Summer Camp Accidents & Injuries
For parents of school age children, summer camp opportunities throughout South Carolina allow their children to experience the diverse nature of the Palmetto State while enjoying group games and activities with their peers. While camp provides a mini-vacation from the responsibilities of feeding and caring for your child for a few days or weeks, it can also create plenty of opportunities for concern. In a strange setting and out from the watchful eye of mom and dad, summer camp accidents and injuries are often more likely to occur. The following article offers tips to help ensure the camp you are sending your child to is safe and what to do in the event injuries occur.
Safety Guidelines For Summer Camps
The Fun Times Travel Guide advises that it is important for parents to do their own research before sending their child to camp to ensure the facility and the people they are entrusting their children to are safe. Serious and potentially life threatening injuries can occur due to dangerous conditions, improperly maintained equipment, lack of supervision, poorly trained personnel, and overexertion. To protect your child, it is important to ask the following questions:
- Is the camp accredited or affiliated with a national organization? Some camps are operated through local colleges, youth organizations, and state parks. Others may be accredited through groups such as the American Camp Association (ACA).
- Does the camp conform to state regulations? The ACA advises that state regulations for South Carolina require all residential camps to be licensed, with background checks performed on all workers.
- What qualifications do the staff and counselors have? Camp staff, coaches, and counselors should have adequate training, which should include basic first aid and CPR.
- What is the staff to counselor ratio? The ACA recommends a ratio of one counselor for every six campers for children aged 7 through 8, one for every eight campers aged 9 through 14, and one for every 10 children for campers 15 and older.
- Are there medical staff on hand? Is there a doctor or nurse on the premises, and what is the distance to the nearest hospital?
- How are disciplinary matters handled? Make sure that the camp’s philosophy is in line with your own. Ask about bullying policies and under what circumstances a parent is notified.
- Ask to speak with parents of past campers. The experiences of others can be a good guide in knowing if a camp is right for you.
Some of the most common summer camp injuries include cuts and bruises, minor illnesses, slips and falls, rashes, insect bites, etc. While they shouldn’t prevent parents to send their children to enjoy the amazing experience that summer camp is for all kids and teens, they should not be ignored either. According to our personal injury lawyer Greenville, after parents vetted the camp as instructed above, they should also make sure their kids know how to stay safe on the camp’s premises and while having fun outdoors. It is the best way to prevent accidents, injuries, and their related medical and legal consequences.
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
What To Do If Your Child Is Injured At Camp
Before leaving your child at summer camp, provide written authorization for medical treatment and ask to be notified immediately if your child is injured. While your own insurance may cover any accidental injuries your child suffers, camp owners and operators can be held liable for failing to get your child medical care or for any reckless actions which led to their injuries. Call or contact Anastopoulo Law Firm online and request a free consultation with our personal injury attorney at one of our offices to discuss the types of compensation you may be entitled to.
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