Camping Standards

Standards for a Successful Camp 

 

The church camp director must make sure that the campsite and camp program are adequate to meet the needs of the campers. The site and the program must be judged by standards of safety, health, sanitation, competency of leadership, and adequacy of program.

 

One of the most complete and well-balanced resources is the booklet, "Standards for Organized Camps," published by the American Camping Association. This national organization for camping has a camp accreditation program which promotes the standards among its member camps.

 

Not all of the standards listed in this appendix would apply to every camp. An ACA accredited camp does not have to meet every standard given here. However, the minimum standards for basic safety, sanitation, health, and quality programming are required. Each minimum standard which must be met by an ACA accredited camp is marked with an asterisk in this appendix.

 

The campsite you select to house your camping program also should meet these minimum standards. Your camping program also should meet the applicable camp standards for your particular type of camp. These standards are not absolutes, but they are sound, basic guidelines by which you may judge your site and program.

 

Part 1- A CAMPSITE STANDARDS

 

If a site is leased to different camp operators or organizations, that site may be visited separately from the camp operation and approved as a site. Such approval includes the general aspects covered in this section, and those specific aspects covered under Part 2 which relates to standards for specialized programs and activities. In order for a site to be approved for use for specific programs and activities, the standards appropriate to such activities offered must be applied during the visitation process. An approved site should not be equated with an accredited camp. An accredited camp must operate on an approved site wherein all the standards applying to that specific camp would be evaluated in the visitation.

 

This symbol (*) indicates prerequisites for ACA accreditation.

1.            Is there a written master site plan for the development and management of land, buildings and other structures, and utilities?

2.            Does the site or accessible areas provide natural resources to enrich an outdoor living experience?

3.            Is there a written plan for environmental quality control of resources on the site?

4.            Is there a written plan regarding risks to humans from both natural and man-made site hazards? The plan should be implemented through:

a)            Identification of risks.

b)            Establishment of regulations.

c)            Provision of protective devices.

d)            Elimination of hazards where feasible.

5.            Is there fire and extended coverage insur­ance?

6.            Is there comprehensive liability insurance?

7.            Are there inventories of all facilities and of all nonexpendable equipment?

8.            Are arrangements made annually with local or state fire officials for protection of the camp in case of fire?

9.            Has the type, number, and location of fire extinguishers and the fire-fighting equip­ment, fireplaces and chimneys, and all other fire areas, been approved at least an­nually by insurance officials, fire extin­guisher service companies, or the local fire or forest officials?

10.         Has the person in charge verified that the water supply for all purposes is approved by the government or by an independent laboratory at least annually for year-round camps, or immediately prior to the occu­pancy of a seasonal camp?

11.         Does the camp have available, on the site, blueprints or charts indicating the location of all utilities and sanitation lines and cutoff points?

12.         Are all food preparation and storage areas constructed so that they are rodent- and vermin-proof, able to be maintained free of dirt and accumulated grease, and well-lit and well-ventilated?

13.         Do permanent sleeping units provide:

a)            Cross ventilation?

b)            Space (40 square feet per person)?

c)            At least 6 feet between heads of sleep­ers?

d)            At least 30 inches between the sides of beds?

14.         Do all sleeping accommodations above ground level have fire escapes and protec­tive devices?

15.         Are toilets adequate in number, based on the following ratio of seats per person:

a)            Resident camps - 1 seat for every 10 persons?

1)            If an all-male camp, add 1 urinal for every 30 persons.

2)            When toilet facilities are in camper residence units, provide a minimum of 2 seats. If more than 5 are in the unit, provide a ratio of 1 seat for every 10 persons.

b)            Day camps - 1 seat for every 20 persons? Or, if it is an all-male camp, provide 1 urinal for every 30 persons.

c)            Single family residence unit - 1 seat per unit?

