By Cherie Benjoseph, LCSW 

If you could go back to any age, what would it be? For me, it’s a no-brainer—those unforgettable summers at sleepaway camp, starting when I was just 8 years old (yep, you read that right!). Many might be surprised to hear that I’m a huge supporter of sending kids to day and overnight camp. But here’s the thing: I’m all for it—as long as the camp is properly vetted for safety. That’s where you, as a parent, come in.

At beKidSafe, we’re all about empowering families with the tools and knowledge to help kids thrive safely, whether that means managing day-to-day risks or navigating the bigger steps, like attending camp. Summer camp has so many benefits: from building independence to making lifelong friends, it’s a great opportunity. But it’s essential to ensure that your child is not only having fun but is also safe and protected.

So, are you thinking about sending your child to camp? Maybe it’s a week-long adventure or a longer stay. Perhaps it’s a place you loved as a child, or a camp that’s been recommended by a friend. No matter how you found it, there’s one key question you need to ask: Does this camp take the personal safety of my child seriously?

When it comes to safety, don’t just focus on the basics like water activities or recreation. The real question is: How seriously does this camp take safety in all areas, including the prevention of child sexual abuse? It can be a tough conversation, but it’s one that we absolutely need to have if we want to protect our kids.

What to Cover in Your Conversation with the Camp Director

When you speak with the camp director, make sure to address the following key topics to ensure your child’s safety:

1. Staff Recruitment and Screening
   • How are staff members recruited?
   • What is the screening process for hiring staff? (Does the camp check employment histories, seek references, or retain staff year after year?)
   • Are in-person or video interviews conducted for potential hires?
2. Background Checks
   • Does the camp perform a national criminal fingerprint background check on all staff members?
   • Does the camp check all staff against the National Sex Offender Registry (including counselors, maintenance staff, dining staff, and anyone else on camp premises)?
3. Child Protection Policy
   • Does the camp have a formal Child Protection Policy?
   • Does this policy include a code of conduct for staff, procedures for addressing sexual misconduct, camper to camper abuse, and a clear response plan for abuse reports?
   • Ask to see a copy of the camp’s Child Protection Policy.
4. Staff Training
   • What kind of training do staff members receive?
   • Are they trained in sexual abuse prevention and reporting?
   • Are they trained in bullying intervention and child abuse (physical and emotional)?
   • How do you create a culture of healthy boundaries at camp?
5. Supervision and Reporting
   • How does the camp supervise its staff and campers?
   • What are the reporting procedures if a camper or staff member has a concern?
   • How does the camp ensure appropriate follow-up on any reports?
   • When and how are parents informed of any issues?
6. Licensing and Accreditation
   • Is the camp state licensed?
   • Is it accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA)?
   • Request copies of the licensing and accreditation certifications to verify the camp’s standing.

• What is your screening process? (Does the camp check employment histories, seek references, or retain staff season after season?)
• Do you conduct in-person or video interviews for hiring?

Why It Matters

By asking these questions, you’re not only getting to the heart of the camp’s safety practices but also ensuring that your child will be in an environment where safety, respect, and care come first. It’s not about being paranoid—it’s about being proactive and making informed decisions.

If you’re looking for additional peace of mind, consider asking whether the camp is CampSafe® Trained. The Center for Child Counseling offers specialized training that helps camps focus on best practices for child protection. If the camp isn’t yet trained, you can always share the CampSafe® information with them. It’s a simple step that can make a huge difference.

At the end of the day, we want our kids to have an amazing summer, but we also want to be confident that their safety is a priority. So take the time to vet your child’s camp—because when you know they’re safe, the fun can truly begin.

For more information, and to share with your child’s camp, go to https://bekidsafe.org/camps/