Youth Camps: Course Outline

WEEK 1: Operational Framework

  • Assessment – What Type of Camp Will/Do You Offer?
    • Day camp vs. Residence
    • Sport
    • Program offerings
    • Age Groups/population served
  • Facilities
    • Age appropriateness
    • Shared usage
    • Specific use of area
    • Inspections
  • Equipment
    • Age appropriateness
    • Purpose of product/manufacture guidelines for use
    • Checkout/ Inspection Protocol
    • Communication Equipment
  • Supervision
    • Ratios
    • Lesson plans
    • Dealing with behavioral issues
    • Residence Supervision (overnight camps)
    • Buddy checks/ participant matching

WEEK 2: Personnel

  • Staffing Requirements
    • Director
    • Counselors
      • Counselor in Training Programs
    • Specialty staff
      • Skill set, credentials
    • Volunteers
  • Age Requirements
  • Job Descriptions
  • Background screening
    • Minor issues
  • Training including pre-camp training/orientation
  • CPR/First Aid
  • Dealing with the elements (heat related illnesses)
  • Employee Issues (Labor laws; harassment etc.)

WEEK 3: Administrative Issues

  • Documentation
  • Participants
    • Allergies
    • Medical and Behavioral Issues
    • Security Issues
      • Sign in/out procedures
  • Parents
    • Communicating with parents
    • Parental consent and sign off
    • Medical Insurance requirements
  • Emergency Response Plan
  • Accident reporting and follow-up
  • Missing camper procedures
  • Transportation
  • Insurance (Camp; participant)