Who supervises the children, and whats their age, experience, and first-aid training?
Inexperienced or young counselors may not be able to respond as well in an emergency as more experienced ones. Instructors in risky activities – such as horseback riding, swimming, water sports and adventure hiking – should have more training in safety measures and first aid. Walton notes that the majority of the small number of deaths that occur each year at American camps are caused by drowning. “Aquatic staff is very important,” he says. “Parents should ask about the emergency medical training level of the aquatic staff.” What kind of medical staff works at the camp? What are the medical facilities nearby? Ask if the camp you’re considering has a nurse or person with emergency medical training on site at all times, and how quickly they are available in emergencies, Walton advises. Also, ask about the nearest hospital and urgent care clinic, and the local ambulance service. “It can be very hard for camps to get health care providers, so parents need to ask what training the staff has
