Summer camp is a wonderful way for kids to learn, grow, and make friends during their time off from school. However, ensuring the safety and well-being of campers is essential for organizers and parents alike.
At America’s Kids In Motion, safety is at the forefront of kids’ camp experiences, so children are free to play and learn without risk.
In this summer camp safety guide, we’ll explore some crucial measures that can help protect kids while they enjoy the memory-making magic of summer camp.
Qualified Staff and Supervision
What essentials are needed in summer camps? For starters, the proper foundation of a safe summer camp program is a team of experienced, well-trained, detail-oriented staff members.
Summer camp staff should be well-versed in general child safety and the camp’s childcare and educational philosophies. Solid staff-to-camper ratios are important, too — they ensure that the camp session has the capacity to provide proper supervision and assistance no matter the activity and that kids’ individual needs will be met.
Emergency Prep
Well-defined emergency preparedness procedures are essential. Camp staff should be trained to respond immediately to medical emergencies, accidents, inclement weather, and other unforeseen issues.
When getting ready for summer camp, staff and campers alike should be aware of evacuation routes, designated meeting points, and communication processes in case of emergency. Safety drills aren’t usually anyone’s idea of fun – especially kids’ – but they are non-negotiable.
Taking those few minutes to ensure everyone is on the same page leaves more room for safe, spontaneous fun during the rest of the camp session. When safety procedures are so well-practiced that they’re second nature, both staff and students can safely focus on the present moment.
Safe Facilities and Equipment
Camp organizers should always be able to tell parents when facilities and equipment were last inspected. Playgrounds, sports facilities, swimming pools, climbing structures, and even arts and crafts supplies should be regularly monitored, maintained, and repaired as needed.
All play areas and camp spaces should have documentation that meets local safety code standards.
Health and Hygiene
A clean and healthy environment has always been essential, but this concern has been at the forefront of many parents’ minds since 2020. Reducing the spread of illness at camp is more important than ever.
To keep kids safe and healthy, camp staff should promote handwashing practices and offer hand sanitizing stations. Air circulation should be prioritized in indoor play areas. Camps should regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, shared equipment, and restroom facilities. Additionally, campers should be encouraged to use their own water bottles.
Medication Management
Camps must offer a well-regulated medication management system for campers with medical conditions or allergies requiring medication.
Parents should provide detailed information about their kids’ medical history, allergies, and any medications they must take. Trained staffers should manage medication administration, maintain thorough records, and follow proper storage methods to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Hydration and Sun Protection
The summer sun exposes kids to harmful UV rays and increases their risk of dehydration. Camp organizers must regularly encourage sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, hats, and sunglasses. There should also be regular built-in breaks for kids to reapply their sunscreen, as well as consistent reminders.
It’s also important to keep the temperature in mind when scheduling outdoor activities, plan outdoor time for lower-temperature parts of the day, and offer shaded areas for rest and hydration breaks. Consistent access to water — and regular water breaks — are essential.
Clear Communication with Parents
Effective communication with parents, characterized by openness and transparency, is essential for sharing updates and addressing concerns.
Parents should be able to access safety information about their kids at any point during the camp program.
Camp organizers should provide details about camp schedules, activities, safety procedures, and emergency contact information long before camp begins. Emails, phone calls, or a dedicated parent portal can inform families about their campers’ well-being.
Summer Camps in Fresno: America’s Kids In Motion
For parents and campers in the Clovis, CA area, America’s Kids In Motion has 15 years of experience providing top-notch kids’ programming that is fun, educational, and safe.
This year, instead of each week focusing on a single theme, our summer camp offerings combine all of our best events into one! Our iconic summer events, like Ninja Mondays, Wacky Waterworks Wednesdays, and Super Slime Thursdays, are favorites among kids and their parents alike. For little ones aged 3-6, our Little Learners series offers programming attuned to younger kids’ needs.
Contact America’s Kids In Motion for a safe, engaging summer for your kids. Find the perfect summer camp schedule that fits your family’s needs, and register today!
