There are many sleepaway summer camps to consider if you want to keep your child active and engaged when school is out of session. However, it is important to choose a reputable kids’ summer camp. Since you will be leaving your child in the hands of other adults, it is important to ensure that they are in a safe and trustworthy environment. Looking for a reputable overnight camp for your kids? Here are four must-have features to look for to ensure the safety of your kids at camp this summer.

ACA Accreditation

Choosing a camp that has been accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) means that the camp owners and directors are educated on the most important aspects of operating a camp. They will be trained in health and safety and program quality and will need to abide by the standards set by the ACA for policies, procedures, and operations. This feature offers assurance to parents that the camp meets industry standards and is recognized by the government.

Screening of Camp Employees

When choosing a summer camp, you should choose a place that screens their employees—from the counselors to the cleaning staff to the kitchen staff—by performing police background checks. The camp should also check each employee against the national sex offender registry and hire employees based on their qualifications and experience.

Group Supervision Guideline

It is also important to find out the specific supervision guidelines of the camp you wish to send your child to. These guidelines govern how camp staff members are allowed to interact with campers. At no time during a camp program should a staff member be alone with a single child in an unobservable situation. Other group supervision guidelines should include restroom and closed-door supervision. Never be afraid to ask about camp supervision rules because accredited camps will likely have good track records and will look forward to discussing these issues with you.

Emergency Plans in Place

One of the most important factors when choosing a reputable summer camp is whether they have an emergency plan. The camp organizer must have medically trained staff and equipment to handle various emergency situations. The counselors should also have first aid and CPR training and should be prepared with a first aid kit when activities are away from the campsite.

Register Your Child for Summer Camp at Blue Ridge

If your child’s safety at summer camp is important to you, choosing a camp that shares your values is essential. Camp Blue Ridge is the perfect place for your child to spend their summer break and we value health and safety for our campers. While we have a heavy focus on providing fun activities like music, yoga, dance, mountain biking, aquatics, theatre, and archery, we also care deeply about making our environment a safe and fun place for kids.

To learn more about our sleepaway camp, including our amenities, food, activities, and staff, or to register for the upcoming camp season, contact us today.