Creating a Safe Camp Haven

By Terry Townsend
Agency President Lightwell Insurance Advisors

Running a Christian camp is a labor of love. Growing up in a pastor's home and working at camps, I've seen firsthand the unique joys and challenges camps face. It's about creating a safe, nurturing environment where kids can grow in their faith, make lifelong friends, and have a blast. But with all the fun and spiritual growth comes a hefty dose of responsibility. Ensuring the safety of campers and staff is paramount, and that's where having a solid risk management plan and a trusted advisor comes into play.

As an insurance advisor, my role is to help camps navigate challenges. I like to do annual reviews with our camps, going over their policies and making sure everything is up to date. We also conduct on-site inspections and provide recommendations for improvements. It's all about being proactive and preparing for the worst while hoping for the best. Let’s take a look at a few the recommendations we work on with camps. 

Outside Groups
Over the past few years, one of the biggest changes I've seen for camps is the rising cost of running one. Everything from food to salaries has gone up, and this has put a strain on many camp budgets. To stay afloat, some camps have diversified their offerings, hosting year-round events or opening their facilities to outside groups. While this can be a great way to bring in extra revenue, it also introduces new risks that need to be managed.

For instance, when you bring in outside groups, you need to make sure they adhere to your camp's policies and procedures. I remember one camp that allowed an outside group to use their chapel. The group ended up taking down the camp's cross and putting up their own religious symbols. Needless to say, this influenced the camp’s willingness to open their chapel to other groups. It's essential to have clear agreements in place to avoid such issues.

Safety & Security
Safety and security are also major concerns. Many camps have large, sprawling properties that can be difficult to monitor. Implementing measures like wristbands for all registered campers and staff can help ensure that everyone on the property is supposed to be there. Having policies and procedures for visitor check-in as well as doing background screenings on anyone working or volunteering with minors is key. Regularly patrolling the perimeter and having clear protocols for dealing with intruders are also important steps.

One of the most important safety measures we recommend is the buddy rule policy. Never allow campers to do things by themselves. Always have another camper, counselor, or group with them. This helps prevent a lot of "bad things" from happening. A strict policy creates accountability that helps prevent and deter misconduct and reduces the ability for any false accusations to be made. For staff, it's crucial to follow the guidelines and policies in place, and having an employee handbook that addresses behavior, attitude, protocol, and job descriptions is very helpful.

Inspections & Training
When it comes to activities, having professionally installed and inspected equipment is a must. Whether it's zip lines, climbing walls, or speedboats, making sure everything is up to standard can prevent accidents and reduce liability. Water activities, in particular, require certified lifeguards and strict adherence to safety protocols.

Training is another critical aspect. The leadership of the camp sets the tone for safety. If the executive director prioritizes safety, that mindset will trickle down to everyone else. Regular training sessions and annual reviews of policies and procedures can help keep everyone on the same page.

Wrapping Up
In the end, the goal is to create a safe, welcoming environment where kids can have fun and grow in their faith. By having a safety and risk management mindset, together we can help ensure that Christian camps continue to thrive for years to come.

About the Author: Terry Townsend has worked in insurance for more than 27 years and before that served as a pastor. As agency president of Lightwell in Iowa, he leads a team of dedicated insurance professionals who view their work as a ministry