Top 10 Safety Measures to Ensure Amplify Sleep Away Camp Runs Smoothly: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction: overnight camps offer unforgettable experiences for youth, fostering personal growth, independence, and lifelong memories. However, ensuring the safety and well-being of campers is paramount for parents and camp organizers alike. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 safety measures that every sleep away camp should implement to guarantee a safe and enjoyable environment for all campers. Amplify is accredited by the American Camp Association. This is a rigorous process that ensures we pass over 250 standards.

1. Thorough Staff Training: The backbone of a safe sleepaway camp is its staff. All counselors, administrators, and support staff should undergo comprehensive training in first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, and child protection protocols. Regular training sessions should be conducted to keep skills updated and ensure everyone is prepared to handle any situation that may arise. Amplify staff start training with us in the Spring and then do a 10 day orientation on campus weeks before campers even arrive. We are proud to say that the majority of our staff have been with us for 5 years or more!
2. Background Checks: Prior to hiring staff, thorough background checks should be conducted to screen for any criminal history or other red flags. This step is crucial in ensuring that only trustworthy individuals are entrusted with the care of children. Amplify staff all go through an extensive background check both in there US and internationally.
3. Adequate Supervision: Proper supervision is essential to prevent accidents and ensure that campers are always under the watchful eye of responsible adults. Camps should maintain appropriate camper-to-counselor ratios and ensure that all activities are supervised by trained staff members. Amplify ratios are some of the best in the business at 1:5.
4. Health and Medical Services: Sleepaway camps should have a designated health center staffed with trained medical professionals who can attend to campers’ medical needs. Additionally, all staff members should be trained to administer basic first aid, and protocols should be in place for handling medical emergencies. Amplify maintains an on-site wellness center staffed 24/7 by our two RN’s. All staff are trained in first aid/ CPR and mental health first aid. The Ojai Fire Department is across the street from our campus and Ojai Memorial Hospital is a 10 minute drive away.
5. Clear Communication Channels: Open communication between camp staff, campers, and parents is crucial for addressing concerns, sharing important information, and responding to emergencies. Camps should establish clear channels of communication, such as regular updates via email or a dedicated camp app, to keep parents informed about their child’s well-being. Amplify uses MyCampApp, a safe and private platform for staff and parents to communicate. We are also always available by phone, text or email to address any concerns or for just general check in’s.
6. Comprehensive Emergency Plans: Every sleepaway camp should have well-defined emergency procedures in place for various scenarios, including natural disasters, medical emergencies, and missing campers. Staff members should be trained to follow these protocols swiftly and effectively to ensure the safety of all campers. Amplify staff are well versed in all our emergency plans from fire to earthquakes.
7. Safe Facilities and Equipment: Camp facilities and equipment should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they meet safety standards. This includes everything from bunk beds and recreational equipment to dining facilities and transportation vehicles. Amplify facilities are inspected multiple times a year.
8. Allergy and Dietary Accommodations: Camp staff should be informed of any campers with allergies or dietary restrictions and take appropriate measures to accommodate their needs. This includes providing alternative meal options, educating staff about allergy management, and ensuring that medications are properly stored and administered.
9. Sun Safety: With outdoor activities being a staple of sleepaway camps, it’s crucial to educate campers about sun safety and provide ample sunscreen, shade, and hydration stations to prevent heat-related illnesses and sunburns.
10. Continuous Evaluation and Improvement: Safety measures should not be static; they should be continuously evaluated and improved upon based on feedback, incidents, and industry best practices. Camp administrators should solicit feedback from campers, parents, and staff and use this information to refine safety protocols and procedures. Amplify is always striving to be a leader in the camping industry and therefore is always looking to improve and go above and beyond to make sure we build trust with our families.

Conclusion: By implementing these top 10 safety measures, sleepaway camps can create a secure environment where campers can thrive, explore, and create lasting memories. Prioritizing safety not only provides peace of mind for parents but also ensures that every camper has the opportunity to enjoy a fun and enriching camp experience.