R.A.D. Camps Summer Safety Guidelines For Kids and Teens | Bend, Oregon
According to The New York Times article Summer Camp for All, “every year, about 26 million children attend roughly 15,000 day and overnight summer camps across the United States…” Clearly, summer day camps are one of the top things to do with kids and teens, but they aren’t all created equally, and ensuring the safety of your kid or teen is just as important as the opportunity for them to have fun. R.A.D. Camps is dedicated to ensuring the highest standard of care for your kid or teen while they embark on incredible adventures with our experienced guides.
R.A.D. Camps has a summer day camp program for children between the ages of 7 to 17 where they can explore over 50 unique and pristine locations in the forests and mountains of Central Oregon. We have also introduced R.A.D. Sprouts for kids ages 4-6 years old, where they can engage in age-appropriate free-play activities in local state parks.
Here five summer day camp rules that guarantee the safety of R.A.D. campers at all times.
Rule #1: The Buddy System
Our guides keep a watchful eye on campers throughout the day, yet still encourage campers to stick together. By doing so, kids and teens can help one another remain accountable, and ensures there’s someone who can alert a guide if their buddy needs help and can’t access the guide themselves. Additionally, kids and teens are often more apt to follow the directive of their peers rather than that of adults, helping foster trust and camaraderie with one another.
Rule #2: Bodies of Water are Off-Limits Without a Guide
Water bodies excite children and entice them to swim and explore. But they can be dangerous without the supervision of an adult. Guides only allow children to venture into the lake or river for a dip with supervision. For kids and teens ages 7-17, they are allowed to fully swim to the extent that is comfortable and manageable for them. R.A.D. Sprouts kids are a bit younger, ages 4-6 and are really only allowed to splash, as they are not allowed to go into water beyond their knees. In either case, a R.A.D. Camps guide is in the water with them and paying attention to the warning signs of exhaustion or the escalation of play into dangerous levels.
Rule #3: Guides Establish Camp Boundaries
R.A.D. Camps guides set specific markers and boundaries to let the children know the off-limit areas. This gives kids and teens a clear understanding of the parts of the campsite that they can explore and what is off-limits. Boundaries allow children to safely explore under the supervision of a camp guide, and allow them to feel confident in their play knowing that within their allotted space, they can engage in what interests them without worry. Snack and water breaks, as well as regular head counts and sunscreen application allows guides an opportunity to check in with campers to ensure everyone is happy and remains healthy throughout the day.
Rule #4: Don’t Eat Wild Fruits and Plants
Wild berries and mushrooms are abundant in nature, but campers are prohibited from picking and consuming any of these as they can be poisonous or otherwise unsafe for consumption. Guides are sure to explain to campers that the rules of the natural world are not universal, and that just because a squirrel or bird are indulging in something, it may not be suitable for humans. Guides often educate campers about the local flora so they better understand what to avoid, and what they can forage for the next time they venture outside with family.
Rule #5: Shoes On at All Times
Whether a camper wears flip-flops, water shoes or sneakers, all R.A.D. campers are required to keep their shoes on at all times. Being in nature while barefoot can pose serious health threats, as an unexpected rock, thorn, or poisonous plant could seriously injure them. We encourage all campers to wear versatile footwear that they will be comfortable in throughout the day, or to bring options so they don’t have to miss out on the full range of free-play available to them.
R.A.D. Camps guides understand the importance of outdoor exploration and spending time in nature. Our summer day camp program is designed with a special focus on free play, fun, camaraderie, and an appreciation for our natural world. Our motto is “no child left inside” meaning we’re committed to getting kids out into nature, and learning through their curiosity. Summer day camps are one of the best things to do with kids in Bend, whether you’re a local or on vacation with your family.
Ready to embark on an epic summer adventure? Visit our website or call us at (541) 410-7258 to reserve your spot today!
