Summer Camp – Safety First

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Safety First

We are happy that over the years Yarrahapinni Summer Camps have operated they have been operated safely. Serious injuries have rarely occurred. We give thanks to God for His protection and would like to keep in His care this summer too.

A safe camp does not just happen. It is planned. Our common objective is that every area of camp be free from hazards that would cause accidental injury to residents or visitors. In accepting our job, we have assumed the responsibility for seeing that the campers enjoy this adventure under conditions, which will ensure safe and happy experiences.

The thought that all hazards can be eliminated from a camping experience is unrealistic. Therefore, teaching campers to develop alertness and intelligence in facing hazards provides as important a learning experience as knowing how to avoid them.

Camp safety can create a restrictive, take-the-adventure-out-of-life, pressure type programme. Or, it can be an attitude of life in which the adventure is preserved—but with safeguards.

Administrative Responsibility

To aid in creating this attitude, the camp administration have taken care of certain essential preliminary matters. These would include: compliance with state and/or local laws; maintenance of camp site as free from hazards as possible; provision of facilities, and equipment adequate and in safe condition; medical personnel on the staff; detailed advanced plans to handle emergencies and proper insurance.

Staff Responsibility

An attitude of safety creates an awareness of potential sources of accidents.  Each staff member is especially aware of this in their respective sphere of operation, such as:

1. Cabin or teaching area.

2. Slippery or wet floors, broken steps or railings, protruding nails, rough or splintery floors or edges of bunks, broken glass, sharp edges of tin, exposed unprotected pipelines or wires, tree stumps and roots etc.

3. Equipment, tools or belongings left out of place can be hazardous.

4. Camper limitations or restrictions.  Over-exertion, fatigue, chilling, sun-exposure, and altitude.

5. Swimming at beach without supervision.

The list could continue. No need though – because a list is restrictive. We are concerned about an attitude.

Our common goal is that no camper would leave with permanent physical, mental or emotional scars. What fun to be able to teach campers an awareness of safety, which hopefully will become a life pattern.

• CAMP EQUIPMENT
  There is a list of authorized drivers and no one else is allowed to drive the vehicles especially the green machine.  Speed limit is 15 kph in the entire campsite.  The equipment is routinely serviced to maintain it in optimal working order.
• INSECTS SUCH AS MOSQUITOES, BEES, SNAKES, WASPS, & JELLYFISH
  This is only a serious problem with those campers who are allergic to insect stings. The Counsellors are made aware if one of their campers has this type of allergy. The nurse keeps proper medications available. Insect repellent is recommended.
• INTERFERENCE
  Due to our location, we have no problem with excessive traffic, sound or air pollution, or interference from the public.  The camp is clearly identified at the entrance.
• YARRAHAPINNI
  Campers must be under counsellor supervision when there are free time water activities, including the beach.  Footwear is required except for at the beach.
• ACTIVITY EQUIPMENT
  Protective clothing and devices are provided and are encouraged to be worn. No one under 16 years of age may operate any camp equipment. No one can use equipment unless they have first been instructed by camp staff if its correct operation and maintenance.

Objectives

1. Protect campers from impending life threatening danger.

2. Maintain calmness among campers.

Equipment

1. Fire Extinguishers – each building has a fire extinguisher.

2. Fire Hoses – note where these are located and the way they operate.

3. Kitchen – chemical extinguisher and fire blanket.

Special Instructions

1. During staff orientation the camp ranger (fire officer) will instruct all staff on procedures.

2. The fire officer will liaise with local fire brigade.

3. During the fire danger, the Director’s office will be the communications centre (fire horn will be located here).

4. The first aid room where the nurse is stationed will be the centre for medical help.

5. All campers should assemble on the basketball court area.

Preparation

1. Know your responsibility and location of equipment

2. Attend the fire drill.

Procedure

1. Notify camp Director or Ranger immediately of any impending fire danger.

2. Report to positions if you are a fire crewmember.