Questions Every Camp Should Answer About Child Safety
Advertorial
By the U.S. Center for SafeSport
As you know, summer camps and recreation programs spark memories for children that last a lifetime and provide a reliable space where parents can expect their child to feel safe and supported.
The trust parents seek to have in their child’s summer activity is important to reinforce—whether your organization offers a traditional camp experience, or an emerging enrichment activity such as coding or cosplay.
As we prepare for kids’ fun and personal growth this summer, let’s be sure we’re equipped to prevent and appropriately respond to bullying, harassment, and other inappropriate behavior that may arise in settings that bring adults and kids together, and that introduce young counselors to new situations. Ensuring safety is not only about business preparedness and risk management: first and foremost, it’s the right thing to do for the youth we serve.
You can play a key role in modeling and teaching appropriate behaviors and boundaries, and in doing so reduce the likelihood of abuse and misconduct in sport facilities and recreation settings.
By ensuring you have answers to key questions parents may ask before summer programs begin—and providing training for those entrusted with children’s care and wellbeing—you can proactively prepare to safeguard your campers and participants and take important steps to prioritize their safety.
Questions To Consider About Camp and Recreation Safety Measures
Improve your preparedness to prevent and address abuse and misconduct by ensuring you have the right answers—and make them accessible to parents who may ask.
Do your staff and volunteers receive training on preventing and responding to abuse and misconduct?
How are kids supervised during structured activities and free time?
Do you have policies to limit one-on-one contact between adults and kids?
Do you have policies related to reporting and responding to abuse and misconduct?
Do you require screening and criminal background checks for staff and volunteers? Does your insurance provider require it?
How do you communicate expectations about how campers treat one another?
(For overnight camps) What are the sleeping arrangements for campers, counselors, and overnight staff?
Our Resources Can Help:
The U.S. Center for SafeSport is a nonprofit organization responsible for responding to and preventing emotional, physical, and sexual misconduct and abuse in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. The Center also serves as an educational resource for sports organizations at all levels, from recreational organizations to professional leagues.
The Center offers numerous courses and over 60 free resources to help you prevent, recognize, and respond to abuse and misconduct in and around sport and other active settings. On our website you’ll find quick tips like these ways to create a positive sport environment, or visit our Safe Sport Courses for All page to learn more about SafeSport courses available to you and your staff.
Contact us today at training@safesport.org to learn more about our new 15-minute online Volunteer course. Mention Summer Safe and receive a 15% discount.