제  목 : A Parent's Summer Camp Safety Checklist
  일  자 : 1998년 07월
  제공처 : Internet

       A Parent's Summer Camp Safety Checklist
       ========================================

  Summer camp attendance is booming. An estimated 8.1 million children will
  take to the trails and paddle canoes at the nation's 8,500 overnight and day
  camps -- an annual increase of 10 percent, according to the American Camping
  Association. Before your pack your child's duffle bag, you should ask some
  questions. Here's a checklist to get you started.

   Be sure your child is in safe and reliable hands

   ㅇ Is the camp prepared to handle medical emergencies?

      The most common summer camp ailments are poison ivy, insect
      bites, swimmer's ear, and all types of minor injuries, including
      sprains, strains and cuts.

   ㅇ Are staff members certified in CPR and first-aid?

   ㅇ Is a certified lifeguard on duty during all aquatic activities?

   ㅇ Is there a licensed physician or registered nurse available during camp
      hours?

   ㅇ What are the procedures for dealing with serious injuries or illnesses?

   ㅇ Does the staff review safety measures, such as how to recognize poisonous
      plants, on the first day?
      "Safety comes first, and fun is a close second," says Jennifer Rackley,
      a camp director at YMCA of Greater New York.

   ㅇ What is the director's educational background and experience?
      A director should possess at least a bachelor's degree and have camp
      administration experience. If the specialty camp serves children with
      chronic illnesses, such as cystic fibrosis, the director and staff
      should have experience with that population.

   ㅇ Is the staff well-trained and reliable?
      Investigate how the staff is hired, screened and trained. For example,
      the median age should be no younger than 21, and a pre-camp training
      program should include safety regulations, emergency procedures and
      program activities.

   ㅇ Is the staff-to-camper ratio adequate for my child?
      Depending on the camper's age and ability, the ACA recommends one staff
      member for every seven to eight campers.

   ㅇ Does the camp have a solid reputation?
      One helpful benchmark is accreditation from the ACA, the only
      organization inthe industry to accredit camps based on nearly 300
      national standards of safety, health and program quality. You can also
      contact alumni parents to get their impressions.

   ㅇ What is the camp's philosophy?
      Many camps promote competition, while others emphasize a nurturing
      atmosphere. At Camp Kingsmont, a Massachusetts weight-loss camp, a staff
      of nutritionists, personal trainers and counselors, many of whom are
      former campers, encourage youths to build each other's self-esteem.

   ㅇ Did you establish a rapport with the camp director?
      Since camps reflect the personality and style of the person in charge,
      meet the director/owner in person. Many camps offer an open house to
      meet the staff and tour the facility before camp starts.

  Prepare your child emotionally and physically

    ㅇ Is your child up-to-date on immunizations, especially tetanus boosters?

    ㅇ Does the camp accommodate your child's special medical needs, such as
       asthma or allergies?
       Ask your pediatrician or local children's hospital for referrals to
       specialty camps.

    ㅇ Does the camp have your child's medical history and a phone number
       in case  of an emergency?

    ㅇ What medication and first-aid items will my child need?
       If your child has allergies, pack antihistamines and decongestants
       with dosage instructions for counselors. For asthmatic campers, don't
       forget the bronchodilator, peak flow meter, and an epinephrine auto
       -injector for unusually severe episodes. Make sure the counselors know
       how to use the devices correctly.

    ㅇ Is your child emotionally ready for separation?
       While the minimum age for most overnight camps is 7 to 8, your
       child's personality is the most important determinant. Be sure your
       child is comfortable sleeping at a friend's house, makes friends easily,
       and shows interest in going to camp.

   Teach your child about safe fun in the sun

   Campers are particularly vulnerable to warm-weather ailments,
   such as sunburn, dehydration and allergic reactions to
   insect bites and poisonous plants.

    ㅇ Does your child use a waterproof sunscreen with a sun-protection
       factor of 15 or higher?
       Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes prior to exposure so that the
       lotion gets absorbed into the skin.

    ㅇ Does your child know how to apply his or her own sunscreen?

    ㅇ Does the camp plan some indoor or shaded activities during peak sun
       time -- between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.?
       Quiet time after lunch and water balloon fights in the shade are
       popular ways to beat the heat.

    ㅇ Does your child know how to prevent dehydration?
       You child should take frequent water breaks before, during and after
       physical activity.

    ㅇ Does your child know how to properly use insect repellent?
       Spray insect repellent on clothes and around pant legs and socks to
       help control mosquito bites. Your pediatrician can recommend an
       appropriate over-the-counter solution.

     ㅇ Does your child know how to check his or her body for ticks?
 Wear light-colored clothes to more easily identify the pinhead-size
 black insects that bury themselves in the hair, groin and underarm
 regions, advises Stephen Pennisi, a toxicologist from White Plains,
 N.Y.

     ㅇ What clothes will your child need for outdoor protection?
 Closely woven but loose-fitting clothes protect against the sun. To
 avoid mosquito bites and contact with poisonous plants and ticks,
 throw in a couple of long pants and long-sleeve shirts. Don't forget
 sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, which can reduce ultraviolet light
 to the head, neck and eyes.

                      For More Information
                   American Camping Association
                           (800) 428-2267
                          www.aca-camps.org
                           Camp Kingsmont
                            (800) 854-1377