Safety Awareness

Camp and Enrichment Program Safety

Texas A&M annually hosts more than 20,000 participants in varied program activities on its main and Galveston campuses. Camps and enrichment programs extend to various activities and risk levels.

This guide is provided to camp and enrichment program sponsors, hereafter referred to as camp sponsors, as a risk management tool. Camp programming content varies greatly therefore this guide may not encompass every safety consideration applicable to each camp. It is the responsibility of each camp sponsor to review activities and logistics for identifiable risks or hazards.

Camp sponsors should use the TAMU Camp Risk Assessment Form to assist in this process. Camp sponsors are required to review Texas A&M University Rule 11.99.99.M1: Camps and Enrichment Programs and Standard Administrative Procedure 11.99.99.M1.01: Camp and Enrichment Program Procedures.

Questions related to camp safety and risk management should be directed to the Department of Student Activities at 979-862-2842. Not all of the sections of this guide will apply to every camp. Some camps will house participants overnight, extend for several weeks, involve transporting participants, or include camp specific activities such as field games and water recreation. It is the responsibility of each camp/program sponsor to review the sections of this guide that correlate with the activities of their respective camp or enrichment program.

Safety Brochures for Campers
Brochures addressing fire safety and personal safety have been created for use by TAMU camp or enrichment program sponsors. Any camp housing participants overnight should provide fire safety information to each participant. Camps and enrichment program sponsors are encouraged to address personal safety as well and may use the personal safety brochure for this purpose.

Each brochure is presented in two formats. The first allows for the text to be used as a double-sided handout. (Sponsors will need to print each page and run copies double-sided.) The second format displays the information in a typical brochure layout. The brochure format will need to be printed on legal size paper and folded. The sponsor should determine which format is best for the distribution of information to his or her program participants. This information can be published on individual camp web pages. Both versions of the document are downloadable at the bottom of this page.

Background Checks and Supervision
Sponsors should review the camper/adult supervisor ratio for their camp or enrichment program. The recommended adult to child ratio is ten campers for one adult. Depending on the scheduled activities of a camp or enrichment program, it may be appropriate to reduce the number of campers assigned to each adult supervisor. Adult supervisors should be provided emergency procedures and contact information. Sponsors should ensure that supervisors are briefed on expectations for camper safety and supervision. Overnight camps should make appropriate arrangements for adult supervision in housing facilities. Individuals who have been convicted of a sexual offense are not eligible to serve in an employment or volunteer capacity for TAMU affiliated camps or enrichment programs in positions responsible for the direct or indirect supervision of campers or program participants, or which may allow for unsupervised access to, or interaction with, campers or program participants.

Assistance in Background Screening:
1. How to Check Sex Offender Data Bases
2. More on Sex Offender Data Bases
3. The Do's and Don'ts of Reference Checks

Housing
Sponsors of overnight camps must make appropriate arrangements to secure safe housing for all participants. Sponsors should give consideration to supervision, security, and emergency planning needs appropriate to the numbers of participants and the type of housing arrangement. For instance, twenty campers participating in overnight tent camping activities may require a different level of supervision, security, and emergency planning than twenty campers housed overnight in a campus dorm. Camp sponsors should review building and campsite evacuation routes and procedures, visitation provisions, and other housing related items prior to the start of the camp program, and communicate this information to campers.

Field Trips
Aside from transportation and supervision considerations, camp sponsors should pay attention to logistical and safety concerns associated with field trips such as:

• Campers allergy or medical conditions that would require emergency treatments (in the event of such things as bee stings or asthma attack)

• Appropriate measures to avoid heat stress and sunburn

• Safe food handling procedures to prevent contamination, spoilage, or insufficient cooking (applicable for food transports, cookouts, picnics, etc.)

• Communication provisions such as cell phones and/or talk radios

• The provision of appropriately stocked first aid kits

• Safety instruction related to hiking, wading, climbing, beach combing or other excursion activities.

• Separation contingency plans, buddy or team systems, established meeting locations, estimated times of arrival, and when traveling in foreign countries additional safety considerations, such as emergency communication cards written in the native language(s) of that country, must be considered.

• Camp sponsors should give consideration to appropriate safety measures for all field trips including closed environment field trips (such as amusement parks), and open environment field trips (such as sight seeing and shopping malls).
  (Click here to view additional safety information for child safety in amusement parks or malls.)

First Aid Reference
The American Red Cross First Aid Fast is an illustrated well organized, and easy to use quick-reference guide that provides first aid essentials. It provides step-by-step guidance for the following emergencies: breathing emergencies, cardiac emergencies, injuries to muscles, bones, and joints; poisonings; and much more. The reference book is sized to fit in a purse, or briefcase, glove compartment, desk drawer, backpack, or first aid kit. This publication is also available in Spanish. Texas A&M University affiliated Summer Camp programs receive a discounted price on the purchase of the book from the American Red Cross. The discounted book rate for the 84 page booklet is $3.50 per book. To get this price, TAMU Camp or Enrichment Program Sponsors MUST identify their program as a Texas A&M University Camp or Enrichment Program. It typically takes 5 to 7 business days to receive the order. To Order Contact the Brazos Valley Chapter of American Red Cross, Jennifer Swartz, Health and Safety Director, 4244 Highway 158, Bryan, Texas 77802 Phone 979-776-8279

Links to Additional Safety Information

State Codes and Guidelines
Texas Administrative Code
Texas Department of Health , General Sanitation Division, Youth Camp Program
Health and Safety Code, Chapter 141:Youth Camps

Driving Safety
http://www.krislon.net/Automobile/Night_Driving.htm
http://www.krislon.net/Automobile/heavy_traffic2.htm
http://www.krislon.net/Automobile/Motor_Safety.htm

Texas Roadside Assistance Information
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_staff/public_information/roadsideinfo.htm

First Aid Information
http://www.e-mergency.biz/resources.html
http://www.focusonfirstaid.com/script/main/hp.asp
http://www.camp-a-roo.com/firstaid.shtml
http://www.cprwashington.com/first_aid_tips.htm
http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/
http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/courses/

First Aid Training Sites (may charge fee)
http://www.firstaidweb.com/
http://www.emergencyuniversity.com/firstaid.asp
http://www.ptitraining.net/
http://www.e-mergency.biz/

First Aid Kits
http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/lifeline/fakit.html

Water Safety

Jelly Fish and Shark Information
http://www.pbrla.com/swimsafety_jellyfishbites.html
http://www.pbrla.com/swim_sharks.html

Outdoor Camping Safety
http://www.campconn.com/safety.htm

Poisonous Plants
http://www.acutecare.com/pivy.htm
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/newsrel/2000/jun00/jun0007.html

Food and Insect Allergies
http://www.nbc56.com/profserv/health_allergies.htm

Sunburn Prevention
http://www.princetonol.com/family/columns/pedgroup4.html

Severe Weather Safety Information

Information on Background Screening

Information on background screening is available here.