Latest Blogs

It may be spring now, but summer vacation is just around the corner, and schools will no longer be in session. This is the time of year when many parents are looking for safe, fun ways to entertain their children during the summer months. These plans often include summer camp, either day camps or over-night camps. There are a variety to choose from; however, parents must do their homework to determine which is the right and safe camp for their children. 

Accidents can happen at camp. According to GreenvilleOnLine (USA Today), in July 2015 a Lakeland, Florida pastor’s 16-year-old daughter died after falling 120 feet while riding the “Freebird” rope swing ride at the Carolina Point Camp. Investigators of the accident said that the victim’s harness was not attached to the apparatus when the swing left the loading platform although two camp staffers were supervising the ride at the time. The investigators determined that the camp operators should have applied for an amusement device permit before beginning operation. 

“Camp brochures often have beautiful pictures and very enticing descriptions of the summer camp experiences. Activities may be many from horseback riding to dance. Usually, however, it is the human factor in how the activities are operated and conducted that can mean the difference between a great experience and tragedy,” said Fort Myers Child Injuries Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. “When selecting summer camps, it is important to ask questions. We are sharing some information in this blog we feel may be helpful when going through the camp selection process.”

What is the difference between “licensed” and “accredited?”

According to ACA (American Camp Association), following are the significant differences between licensing and accreditation:

Licensing –

Licensing has surprise visits, focuses on enforcement of minimum regulations which often are just concentrated on sanitation and food service. Licensing requirements vary from state to state and is mandatory.

Accreditation –

Accreditation is voluntary and has scheduled visits focusing on “education and supporting best practices in all aspects of the camp’s operations.” Unlike licensing, ACA says its accreditation is nationally developed, tested and accepted by camp professionals and legal/regulatory authorities. Camp accreditation requires a commitment to providing safe and nurturing environments for children. In order to achieve accreditation, camps must not only demonstrate compliance with any mandatory standards but also specific additional standards in ten operational areas involving facilities, staffing and program areas such as aquatics and trips.

Questions for camp directors:

Here are some of the questions ACA recommends asking before making the final summer camp selection. For detailed information on these questions, go to ACAcamps.org.

1. What is the camp’s philosophy and program emphasis?
2. What is the camp director’s background?
3. What training do camp counselors receive?
4. What is the counselor-to-camper ratio?
5. What are the ages of the counselors?
6. What are the desired qualities in camp staff?
7. What percent of counselors return from the previous year?
8. How are behavioral and disciplinary issues handled?
9. Does the camp handle special needs?
10. How does the camp handle adjustment issues, such as homesickness?
11. What about references?
12. Is the camp ACA accredited?

ACA says there is no way to prevent all summer camp accidents, although ACA accreditation is a good step in limiting the potential. To learn whether the camp, or camps, you are considering are accredited, ACA recommends going to its website ACAcamps.org or calling 1.800.428-CAMP.

Fort Myers Child Injuries Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com. Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.