About us

Safe camp policies

Policies for safe Swamp Camp

Because safety is non-negotiable.

“Swamp is like my second home.”

One of Swamp Camp’s primary core principles is Safety and the well-being of both your child and our staff.

Our Safe Camp policies and hiring procedures are based on top-tier practices recommended by the American Camp Association and other industry standards. These practices are essential for fostering a safe, nurturing Camp culture that has been cultivated over more than thirty years.

Zero tolerance

The two #1 rules

The #1 rule for campers

Rule of Three

All campers and staff must walk in groups of at least three.

The #1 rule for counselors

Never alone with a camper

No counselor or staff is to be alone with a camper ever; zero-tolerance policy.

The full policy

Four areas, every camp

Camper safety

Campers are at the center of our operation’s zero-tolerance policies and the #1 focus of counselors.
Campers cannot share beds with counselors.
Certified lifeguards are required to be on duty at the lake and pool when sanctioned activities take place there. Swim tests are required for campers before they can enjoy the pool or be on the lake. Lifejackets are required for any boating activity on the lake.
Cellphones are not allowed in cabins to prevent any inappropriate access online.
Campers and counselors review inclement weather protocols as part of weekly orientation.

Medical oversight

No medications are allowed outside the medical cabin, with all medications administered by the camp medical staff. Camp Medical Staff reviews medical history, meets with parents to review any prescription medications, and completes documentation for all medications administered at camp. Campers with inhalers and/or epipens are required to take those medications with them.
Counselors are alert to the mental and physical health of each camper in their cabin, working with the camp medical staff for any injury or illness.
Counselors and staff are trained to the 10 Core Values especially in reference to respect and safe fun.

Staff screening

Extensive and detailed application process.
Interview with Camp Directors.
Two Character References, including church/ministry leader.
Criminal and Sexual Offender Background Check, where applicable.
Training is held before each week of camp and focuses on safety and emergency procedures, safe camp policies, child abuse detection and prevention, mandated reporting, behavior management techniques, community team building, and Swamp Mission Statement, after which each counselor / staff member must sign acknowledging their understanding and adherence to said training.

Facility and waterfront

Medical Staff personnel are screened and licensed medical personnel in positions of nursing, physicians assistant, and doctors.
Where applicable, each lifeguard and waterfront director is certified in CPR/First Aid and water emergency procedures.
Where applicable, Pool & Kitchen is inspected and licensed by local authorities.

Questions about safety?

Participant FAQsTen minutes answers most questions.Swamp Camp valuesThe ten core values every camp is built on.Contact usAsk us anything.

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Read the participant FAQs before you apply. Ten minutes answers most questions.