Describes the reactions of four Connecticut camps to a July 1989 tornado. Discusses damages incurred, the importance of emergency plans, reactions of campers and staff, the use of a crisis management team, budgeting for emergencies, communications with campers' families, rebuilding, and reopening. Suggests disasters, handled properly, can be…

Lists eight steps to a safe waterfront, one of which is creating an emergency action plan. American Camping Association standards call for a written, rehearsed emergency action plan for aquatics programs. In creating a plan, one should consider one's resources, the camp layout, types of emergencies, and basic procedures. Staff training and plan…

Camps should always have a crisis management plan, but the events of September 11, 2001, make it especially important. Honest communication with parents is paramount--directors should choose their words carefully and control the tone of their voices. Examples are given of crises involving weather, transportation, and a shooting. Questions to…

Camps should have emergency protocols in place and involve appropriate personnel in their development. Staff should be certified in first aid and CPR, a recordkeeping system should be established, and mock emergencies should be practiced during staff orientation. It may also be advisable to involve campers in practice situations. First aid/CPR…

Camps should have crisis management plans. Steps to formulating a plan include involving appropriate off-site agencies, identifying potential threats, gathering resources, crafting an appropriate response, training via role-playing, managing incoming and outgoing information, and writing it down. Sidebars present resources, successful response…

Two camp directors were interviewed about evacuations from their camps due to forest fires. Topics covered include descriptions of the events; actions taken; aspects of advance planning that proved helpful; unexpected portions of the experience and resultant changes made in plans; relations with outside agencies, the media, and parents; working…

Gives 10 strategies and examples for camp crisis-management: a written, implemented emergency plan; clear, honest communication; trained staff; good community relationships; learning from experience; knowing the local environment; preparing for the media; considering long-term impacts; avoiding adverse effects; and recognizing good things that…