Safety at Camp

From medication policies and emergency services to background checks and certifications - this section aims to answer all of those questions about how we keep your campers safe at Camp Winnataska.

Behavior Guidelines

  • Our behavior guidelines are outlined in our Camp Winnataska Covenant and Code of Conduct. All people at camp agree to abide by this covenant. It is part of the application process. Please review it with your camper.

  • We want Camp Winnataska to truly be a unique environment for campers, away from the busy world they inhabit year round. One of the key elements in this environment is the removal of personal electronics. Without phones or other devices campers are free to enjoy a new pace of life. Rather than being concerned with updating the entire world, campers learn to engage with those around them. With these goals and general privacy concerns in mind, no cell phones are allowed in the cabins. Campers found with a cell phone will be asked to leave Camp Winnataska for the remainder of the week with no refund of fees.

  • There is not a time for parents to visit campers during the camp session. We find that short visits lead to even more homesickness. We also cannot screen all visitors, so for the safety of all campers, we have a no-visitor policy. We encourage letter writing and we promise the week will fly by, and your camper will love seeing you and telling you all about their best week ever.

Health Hut and Medical Care

  • If your camper takes medications on a regular basis, please make sure that all medications are sent to camp in the original container with camper’s name and dosage clearly stated. Our health care staff members will NOT administer non-labeled pills or medications; this includes over-the-counter medications and vitamins. You can read more about our medication policies here.

  • If your camper is currently taking medications we recommend that they continue this medication at camp. Changes in medication can produce changes in health and behavior, and no one is better equipped to recognize and deal with those changes than you. We have seen this severely impact a campers ability to enjoy camp to the fullest. We recommend against "medication vacations" at camp. If you or your camper's physician feels strongly about suspending a medication within six weeks of your camper's arrival at camp, please call us.

  • In addition to at least two licensed medical providers on campus full-time, Winnataska also has a doctor available as a consultant.

  • A staff member will bring your child to the Health Hut for medical attention. If your child should need to visit the Health Hut, the nurses will communicate with you if your child needs medical attention that would affect their camp experience.

  • Camp has developed close relationships with local first responders should an emergency arise. They are ready to assist at any time we need more urgent care than can be provided on-site.

Safety in Numbers!

  • One of the first hut activities is explaining the Buddy System. Each camper choses a buddy on the first day. You will often hear “BUDDY CHECK!,” meaning it is time to find your buddy. This ensures a fast an efficient way to make sure that groups stay together when moving from activity.

  • Camp Winnataska requires all campers and staff to follow a no one-on-one policy. Campers and campers or campers and staff or leaders will never have an interaction in a private setting.

  • At Orientation, campers are introduced to all the adults in camp. They are instructed that, in addition to their hut leaders and staff members, these trusted adults are available if they ever have “red-flag,” or negative feelings, about a situation at camp. This could be anything from bullying to safety concerns. This language is reinforced throughout the session. We want everyone to stay in their “green-flag feelings” all week!

Staff Training and Certifications

  • All staff who work in Pool, Boats, or any waterfront activity are lifeguard certified. Our High Ropes staff are also certified to work on our Ropes Course. Our Horse Staff receives specific training in safety specific to horseback riding. Our Shooting Sports staff also receive specialized training to work in this program area.

  • All staff and volunteers must be CPR and First Aid certified.

  • You can read all about our staff profiles here.

  • Yes, all volunteers and staff have background checks. They also sign a voluntary disclosure form and a child abuse prevention agreement.

  • Yes, all staff and volunteers must submit to scheduled and random drug testing.

ACA ACCREDITATION

Camp Winnataska is a an accredited member of the American Camping Association (ACA). The ACA website has a wealth of information regarding accreditation and standards, and we encourage parents to educate themselves about camp standards.

ACA Accreditation means that your child’s camp cares enough to undergo a thorough (up to 300 standards) peer review of its operation — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. American Camp Association collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at your child’s camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. Camps and ACA form a partnership that promotes growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.

Do you have a question that wasn’t answered? Please contact us via the form linked below.