16.         Are toilet facilities vermin-proof, well­ ventilated, and in good repair?

17.         Are hand washing facilities adjacent to the toilets?

18.         Are hand washing facilities provided in a ratio of 1 wash basin per 10 persons, with a minimum of 2 basins or equivalent for each facility?

19.         Does the camp provide bathing facilities with enough warm water for all in camp?

20.         Are written policies regarding the use of the site given to the director of each rental or lessee group?

 

Part 1- B ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS

 

This symbol (*) indicates prerequisites for ACA ac­creditation.

21.         * Does the camp have a written statement of goals with specific objectives in terms of camper development?

22.         Has the camp reviewed and modified, as deemed necessary within the past three years, a written, comprehensive plan based on a statement of goals?

23.         Does the camp have a systematic procedure for evaluation which:

a.            Analyzes all areas of camp operation?

b.            Is conducted annually?

c.            Involves campers, parents, staff, and if existing, the camp board or committee of the sponsoring agency?

24.         Does the camp use 3 or more of the follow­ing approaches to parent-camp communi­cations:

a.    Pre-camp registration interviews?

b.    Visit to camp?

c.    Telephone conversations or personal contact?

d.    Exchange of letters of campers and staff with parents?

e.    Newsletter?

f.     Reports or memos to parents?

g.    Questionnaires?

h.    Parents' Day?

i.      Parent meetings?

25.         Does the camp have the following information at the site for each person in camp:

a.    Full name of each individual?

b.    Age?

c.    Home address?

d.    Home phone?

e.    School grade, where applicable?

f.     Name, address, home phone, and sig­nature of adult responsible for each individual?

g.    Phone numbers of persons to be con­tacted in case of emergency during the individual's stay in camp?

26.         Does the camp have a written agreement of employment with each staff member which includes the following:

a.    Salary or wages?

b.    Term of employment?

c.    Benefits?

d.    Reference to job description and per­sonnel policies, if existing?

27.         Does the camp have written personnel policies which provide the staff with the following information:

a.    Remuneration?

b.    Time off?

c.    Absence from work?

                                                          i.    Medical examinations and health histories?

d.    Insurance?

e.    Conditions of severance?

f.     Performance evaluation?

g.    Personal conduct?

                                                          i.    Special conditions of service?

28.         Does the camp have written job descrip­tions for all administrative personnel?

29.         Does the camp have written job descrip­tions for all program and health person­nel?

30.         Does the camp have written job descrip­tions for all support personnel?

31.         Does the camp provide each staff member with a copy of the camp's staff organiza­tion chart?

32.         Does the camp have the following food records:

a.    Menus?

b.    Records of purchases?

c.    Inventories? (If food services are con­tracted, such records shall include menus and number of meals served.)

33.         Does the camp have inventories of all nonexpendable equipment?

34.         Does the camp have comprehensive liabil­ity insurance?

35.         Is each camper covered by health and ac­cident insurance?

36.         Is each staff member covered by work­men's compensation insurance?

37.         Is each staff member covered by health and accident insurance?

38.         Does the camp have motor vehicle insur­ance?

39.         Does the camp have employer's non-owner­ship, liability insurance?

40.         Does the camp have insurance covering hired and leased vehicles?

41.         *Is a health history, prepared and signed by parent, guardian, or other adult responsible for the individual, required of everyone in camp? Does such history include at least the following:

a.    A record of medical treatment, im­munization, and allergies?

b.    Description of any physical conditions requiring special consideration?

42.         Is a physical examination by a licensed physician required for all in camp within 12 months before camp or upon arrival at camp?

43.         *Is the physical condition of everyone screened immediately before departure for or upon arrival in camp by a licensed physician, registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse?

44.         *Does the camp maintain health records, in­cluding:

a.    Health screening, health histories, and other statements regarding any limita­tions which would affect participation in activities?

b.    A record of accidents, first aid, and medical treatment of everyone in camp for a period of federal statutory limitation?

