SAFETY FIRST
This is the #1 priority at camp at all times
Camper Safety
Standard YMCA camper to staff ratio
1 staff for every 14 campers
Staff should not do this during their shift
be on their phone
What do you need to do at the start and end of each shift?
clock in and out
3 things allowed for basic first aid
clean, ice, and bandage
Reports (incidents or mandated) must be completed within this timeframe
24 hours - although its better day of
A camper tells you they feel left out and doesn’t want to join the group. What do you do?
acknowledging their feelings, offering support, and helping them re-engage in a way that feels comfortable?
Staff should NEVER do this with a camper
be alone with a camper
Minimum number of staff required on site at all times
2 staff
Staff should not share this with parents or campers
their phone number or the number of the directors
If you work more than 3.5 hours, you get a ..
If you work more than 6 hours, you get a ....
10 minute break
30 minute lunch break
This must be done daily when campers arrive
health check (scan of the camper to see if they are ready for the day)
You should only write this in incident reports
facts
You notice your co-counselor is doing all the work while the other staff member is disengaged. What should you do?
stepping in to support and communicating with your co-counselor or director to ensure proper supervision and teamwork?
If there is an emergency, how should you radio for help?
ask for the nearest director to come to you and discuss the emergency in person as to not disrupt everyone at camp
Should you send a camper to the bathroom alone?
no, they should always be in a group of 3 (1 staff, 2 kiddos minimum)
what is the dress code?
ymca t-shirt, long shorts (no spandex), closed toed shoes, appropriate swim wear (one pieces for girls) and dress up on Fridays :)
when should you put in your time off?
at least 2 weeks - but the earlier the better
A camper has a bloody nose - what should you be wearing to help?
Gloves!
what are the Ys four core values?
honesty, caring, responsibility and respect
describe customer service + 1 at camp
greeting parents, campers and other staff with positivity and enthusiasm, complaints must be taken seriously, team handling approach
This must be applied every 2 hours during camp
sunscreen
Littles ratio team size
we aim for 2 staff for every 25 campers
This type of music is required at camp
appropriate/clean music
Day of the week with pep rally & all camp game
Friday
Camps are this type of food environment
nut free
Staff are legally required to do this if they suspect any type of abuse
Mandated reporting
A camper refuses to clean up and says, “You can’t make me.” What is your response?
What is staying calm, setting clear expectations, and following through with consistent consequences?
If a child hits their head, this person must be called immediately
Director and Guardian
This must be maintained at ALL times
what are Ratios
Posting campers on this is not allowed
any social media
Who leads specialty classes
specialists/instructors
This must travel with counselors to provide to campers if needed
EpiPens/inhalers
the ABC of behavior stands for this
Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence
You are transitioning between activities and several campers start running ahead of the group. What do you do?
stopping the group, regrouping, reinforcing expectations, and ensuring all campers are safely supervised before continuing?
In an emergency situation with a shooter, these are the 3 steps
Run, Hide, Fight
This term means total campers across all groups
Magic Number
This type of environment the YMCA maintains
drug-free workplace
This tool holds rosters, allergies, and schedules
PCG clipboard (personal care group)
Symptoms like dizziness and sweating may indicate this
heat-related illness
A parent approaches you at pickup upset about an incident involving their child and asks you exactly what happened, including details about the other child involved. What do you do?
calmly listening, keeping the conversation general, not sharing any information about other children, and referring the parent to a director for follow-up while ensuring proper documentation is completed?
A parent approaches you frustrated and says, “No one told me my child had a hard day.” What do you do?
listening calmly, acknowledging their concern, and ensuring communication is shared while involving a director if needed
A camper runs toward the gate and exits toward the parking lot. What is your immediate response?
safely retrieving the camper immediately, ensuring supervision of the group, calling for support on the radio, and reinforcing boundaries
A person you don’t recognize comes to pick up a camper and says, “Mom said it’s fine.”
check ID, confirming they are on the authorized pick-up list or getting written confirmation, and calling a director if unsure?
You see another staff member on their phone while supervising campers. What should you do?
redirecting the staff member if appropriate or informing a director to ensure supervision and professionalism are maintained?
Your group is late to a rotation and wants to stay longer at a fun activity. What do you do?
follow the schedule and transitioning on time to maintain camp structure
A camper says they feel dizzy, hot, and tired during outdoor play. What is your response?
move them to shade, providing water, cooling them down, and notifying a director
Two campers get into a conflict and one pushes the other. What steps do you take?
separating campers, ensuring safety, gathering facts, informing a director, and completing an incident report
During outdoor play, three campers begin engaging in unsafe behavior—running away from the group, climbing on restricted areas, and not responding to directions. Their behavior is escalating and impacting the safety of others. What do you do?
immediately prioritizing safety by stopping the behavior, regrouping campers, calling for additional support if needed, setting clear and firm boundaries, and involving a director while ensuring the rest of the group remains supervised?