Risk Management
Human liabilities
Staff conduct:
Professional conduct is to be displayed by the staff at all times. Any inappropriate language or behavior is to be reported to the director as soon as possible. The director will then take appropriate measures to handle the situation (termination of employment could result if necessary).
Example areas:
--no harassment of staff, campers, and/or parents
--no foul or inappropriate language
--no inappropriate actions (including but not limited to physical touch, aggressive behavior, etc.)
--phone use occurs as needed, not for personal gain or entertainment
--negligence of staff in regards to supervision of campers and equipment.
Parent/Camper conduct
Parents and Campers are also to maintain a professional conduct in dealing with any concerns of the camp. Parents are to report directly with the camp director and not the individual staff member involved in a concern. The camp director will discuss the issue with both sides, separately and/or together to resolve any disputes. Specific areas are similar, but not limited, to those listed under the staff conduct.
Maintenance of grounds
Camp areas and equipment are to be properly checked each day. All equipment is to be properly stored away at the end of each activity.
Example areas:
-- Walking sidewalk hazards are to be marked with a bright paint to prevent tripping hazards.
--outdoor sports equipment
--deflated blow ups, unplugged blowers
--doors properly shut and/or locked
--rocks, sand, or dirt accumulating on sidewalks or other pathways that could cause a slipping hazard
Camper supervision:
Staff members should abide by the appropriate staff to camper ratios at all times:
--5yrs old 1 to 6 ratio
--6-8yrs old 1 to 8 ratio
--9-14yrs old 1 to 10 ratio
--15-18yrs old 1 to 12 ratio
Each area is recommended to have at least 2 staff members present at all times, exceptions include, bathroom breaks. No other exceptions are needed to these ratios as all camp activities are equal.
Staff members are to use caution when campers are using the bathroom. Staff are to prevent, if possible, using the bathroom if a camper is already present. Staff are to remain at the door of the bathroom to maintain safety while campers are using the bathroom, but should not enter unless necessary. Male staff are not to assist in any way with a female camper, unless there is an emergency. Staff are not to be alone in a closed environment with a camper. Staff are not to be in the same room if changing is going on for getting into or out of swim suits. Staff are to remain near the door to maintain safety.
Staff supervision
Adult staff is to monitor all the aspects of the camp throughout the day, taking care of any and all concerns in a timely and appropriate manner. The staff director is to be informed of any incident as soon as possible. The director will talk with any and all parties to resolve the issue as necessary.
Staff emotional stability and health
Staff that are in need of a break should let the director know as soon as possible. The director can sub or provide a sub during the day for a short break or can do so for a day off. Staff should not come to work if they are feeling sick (fever, diarrhea, or vomiting). Staff should also be at an emotional stability for themselves to be able to perform their necessary work to the best of their ability. Prayers will be offered to all those who need it throughout the day. Staff should wash their hands before eating and not share any food with campers.
Camper emotional stability and health
Campers that are sick (fever, diarrhea, or vomiting) should not come to camp. Parents should keep their camper at home until there are no signs for at least 12 hours. Any concerns of emotional stability or sickness of a camper should be reported to the director as soon as possible. The director should take the necessary steps, including calling the parent to possibly come and get their child. Campers that are viewed to be in a possible abusive relationship should be reported to the director who will then contact the appropriate authorities. Campers should wash their hands before eating and not share any food with fellow campers or staff.
Camp Equipment/Room options:
Included within all areas are proper staff ratios. Proper staff supervision also includes appropriate placement at a given spot to watch over campers. Proper conduct by staff and campers are also required for safety.
--Group events in the FLC (includes opening and closing activities as well as the pre-lunch activities)
--Campers are to remain seated unless directed to do something else
--Campers are to keep hands and feet to themselves
--Campers are to mine the space of others
--During dancing opportunities, campers are dance in appropriate areas
--No running
--Staff are to be stationed at any exit points to supervise
--Campers are not to be on stage area, unless directed to do so
--Campers are not allowed in the sound booth area, unless directed to do so
--Any activities that are performed are to be done in a controlled manner and are to be
planned out appropriately by the staff before they are attempted
--All activities should limit any actions that could cause injury to a staff member or camper or cause damage to the area
--Nerf darts
--Safety goggles are to be worn at all times when darts are being shot
--only appropriate nerf guns and darts are to be used
--equipment should be tested each day, any equipment not working properly should be
removed and fixed or discarded
--try to avoid hitting anyone in the face or head
--all games should be explained and monitored by the head teacher
--the designated room should be removed of any unnecessary obstacles
--all darts, guns, glasses, and other equipment should be stored away properly at the
end of each option time
--Obstacle Course/Jumping castle
--supervision is key, make sure staff is set at the proper locations
--no food or drink is allowed on any equipment
--no shoes
--no running or horseplay
--jumping castle
--make sure the jumping castle is free from hitting any obstacles
--make sure the castle is in an appropriate safe position
--classes are already arranged per age group—make sure the appropriate ages
are jumping at the same time to avoid injury
--no more than 7 people should be in the castle at one time—the bigger the kids
and age the less people should be in there
--time limits are determined if multiple campers need to be given an
opportunity based on the number limits
--enter and exit the jumping castle carefully and slowly to avoid injury
