at overnight camp. Communication between units and main camp is maintained by walk-throughs and walkie-talkies, especially at night. In addition, we have an agreement and working relationship with the local fire/police/rescue departments to provide emergency response as needed. Camp staff are trained in anticipating and responding to most situations that might arise at camp, including, but not limited to:
- Injuries and illness
- Fire emergencies
- Inclement weather
- Waterfront emergencies
- Boating emergencies
- Stranger(s) on camp property
- Lost camper
- Off-site emergencies
- Vehicle breakdowns
- Wildlife interaction
Camp Family Handbooks
Learn more about safety at camp in the camp family handbooks.