45.         *Does the camp have an infirmary, first aid facility, or similar area to handle health and emergency cases?

46.         To provide medical service and health supervision does the camp have on site a physician, registered nurse, or a Christian Science graduate nurse?

47.         Does the camp have on duty at all times a person with current ARC (American Red Cross) advanced first aid certification or the equivalent to provide first aid service?

48.         Does the camp have arrangements with an accredited hospital or with a nearby licensed physician to be on call?

49.         Does the camp have a written outline or procedures for health supervision?

50.         Are all narcotics and medications stored under lock and dispensed only under the specific directions of a licensed physician?

51.         Are all staff members furnished written health and accident emergency proce­dures which are approved by both camp physician and legal counsel?

52.         Are staff members given training in using such pro­cedures?

53.         Are all staff members provided written dis­aster procedures which are practiced?

54.         Does the camp have a written search and rescue procedure for persons lost or mis­sing?

55.         Does the camp have an emergency com­munication system?

56.         Does the camp have its menus planned or approved by a nutritionist and/or dietician?

57.         Does the camp comply with health re­quirements for food service staff?

a.    All persons with long hair shall wear nets.

b.    All persons shall wear clean, neat, and practical clothing.

c.    Smoking in the kitchen shall be pro­hibited.

58.         Does the health supervisor check food ser­vice personnel on a regular basis for symptoms of ill health?

59.         *Are milk and other perishable foods main­tained at a temperature of not over 45 de­grees Fahrenheit?

60.         *Is all sewage disposed of in a public sew­age system, or in the absence thereof in a manner approved by the local health au­thority?

61.          Is all garbage and rubbish containing food wastes (prior to disposal) kept in leak proof, non-absorbent containers which are covered with tight-fitting lids when filled, stored, or not in continuous use?

62.         *Are the food service utensils cleaned and disinfected after each use in accordance with the following process:

a.    Scraped free of food particles?

b.    Washed in hot (minimum 100 degrees F.) water containing soap or deter­gent?

c.    Rinsed in clear, hot water?

d.    Rinsed again in clear water at 180 de­grees F. for 30 seconds or equivalent commercial dishwashing machine process? (If a thermometer is not av­ailable to check temperature, boiling water should be used.) If hot water is not available, a suitable chemical dis­infectant should be used as specified on the label.)

e.    Air dried?

63.         Are the food service utensils kept clean?

64.         Are the food preparation and service areas kept clean?

65.         Is the dining area kept clean?

66.         Does the camp have a written plan to main­tain facilities in a safe, clean, and sanitary condition?

67.         Does the camp program administrator have a written accident prevention plan regard­ing risks to humans from both natural and man-made site hazards? Is the plan im­plemented through all of the following:

a.    Identification of risks?

b.    Reduction of such risks through camper and staff education?

c.    Establishment and enforcement of regulations?

68.         Does the camp have a written policy cover­ing camper and staff possession and use of sports and hunting equipment, vehicles, appliances, musical instruments, aquatic equipment, and pets?

69.         Are gasoline, kerosene, explosives, and flammable materials stored in a covered, safe container plainly labeled as to con­tents?

70.         Are gasoline, kerosene, explosives, and flammable materials handled only by per­sons trained and/or experienced in their safe use?

71.         *Are all firearms and ammunitions in camp stored under lock?

72.         *Are hand tools and power tools equipped with necessary safety devices, used accord­ing to manufacturer's instructions, and maintained in good repair?

73.         *Are hand and power tools used only by those persons trained and experienced in their safe use?

74.         *Is emergency transportation available at all times?

75.         Is there written evidence that the camp's motorized transportation vehicles are ser­viced regularly and maintained in safe operating condition, including check of all lights, exhaust system, emergency warning system, windshield wipers, braking system, and steering assemblage?

76.         Is every vehicle used for transporting staff or campers equipped with the following:

a.            Recently stocked first aid kit?

b.            Emergency accessories such as tools, fire extinguishers, flares and reflectors?

