How safe is the camp your child is going to?

With summer just around the corner, the Coalition for the Protection of Children wants to remind parents of the importance of checking camp standards.

Many parents are unaware that there is no formal licensing or regulation for camps.

Consequently, it is the parents’ responsibility to ensure the safety and standards of the camp they select are appropriate for their children. 

The Ministry of Health has published guidelines which parents can use in order to check camp standards.

We have used their standards in devising the following guidelines:

The camp operator should be at least 21 years of age and have two years’ experience working with children.

Staff must be at least 16 years of age and trained in CPR/first aid/Childminding (courses are available with the Bermuda Red Cross).

There should be a maximum ratio of 10 children per supervisor for five to eight-year-olds and 12 children per supervisor for nine to 14-year-olds.

The location should be free of health and safety concerns and have sufficient shade to protect children from direct sun exposure. Indoor and outdoor space must be provided. The indoor space must be no smaller than 25 square feet per child.

Adequate sanitary accommodations should be available, including one flush toilet and one wash basin for every 15 children.

A fully-stocked first aid box must be available at all times.

Adequate food storage or shelving (at least 10 inches above the floor) should be available, plus drinking water.

Activities must be age-appropriate.

Swimming and other water activities must take place in designated areas at stated times.

A ratio of six children per staff (for children over-five) is necessary for swimming. Staff must be strong swimmers.

Camp supervisors must have access to transportation at all times in case of emergency. If children are being transported, the number of children should not exceed the number of age-appropriate, safe seats in the vehicle.

Parents should feel comfortable about asking questions about these areas.

If there are camp operators or staff who do not have the requisite skills, the Bermuda Red Cross offers CPR and first aid training for the public.

We encourage all those who will be working with children this summer to take advantage of this Red Cross service.

For more information contact the Coalition for the Protection of Children on 295-1150 or see www.coalition.bm