We must as parents be proactive in making the camp experience as safe as we can.
CAMP SAFETY GUIDE
Camp Safety Guide for Parents By: David & Elaine Greene
On June 21st, 2007 our son died following a swimming incident at Camp Tamakwa. Since 2002 there have been over 55 camp related deaths. We felt compelled to offer the following questions every parent should ask the camp they intend on entrusting the lives of their children with.
1. How many accidents or incidents have there been at the camp? What happened and were there any deaths?
2. What new protections, rules or procedures are now in place to ensure the childs safety in the case of a life or death emergency?
3. What is the makeup and ages of the staff. What is the ratio of the over age 25 group verses the under age 25 group? How many camp directors are there?
4. How many counselors are replaced each summer and what are the reasons for discharge?
5. Is the camp or any of the owners or directors currently involved in any litigation regarding the camp and its operation.
We love the memories of all three of our children's experiences at summer camp and our only purpose is to help make camps safer. If we can save other parents from the grief we are now dealing with that would make Michael smile.