--obstacle course
--1-2 people are to race at a time
--there is no rough housing or non obstacle course use in the course
--do not hang out in the course
--campers are to race through the course and come out the other side
--the next racers are to go at an appropriate time determined by a staff member
that is safe for all involved
--if the course does not end in a slide, campers are to make sure their exit is safe
as to not fall out and hurt themselves
--if the course does end in a slide, campers are to exit the slide as soon as possible
--Construction/sports
--Construction
--all building materials are to be used appropriately
--items should be kept in an appropriate manner on the tables to
prevent any hazards such as tripping
--any broken items should reported to a staff member and fixed or
discarded
--all materials should be properly put away at the end of each option
--sports
--outdoor sports should be cautious of extreme temperatures by
limiting the amount of exposure
--equipment should be in good and proper condition and fixed or
discarded
--equipment is to be used for its intended purpose
--all equipment is to be properly put away at the end of each option
--Video game
--make sure all equipment is properly functioning before each use and fix or discard if
Needed (batteries are to be replaced)
--staff member needs to regulate the amount of use of each game for each camper
--games should allow for the proper space to avoid injury or damage to equipment (Wii
games such as Just Dance)
--games should be age appropriate
--all TV’s are to be turned off
--all equipment is to be stored away properly after each option
--Mini Sports
--make sure all equipment is in good order before each use
--each equipment is to be used for that games specific purpose and done in a controlled
manner
--staff needs to make sure all areas are monitored
--staff members need to regulate the amount of use to allow equal time on games
--all equipment is to be stored away properly after each option
--Group games
--weekly games are to be decided by the staff
--games and rules are to be learned prior to play
--proper equipment to play the game is to be available and in good order
--games are to be played under a controlled manner for safety
--games are to be done at an age appropriate level
--games are to be modified as necessary to prevent any damage to the area
--all equipment is to be stored away properly after each option
--Craft
--campers are to remain in their seats unless otherwise directed
--campers are to use all material in the correct way for the task
--scissors are to be handled with care and used only for cutting
--glue is not to be eaten and only used for gluing items down on the appropriate
material
--some tasks should be done by the staff if the camper is unable to do so
--all trash should be thrown into a trash can
--area should be clean and materials put away after each option
--Minute to Win it/Board
--weekly games are to be decided by the staff
--games and rules are to be learned prior to play
--proper equipment to play the game is to be available and in good order
--games are to be played under a controlled manner for safety
--games are to be done at an age appropriate level
--games are to be modified as necessary to prevent any damage to the area
--all equipment is to be stored away properly after each option
--Movie and dress up
-- movies watched are licensed by CCLI license
--campers are to remain seated unless otherwise directed
--campers are to use all material in the correct way for the task
--area should be clean and materials put away after each option
--Lunch/Snack time
--Campers are to remain seated as much as possible
--any spills or other messes are to be reported to a staff and cleaned up ASAP
--any camper needing to go to the bathroom must inform and then be accompanied by
a staff member
--no sharing of food
--no food fights
--staff are to monitor at all times
--all trash should be disposed of properly
--proper cleanup must occur after each meal
--purchased lunches from Mama’s and Subway are the responsibility of the parents to
understand the ingredients used from each place
--Water slides
--Proper setup including tarps and mats are to be set up prior to the use of any water
equipment to ensure the safety of the campers
--All areas are to be monitored at all times for the safety of the campers
--no running or horseplay allowed
--proper shoes are recommended
--all water slides are to be checked and declared to be in good condition before use
--all water items are to be properly dried and cleaned after each use
--pools are not to be filled over a foot deep
--water slides are not to be used during bad weather, including rain and windy days
Financial Liability
--Camp weekly fees are to be paid in a timely manner. The weekly dues should be paid the
week prior and no later than the week of, unless previously arranged with the director
--Refunds: Refunds will only be issued if notice of cancellation is submitted by Friday of the preceding week. For example, fees paid for June 6-10 week will only be refunded if notice of cancellation is received by June 3. Registration fees will not be rolled over to future weeks of camp.
--Bounced checks will be notified to the parent as soon as possible and arrangements for
payment will be determined by the parent and the director
--Camp responsibilities fall under the direct supervision of Ascension Lutheran Church and
School
Property Resources
--Camp equipment (such as nerf guns, darts, sports equipment, construction materials, TV’s, video games, etc) that is broken or used from proper use are the responsibility of the camp. Equipment that is broken by a camper, with evidence of the break, is the responsibility of the camper’s parents
--larger camp equipment including blow up equipment are to be properly taken care of to ensure the durability and safety of the equipment
--Non camp equipment (sound board, microphones, etc) should be minimally used and only by
staff
--Classrooms and other meeting areas are to be treated with respect
All items listed above should be reviewed each year prior to camp to ensure the safety of all who are involved. Any changes need to occur for areas where incidents, accidents, and injuries occur more frequently. In this review, any necessary areas of change should identify steps to reduce these incidents and modify procedures to implement any necessary change. Frequent areas of concern can be modified on a day to day basis.