Risky Business
This leafy troublemaker likes to grow in groups of three. If you see it, remember: “Leaves of three, let it be.”
Poison Ivy.
A camper needs to leave the group to use the bathroom. Before they wander off like the main character in a horror movie, they need to use this system.
Buddy System.
True or False: It is okay to have a private conversation with a camper completely out of sight of others, as long as the conversation is important.
False. You should never be alone with a camper out of sight of others.
A camper says they need their medication, so a counselor starts digging through the cabin like they run a tiny pharmacy. Who should actually handle camper medication?
Nurse or approved health staff.
A situation is too serious for “we’ve got this.” This number should be called for local emergency help.
911.
These tiny hitchhikers love woods, tall grass, and waistbands. Check often, because some can spread Lyme disease.
Ticks.
A camper tells you they feel sick and have a headache. Before you start diagnosing them like you have a medical degree, report it to this person.
Nurse or health care provider.
True or False: A camper’s hand, shoulder, or upper back may be appropriate places to touch, but only with permission.
True. Remember: Always check for consent beforehand!
The lake looks calm, empty, and perfect for a quick swim, but the rest of the group is still trailing behind from the walk. Participants can only swim under what 2 conditions?
Staff review rules and the lifeguards are present and on duty.
A counselor sees a suspicious person near camp who does not seem to belong there. This group should be told right away.
When campers start saying “my head hurts,” “my stomach hurts,” or “I don’t feel good” on a hot sticky day, they may need water, rest, and a visit to this person.
Nurse or Health Care Provider.
A camper tells you others have been calling him names all week. The counselor’s job is not to say “just ignore it,” but to create this kind of camp environment.
A safe and inclusive environment.
True or False: Playing pranks on campers is a fun way to make everyone feel welcome and definitely never backfires.
False. Pranks can cause physical or emotional harm and should not be used.
Campers start wrestling during free time like it is the final round of the WWE. This is what the counselor should do before someone gets hurt.
Stop or control the horseplay.
A fire alarm goes off in the lodge. After getting everyone out, counselors should wait for this before going back inside.
Further instructions/permission from staff.
Dark clouds, thunder, lightning, or hail are nature’s way of saying, “Party’s over.” Counselors should stop outdoor activities and move campers here.
The closest building or safe shelter.
A camper falls and might have hurt their head, neck, or back. This is not the time for a dramatic rescue carry. You should not do this.
Move the camper.
True or False: If you slap a Band-Aid on it and nobody cries, it does not need to be documented.
False. All first aid and treatments should be documented!
A camper’s sibling from another cabin wants to quickly enter the opposite-gender cabin to grab a sweatshirt. What should the counselor do?
Do not allow this. Campers and counselors should not enter other cabins, especially those from the opposite gender.
You are calling EMS and have given your name, location, and what happened. You are ready to hang up and breathe, but this person decides when the call is over.
The dispatcher.
Found in urban, suburban, and remote areas, these masked friends should not be fed, approached, or pet. Good practice for all wooded creatures.
Raccoons.
You return to the cabin and realize one camper is missing. Before panic sprinting through the woods, immediately notify this person.
Camp Director.
True or False: Wearing dark colors in the woods makes ticks less interested in you.
False. Light-colored clothing makes ticks easier to see when they decide to hitchhike on your shoulder.
A counselor turns a night hike into a jump-scare event because they think it will be hilarious. Night hikes should be used for what purpose?
Helping campers see the night world as interesting and safe. (Wow's and Wonders)
A serious emergency happens at camp. Counselors should help only if they can safely reach the injured person without putting this person in danger too.
Themselves/their own safety.