Forest fire a crisis reality for camp: During the summer of 2000, two camps located in the western United States faced the challenging crisis of forest fire. Don Brown and Rhonda Mickelson share their experiences

Camping Magazine, March, 2002 by Don Brown, Rhonda Mickelson

We were still dealing with the residual of the 2000 fires in 2001 -- with both campers/parents and staff. This situation was not helped when parents saw a small forest fire on the opening day of the first session. Several parents asked if it was safe to leave their daughters at camp with a fire just down the road. An immediate call to the fire dispatcher led us to comfortably believe it was safe. Luckily, we started receiving rain mid-season, and all fire bans were lifted for our area. We still had VERY small (if any) campfires.

What recommendations do you have for other camp professionals in the event of an unexpected camp crisis?

Don Brown -- Have a good understanding of what the community can and will provide such as living and feeding accommodations. Who is that community contact person or agency? The biggest asset that I was able to produce, mainly because of the school's ACA accreditation, was the plot map of all utilities, buildings, gas tanks, etc., for the Forest Service firefighters assigned to protect our structures. We were fortunate to have a twenty-four-hour notice on the potential evacuation. You will never have a plan that covers all the details, so hire good people who can think on their feet. Keep supervisors, staff, and participants informed about what you are doing. This helps all involved cope with the situation better. The seminars attended during ACA Conferences, Section events, and accreditation workshops and the sharing of information among ACA members and staff over the years all played a part in dealing with the fire situation which we faced.

Rhonda Mickelson -- Remember to use the resources you have prepared -- have the plans handy, make sure you and other staff have reviewed them, make notes as to who might do what. And, be flexible. Maintain a sense of calmness -- for all concerned. Ask for help and advice! Delegate -- even small tasks -- it helps others feel they have a purpose and can prevent panic. Be ready to give each other a break at times. During our second evacuation, staff were feeling the pressure much more and needed more frequent breaks. We were able to accomplish this by rotating the staff who were leading the songs and games, etc. Do create the space for this to happen and also be ready for staff who may have emotional difficulties dealing with the stress. Ask them what they need and be ready to listen.

Be ready for whatever hits the media ... wherever! Girl Scouts being evacuated from a camp because of a forest fire made CNN in London! We had Girl Scouts from our council hear about this while they were traveling. Be proactive in your communications -- have written communication so all who talk about the incident say the same thing! Make sure this is done immediately so inaccurate and false information is not given. Have one designated spokesperson, and anyone else can only read from the given script (absolutely necessary on the front lines).

Sharing and networking with others is one of the greatest assets of our industry. Seek this out so others may learn from your successes and failures and you may do the same.