Making Memories with Peace of Mind: How We Prioritize Safety at St. Joe’s
Sending your child to overnight camp is a leap of faith, and at St. Joseph’s Youth Camp, we understand that trust is everything. That's why safety is our top priority, woven into every thread of the camp experience. From staff hiring to fire safety, here's how we ensure your child's well-being:
Building a Culture of Safety:
Screening our Staff: We screen our staff carefully, and they are federally background-checked and fingerprinted as a condition of employment. In addition to this, a vast majority of our staff are people we know well: most of our staff grew up coming to camp themselves (93% of our 2024 team).
Low Ratios: During each of our camper weeks, roughly 20 - 25 teen counselors are invited to serve as volunteers following the successful completion of our Counselor-in-Training program. This group of exceptional teen leaders allows all campers to have an even more positive camp experience, and give them more personalized attention. With their support, our total camper-to-staff/counselor ratio is closer to 1 to 2.
Thorough Staff and Counselor Training: Both our incredible staff and counselors undergo rigorous training in first aid, CPR, AED, emergency procedures, and activity-specific safety protocols. We invest in ongoing drills throughout the season, ensuring their skills stay sharp.
Specific Safe Environment Training: All staff and counselors go through training on how to create a safe camp environment. This training specifically outlines how staff and counselors are allowed to interact with campers, and what is appropriate. Specifically, at no time should a staff or counselor be alone with a camper in an unobservable situation - we are all together in groups of at least 3.
Clear Rules: We establish clear camp rules and explain them to campers at the outset. These rules create a framework for safe fun and empower campers to make responsible choices.
Open Communication: We have a "no-questions-asked" policy when it comes to safety. We foster an environment where campers feel comfortable openly communicating any concerns, be it minor bumps and scrapes or bigger anxieties. Our attentive staff and counselors are always there to listen and address every issue promptly.
Proactive Precautions for Every Aspect of Camp:
Medical Attention at our Fingertips: A camp nurse is always present at camp, ready to handle any medical needs swiftly and effectively. We also have an on-call Medical Director/Physician on call to consult. We also boast a well-equipped infirmary to handle minor injuries, are 5 minutes from the nearest fire department, and 30 minutes by car from the nearest hospital. We also have 3 AEDs onsite, located in our most highly utilized areas.
Emergency Preparedness: We have comprehensive emergency plans in place for every conceivable scenario, from fires to medical emergencies. Regular drills ensure everyone knows their roles and can respond efficiently in any situation.
Empowering Campers to Be Safety Champions:
Age-Appropriate Activities: Activities are carefully chosen and adapted to suit specific age groups, ensuring they're challenging yet age-appropriate. Trained instructors provide thorough supervision and guidance throughout every activity.
Buddy System: We implement a buddy system to ensure constant companionship for everyone. Whether exploring the woods, doing a craft, or enjoying campfires, no camper is ever alone. We’re always together in groups of at least 3!
Building resilience: We believe in fostering independence and responsibility in campers. We teach them to make responsible choices, to apply sunscreen regularly, and to constantly monitor their hydration (and to drink water!).
Safety at St. Joe’s is not just a promise, it's a pledge. We understand the trust you place in us, and we work tirelessly to make sure every camper enjoys an unforgettable, safe, and enriching summer adventure.
We're happy to answer any questions you may have!
