Building a Culture of Safety - camp safety directors

Camping Magazine, March, 2001 by Norman Friedman

Improved camp safety will reduce the frequency and seriousness of incidents, and insurance costs will reflect the improved performance. Ongoing emphasis on safety will enhance a camp's standing with families, staff, and the community.

Given the mandates camps face and the plethora of regulations, it makes good sense to have a trained individual leading your safety endeavor. Safety of children and staff clearly depends upon a culture that is carefully and thoughtfully built. It begins with a commitment from management.

Norman E. Friedman, M.Ed., is dean of the Gene Ezersky Camp Safety College and a member of the SAFETYunderwriter's staff of A.M. Skier Insurance. For additional information, contact NormanF@amskicr.com

College Certifies Safety Directors

The Gene Ezersky Camp Safety College was conceived by Henry M. Skier of Hawley, Pennsylvania, who brought together a committee of camp leaders from across the United States to research the idea of a safety college. Originally affiliated with Mercy College in New York, the program is now a part of Touro University International, which certifies the course and awards college credits to the graduates.

The safety college exists to specifically educate the person selected by the camp administrator to be the most sophisticated safety expert at camp. The college, by design, creates the resources for camp administrators to have at their side a person who will be singularly focused on safety in practical terms. The day-to-day issues as well as the bigger picture will become less awesome and much more focused.

Instruction is offered by staff who have years of experience both working and managing residential and day camps. All instructors possess at least at a master's degree level and are committed to helping students create the safest possible environment for children.