77.         Does the camp have written safety proce­dures for all vehicles used for transporta­tion of campers and staff, including:

a.            Safety education?

b.            Safe seating?

c.            Highway stops?

d.            Relief drivers?

e.            Supervision?

78.         Does the camp forbid the transportation of campers on open-bed trucks?

 

PART 1-C PERSONNEL STANDARDS

 

79.         Is the camp director at least 25 years old?

80.         Does the camp director hold a bachelor's degree?

81.         Has the camp director completed a work­shop, institute, seminar, or course related to camping and/or environmental educa­tion within the last 3 years?

82.         Has the camp director attended annually at least two meetings of the ACA on a district, section, regional, or national level?

83.         Has the camp director had at least 16 weeks of administrative and/or supervisory experience in an organized camp?

84.         Are at least 80 percent of the counselors and program staff members 18 years of age or older?

85.         Do at least 20 percent of the camp program and administrative staff members hold a bachelor's degree?

86.         Are all junior counselors, counselors, and program staff members under 18 years of age at least 2 years older than the camper group with which they are working?

87.         Does the camp adhere at least to the fol­lowing ratios of counselors to campers ac­cording to the age groups served?

 

Age Served                           Counselor                   Campers

                  6                years and younger          1                          to                        5

                  7 – 8          years                               1                          to                        6

                  9 – 14        years                               1                          to                        8

                 15 - 18        years                               1                          to                      10

                 19               and older                         1                          to                      20

 

88.         Are personal interviews (face-to-face or via telephone by camp director or designated representative) held with all camp staff members prior to employment?

89.         Does each staff member, including the di­rector, have an accumulative total of 24 hours or more (2 weeks in blocks of not less than 12 consecutive hours) free from camp responsibility?  

90.         Does each staff member have at least 2 hours daily free from assigned camp re­sponsibilities?

91.         Does the camp have a separate facility for staff privacy and freedom from campers?

92.         Does the camp have a written policy pro­hibiting gratuities to personnel?

93.         Does the camp management provide the staff an opportunity to participate in the es­tablishment of camp objectives, program, policies, and regulations, including those that affect themselves?

94.         Does the camp have a planned orientation for staff members prior to the pre-camp training, including at least 3 of the follow­ing:

a.            Camp staff manual?

b.            Reading list with resources available?

c.            Packet of pertinent ACA or other pub­lications?

d.            Attendance at a workshop or training course?

e.            Correspondence or personal inter­views including more than personnel policies, job descriptions, and terms of employment agreement?

f.             Visit to the campsite?

g.            In-school planning sessions (outdoor education)?

95.         Does the camp conduct a pre-camp staff training program of the designated length for all staff?

a.            Resident camp training should be at least 5 days in length on the campsite.

1)    Short-term personnel should be trained at least 3 days, including 1 day on site.

2)    Outdoor education (school) staf­fers should be trained at least 3 days, with 1 day on site.

b.            Day camp training should be at least 24 hours in length, with 6 hours on campsite.

c.            Travel camp training should be at least 2 days in length in a living situation.

d.            Family camp training should be at least 1 day in length on site.

96.         Does the pre-camp training program in­clude opportunities for staff to:

a.            Get acquainted with each other and develop a working relationship?

b.            Become familiar with the program re­sources of the site and facilities?

c.            Understand the camp objectives and how to implement them through prog­rams?

d.            Learn the operational procedures?

97.         Does the camp implement an in-service training program during the camp season which includes at least 3 of the following:

a.            Regularly scheduled supervisory con­ferences?

b.            Library training, including study of au­diovisual materials, books, pamphlets, and magazines?

c.            Guided readings?

d.            Special program activities and skill training sessions?

e.            Staff meetings or special training ses­sions relating to human behavior and group dynamics?

