Camp Safety Trainings & Facilitator’s Guides (2018)

Every camp is different. And your specific geographic, environmental, cultural and programatic circumstances will have a big influence on the challenges you face. That’s why our 2018 Camp Safety Trainings—which launch today—are structured as eleven short, modular training topics, which each camp can select from to create a unique training experience that matches their programming. The following trainings will replace our 7 existing Camp Safety Trainings, as well as provide 4 new topics.

Facilitator’s Guide: Instructions & Introductory Exercise

Aquatic Safety at the Pool (10 mins) Facilitator’s Guide
Pool time does not mean break time for camp staff. In this training, we’ll highlight the counselor’s responsibility while at the pool, and how to be actively engaged with their campers at all times. We’ll also review the importance of protecting vulnerable campers. You’ll hear from camp staff on how to apply this guidance at your camp.

Aquatic Safety in Natural Bodies of Water (10 mins) Facilitator’s Guide
Bringing kids to the waterfront is not break time for counselors. In this training, we’ll train camp staff how to be proactive, present and actively engaged with campers in natural bodies of water. You’ll hear from camp staff on how to apply this guidance at your camp.

Behavior Management at Camp (12 mins) Facilitator’s Guide
Camp can be stressful for some children. This stress can manifest into many different behaviors. In this training, we’ll train staff on how to be proactive in order to create a culture where campers know and follow the expectations. And if a child does act inappropriately, we’ll review how to effectively respond. You’ll hear from camp staff on how to apply this guidance at your camp.

Bullying Prevention at Camp (10 mins) Facilitator’s Guide
Bullying can ruin the camp experience for a child. In this training, we’ll train staff on how to identify bullying behavior versus normal peer conflict, how to prevent bullying at their camp, and if bullying does happen, how to respond appropriately. You’ll hear from camp staff on how to apply this guidance at your camp.

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention at Camp (14 mins) Facilitator’s Guide
In this training, we’ll train staff on the warning signs of child sexual abuse and how they can prevent this from happening at their camp. We’ll focus on the importance of immediately reporting these warning signs and rule-breaking. You’ll hear from camp staff on how to apply this guidance at your camp.

Day Camp Supervision (12 mins) Facilitator’s Guide
Camp staff are expected to do more than supervise—they’re expected to be actively engaged with their campers at all times. This training will review how to actively engage campers, the importance of taking charge, and how to create rules & routines. You’ll hear from camp staff on how to apply this guidance at your camp.

Field Trips & Off-Site Travel Safety (10 mins) Facilitator’s Guide
Field trips are exciting for campers and for staff. Although they are fun, safety is still the number one priority. In this training, we’ll train staff how to plan ahead before a trip, and how to actively engage campers while on the trip. You’ll hear from camp staff on how to apply this guidance at your camp.

Peer-to-Peer Sexual Abuse Prevention at Camp (12 mins) Facilitator’s Guide
Peer-to-peer abuse happens at camp. In this training, we’ll train staff on the elements of peer-to-peer abuse and how to prevent this from happening at their camp. And if it does happen, we’ll review the appropriate way to respond. You’ll hear from camp staff on how to apply this guidance at your camp.

Playground Safety & Programming at Camp (9 mins) Facilitator’s Guide
Playgrounds are fun for campers. Because of the unstructured nature of playgrounds, it’s important for staff to be actively engaged with their campers. In this training, we’ll train staff on how to prepare for the playground, how to set expectations and specifically, what the role of the counselor is when on the playground. You’ll hear from camp staff on how to apply this guidance at your camp.

Resident Camp Supervision (14 mins) Facilitator’s Guide
Camp staff are expected to do more than supervise—they’re expected to be actively engaged with their campers at all times. This training will review how to actively engage campers, the importance of taking charge, and how to create rules & routines. You’ll hear from camp staff on how to apply this guidance at your camp.

Transportation Safety at Camp (9 mins) Facilitator’s Guide
In this training, we’ll train staff on how to plan ahead before a trip, how to engage with their campers while on the vehicle, and proper protocols for exiting the vehicle. You’ll hear from camp staff on how to apply this guidance at your camp.