The health and safety of camp community is the direct responsibility of the camp staff. Camp operators are required to employ qualified staff that are fit to take responsibility for the care of campers. Specific set of requirements includes staff background checks prior to initial employment and annually thereafter, staff training requirements as well as written personnel procedures and yearly pre-season orientation.
CAMP DIRECTOR
Each youth camp shall employ a camp director that is at least 21 years of age and has one of the following qualifications:
At least two seasons of administrative experience in an organized certified camp.
Nine months verified experience in a youth program.
One season of administrative experience in an organized certified camp and at least one year teaching experience with a teacher certification.
HIGH-RISK ACTIVITY SPECIALIST
High-risk activities (horse back riding, rock wall climbing, archery, swimming) shall be conducted by an activity specialist . An “Activity specialist" means a person who has specialized training and/or experience in a high-risk activity.
STAFF BACKGROUND CHECKS
The Camp Director is required to conduct a criminal history record information check for each adult (18 years and older) staff member and/or volunteer. Returning staff, those who worked for the camp during the immediately preceding summer, are not required to have a subsequent background check conducted for the current season but must provide a notarized statement attesting that their background history has not changed. All documentation should remain onsite for a period of 3 years.
The background check should also include a review of prior employment history and 3 character reference check for each new staff member.
The Camp Director is required to conduct a Sex Offender Registry check (Family Watchdog or equivalent) annually for each staff and/or volunteer 16 years and older.