Camp Safety Basics

* uncontrolled anger

* patterns of impulsive and chronic hitting, intimidating, and bullying behaviors

* history of discipline problems

* affiliation with gangs

* serious threats of violence

* past history of violent or aggressive behavior

* drug use or alcohol

No single warning sign can predict that a violent act will occur. Rather, imminent warning signs usually are present as a sequence of overt, serious, hostile behaviors or threats directed at campers, staff, or other individuals. Imminent warning signs may include:

* serious physical fighting with peers or staff

* severe destruction of property

* severe rage for seemingly minor reasons

* detailed threats of lethal violence

* possession and/or use of firearms and other weapons

* other self-injurious behaviors or threats of suicide

When warning signs indicate that danger is imminent, safety must always be the first and foremost consideration. Action must be taken immediately. Immediate intervention by camp authorities and possibly law enforcement officers must be implemented.

Commit to Daily Risk Management

Crises involving sudden violence at camp, at school, or in the workplace are traumatic in large measure because they are rare and unexpected. Becoming proactive, not reactive in the prevention of camp violence, will assist you in managing the risk of violence. Remember, camp safety is everyone's job and responsibility. Administrators, parents, campers, and staff all must commit to daily risk management.

Carol Hanover, ARM, PHM, is the owner of Mondani Hanover & Associates LLC, located in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.

This article is offered for information purposes only and is not intended to be all-inclusive or to address the hazards or risks faced by each member/subscriber specifically.

How Do I Know if My Camp Is at Risk for Violence?

* Review any history of violence at your camp.

* Review the history of violence in similar camp environments.

* Evaluate the history of violence at local contributing schools.

* Keep an open line of communication with everyone.

Accidents and How They Impact Camp

What happens when there is an accident at camp? In the worst case example, someone gets hurt and/or property is damaged. In the old school of thought, insurance will pay for the medical bills and cover the expenses of the damaged property. Looks good on paper, but what else is happening

Accidents have a direct and indirect impact on camp operations. the severity of an accident or incident can actually destroy a camp forever, regardless of the amount of insurance. Potential direct consequences of accidents/incidents include personal injury, property damage, and death. Indirect costs of a potential accident/incident include:

* loss of staff time

* loss of camper activity

* decreased morale

* loss of parental trust

* decreased camper enrollment

* poor media/press attention

* potential for lawsuit

* cost of insurance deductible(s)

* increased insurance costs

No one wants to deal with the costs of accidents, either directly or indirectly. However, the best approach to reducing the possibility of accidents is proactive risk management. Risk management requires an entity to invest people, time, and money. The end result, if effectively implemented, will save people, time, and money. It goes back to the old saying, "Pay a little now, or a lot later!"