Summer Camp Safety

One-Minute Program Update
Specialty Human Services Division


During the summer many parents send their children to summer camp. Some basic issues for parents to consider in deciding which camp to select are:

Camp Certification – Is the camp certified by the ACA (American Camp Association)? Camps must meet high standards in order to achieve this designation. Refer to the ACA website for more information on what the ACA reviews when certifying a camp: http://www.acacamp.org/

Camp Safety Procedures - Has there ever been a death or serious injury? What training does the staff have? Do they have a nurse on staff? Does the camp have written health policies in place? How does the camp ensure that the staff follows these procedures?


If Your Child has Special Needs – Is a camp capable of handling:

• ADD/ADHD
• Physical Handicap(s)
• Mental Handicap(s)
• Food and/ or medication allergies
• Behavioral Disorders
• Problems with homesickness

Background Checks – Are all camp employees and volunteers required to undergo state and federal fingerprint checks? A concerned parent should ask the camp director how this is handled at their camp.

Activities the Camp Provides - Does the camp offer activities that your child could be injured participation in? Are there adequate safety procedures in place?

• Rock Climbing walls
• Ropes courses
• Canoe Trips
• Contact Sports

Summer camps are a great way for children to stay active and meet new friends. With a little planning, the adventure can be less stressful for everyone involved.


Great American Insurance Group, 580 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. The information presented in this publication is intended to provide guidance and is not intended as a legal interpretation of any federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations applicable to your business. The loss prevention information is provided is intended only to assist policyholders in the management of potential loss producing situations involving their premises and/or operations based on generally accepted safe practices. In providing such information Great American does not warrant that all potential hazards or conditions have been evaluated or can be controlled. It is not intended as an offer to write insurance for such conditions or exposures. The liability of Great American and its affiliated insurers is limited to the terms, limits and conditions of the insurance policies underwritten by it.