How to keep your kids safe at summer camp
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GRESHAM, Ore. - Tucked into the woods near Oxbow Park is a Mecca of fun - a world in which even the grown-ups go by nicknames like "Zuma" or "Merlin."
Yet in the midst of all the play at the YMCA’s Camp Collins, counselors like Josh "Merlin" Mann understand the seriousness of the trust placed in them.
"I have these nine guys – we're all in the same cabin. Then there's one other staff member that sleeps in the cabin, too," says Mann.
It's peak season right now for summer camps. From day camps to overnight experiences, thousands of children across Oregon and Washington spend good chunks of their day away from their families. But how safe are your kids and what sort of questions should you be asking before you send them away?
Before a single kid arrives at Camp Collins, every staff member is trained on child abuse: how to spot it, how to report it and how to avoid it.
"If ever I'm one on one with a youth, it's gotta be in a public place where other people are around or someone can see us," Mann says. "The idea is I'm never alone with just one youth in a cabin. There's gotta be always at least a second youth or a second counselor."
They are necessary boundaries, they say, when you have cases like Jerry Sandusky's haunting the headlines.
"It used to be 30 years ago you saw someone (who wanted to be a counselor) who looked like they enjoyed the outdoors, and a camp director might say, 'Hey, you'd be great, come join me," says Willard Burks, executive director of YMCA Camp Collins.
Not so anymore. In addition to a federal criminal background check and the calling of references, program director Haelynne "Zuma" Barron says there's the gut check.
"When we interview people, trusting that feeling that you're getting from them as well, and if there's something that's just not right and you don't know what it is, maybe this isn't the right place for them," she says. "Because if I'm not necessarily getting a great feeling, then how are the kids going to feel? We're not willing to risk that."
KATU News called several summer programs in our area, including the one at the zoo, and those run by county and city parks and recreation programs. Every program KATU called, at the very least, does a federal background check. But the best ones also train employees on child abuse prevention policies.
Parents should ask to see clearance letters for everyone who will be working with their kids, including volunteers. Ask about the qualifications and the experience of the staff. And find out if the camp counselors are trained in first aid and CPR.
My grandkids have been attending Camp Collins for more than 7 years--and their father and uncle also attended. It has given them a chance to develop emotionally and socially--in ways that nothing else really can. The "never alone" rule also applies to the kids--they must always be with another camper, just like no counselor can ever be out of sight of another counselor. By the way--the setting is wonderful!Â
And the sad thing is... public schools do not come anywhere near this level of scrutiny, and children committed to their grasp for far more hours of their lives.
I worked at Collins for years as well as numerous camps around the country and Safety is always the foremost thought. If you don't hear the phrase "Safety First" at least 5 time a day camp must not be in session. I myself have passed on staff by asking myself would I let my family stay in the care of this person. If I even hesitate than that person is not a good fit. It is sad and tragic when bad things happen at camp because I can think of very few places on the planet where safety is more of an issue. It is the first thing we think about every day. Â
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I know without a shadow of a doubt that my kids will always go to camp. It teaches them so much more than people give camp credit for. It is an opportunity for growth physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually, regardless of the type of camp it is all of those things grow in the time spent with the amazing staff that get the privileged to help campers grow summer after summer. Â
This is a difficult one. I understand the concern, and not having kids myself I'm sure people will try to tell me that I don't completely understand.
However, I was a kid who went to many summer camps and had many great experiences. I wouldn't want to keep those experiences from my children so they can sit at home being bored during the summer. I would rather they go out and experience life and learn. I am happy to hear about these background checks. And I remember when I went to camp they had the rule in place that we were not allowed to be alone with a councilor. I am glad to hear they have awareness of the issue. Plus, educating the children about the rule will also help with enforcement.
I don't trust any camps. Â Too many perverts and weirdos to take the chance that my kid will be the one who is molested. Â Too bad it's the way the world has become. Â
Or just get your kids involved in Scouting, and stop worrying!
My son is at Boy Scout camp this week and I am pretty sure he and the rest of those in his troop are having the time of their lives.
I think that depends on how many republicans or church groups run the camp...