PART 1-D PROGRAM STANDARDS

 

98.         Does the camp provide different types of opportunities to give breadth in 3 or more program areas?

99.         Does the camp provide opportunities for campers of varied levels of skill, knowl­edge, and experience to progress in 3 or more specific activities?

100.      Is camper involvement in program planning implemented by 3 or more of the following procedures:

a.            Camper councils?

b.            Living unit/group?

c.            Off-season evaluation group?

d.            Off-season camper planning?

e.            Opportunities for self-initiated ac­tivities?

f.             Special camp committees?

g.            Program group?

101.      Does the camp leadership encourage self-­initiated activities by both campers and staff?

102.      Does the camp provide opportunities for flexibility through modifying scheduling and by encouraging spontaneous ac­tivities?

103.      Is the program structured so that campers may choose daily some of the activities in which they participate?

104.      In the program planning process, are limits set and made known to the camper for his protection as well as guidance?

105.      Are opportunities provided for campers to assume responsibility for group living tasks?

106.      Are campers and staff involved in situa­tions encouraging understanding and ap­preciation of individual differences and group cooperation?

107.      Are group living units composed of campers and adults of diverse backgrounds (geographic, ethnic, racial, social, or religi­ous)?

108.      Does the camp provide program oppor­tunities for understanding, appreciating, and assuming responsibility for the natural environment in 3 or more of the following:

a.            Ecology?

b.            Quality of environment?

c.            Open space?

d.            Uses of natural resources?

e.            Action in environmental projects?

109.      Does the camp provide 3 or more activities that intellectually challenge each age level of enrolled campers?

110.      Does the camp program include oppor­tunities for campers to develop socially in at least 3 ways, such as:

a.            Developing conversational skills?

b.            Showing consideration for others?

c.            Learning how to make new friends?

d.            Feeling comfortable relating to other campers and staff?

111.      Does the camp program provide oppor­tunities for campers to practice their re­ligious customs and to be free to discuss spiritual matters?

112.      Does the camp program provide activities that permit campers to extend themselves in a physical and adventuresome manner?

113.      Does the camp have a written outline de­scribing how specific Objectives for camper development are implemented?

PART 2-A BASIC STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC PROGRAMS

114.      Has the camp written operating procedures and regulations regarding the activity?

115.      Does the leader in charge of the specialized activity possess competence in:

a.            Understanding the limitations of cam­pers of varying ages and abilities with regard to this activity; recognizing the readiness of campers to participate in the planned activity?

b.            Doing the specific activity well?

c.            Assisting individuals in learning the activity?

d.            Recognizing natural environment hazards?

e.            Using and caring for specialized equipment?

116.      Does the camp utilize equipment that is:

a.            Appropriate to the age, size, and ability of the user?

b.            Maintained in good repair?

c.            Stored in such a manner as to safeguard the effectiveness of the equipment?

d.            Given a safety check immediately prior to use?

e.            In line with legal regulations, where applicable?

117.      Does the camp have safety procedures specific to the activity, including:

a.            Written safety regulations which are made known to campers?

b.            A ratio of adult leadership to par­ticipating campers in relation to the degree of risk involved?

c.            First aid supplies and equipment pre­pared by the appropriate person to meet the potential emergencies re­lated to the particular activity?

PART 2- B STANDARDS FOR SELECTED PROGRAMS

This symbol (*) indicates prerequisites for ACA ac­creditation.

Waterfront Programs

118.  *Is the waterfront program at all times under the immediate supervision of a person holding a current Red Cross water safety instructor certificate, a YMCA aquatic leader certificate, or a Boy Scouts of America national aquatic instructor certifi­cate?

119. *Does the waterfront staff include, in addi­tion to the aquatic supervisor, a minimum of 1 currently certified senior Red Cross lifesaver, YMCA senior lifesaver, or Boy Scout lifeguard who is on duty for each 25 persons in the water, with an overall ratio of 1 guard for every 10 persons in the wa­ter?

Trip Camping or Tripping