Summer camp can be fun for both parents and kids. Children get to socialize and learn, while parents get a break during the summer vacation. However, sometimes children become injured at summer camp and as a parent, you will certainly have concerns about preventing and properly addressing any potential injuries at the camp where you choose to enroll your child. The only way to deal with those concerns is to ask the right questions that will afford you the answers to put your mind at ease.
There are different kinds of summer camps advertising to get your attention and interest of your children. Not all camps are created equal and sometimes the only way to figure out whether a particular summer camp is the right fit for your family is to do some personal investigation through the asking of the right question.
Is your summer camp accredited?
Accreditation means that the summer camp has undergone some 300 different tests relating to health and safety of their property and the program. If the answer is no, you should find out from the organizer the reason for the lack of accreditation.
What is your hiring process?
The vetting of employees that work at a summer camp is necessary, as they will be required to interface with children. Not only do you want counselors with the necessary experience, but you’ll want to make sure that the summer camp of choice does the necessary background checks. The possibility of a child predator working at a camp to which your child will be attending should be of paramount importance.
How old are the camp counselors?
The ideal preference is that the counselors are 18 and over. While an individual under the age of 18 may be adequately trained to carry out the duties, the ability to respond in the time of an emergency is often time absent in employees who are not adults.
Do you have a medical staff?
Despite the best precautionary and safety measures, children will have accidents and might get sick. You want to make sure that the summer camp has medical personnel on staff and that they are trained to handle the day to day emergency needs of the campers. The answer to this question will be of particular interest if your child has any medical problems like asthma or allergies.
What is your policy on discipline?
Everyone’s style of discipline is different. You will want to find out if the camp uses discipline methods that are in keeping with your values. Additionally, it is important to know the consequences of a particular behavior, particularly what will warrant expulsion from the camp.
Are there field trips planned?
Field trips can be fun and educational. However, the reason for the question is to determine whether staff members will be transporting your child and if so, you want to make sure that the individuals doing the driving are well-trained for the job.
What is the ratio of counselors to campers?
The right ratio for an overnight camp is critical to the ability of a counselor to handle the children under his or her care. The American Camping Association recommend particular ratios for each age group as follows:
Do you have references?
You should request the name and numbers of other parents who have used the camp in the past. Getting feedback from other parents can be very useful in your decision-making process.
A Chicago personal injury attorney at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. knows that you want the best for your child, and so the last thing on your mind is any possible harm coming his or her way while on summer camp. Asking the right questions from the beginning is a good way to reduce the possibility of anything happening. However, if it does, rest assured that we are equipped with the personnel and resources to assess your case and determine liability.
If your child was injured at summer camp, call Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. today at . Consultations are free, and we will advise you on the legal options available to you.
When you’re fighting for maximum compensation, we know what it takes to get it.
