Summer Camp Safety Tips from Rich Morell at Camp Birch Hill

When it comes to sending kids to daycare, school, or summer camp, there's one common thing that goes through any parent's mind: will my child be safe? According to owner and director Rich Morell, Camp Birch Hill has experienced camp counselors, safety trainings for the staff, and health guidelines that keep kids safe and parents worry-free. Here are some of the questions he recommends that parents ask when it comes to researching the best summer camp for their kid(s):

What is the counselor to child ratio?

The more counselors there are, the more closely watched the kids will be. Many parents look at the teacher to child ratio when choosing schools, and the same theory applies to summer camp: the more individualized attention the child receives, the safer they'll be and the more they'll learn and thrive in a school or camp setting.

Does the staff receive safety training?

For maximum peace of mind, parents should find out if the counselors and other staff members at the camp receive safety training and if so, what kind. Most camps will require all staff members to pass a first aid/CPR course, but it doesn't hurt to double check. What is the medical protocol? Do all staff members know their role if a child needs medical attention?

According to Rich Morell at Camp Birch Hill, his staff receives rigorous safety training. On the website, you can see they even require pre-trip safety instructions for their whitewater rafting activities led by certified river experts. This is the type of information every parent should have before choosing a summer camp for their kid(s).