Gilmont is proud to be a member of American Camp Association. Our decision to exceed national standards of care comes from our strong commitment to protect our staff, volunteers, and campers. Safety is always our primary concern for all camp programs. Below is an overview of the steps we take to keep our campers safe at Camp.
Spotlighting
Studies have shown that spotlighting is one of biggest deterrents to potential predators. Throughout the application, interview and training process of our staff, we make it very clear that we are committed to keeping potential predators out of Gilmont and that Gilmont will not be an easy target. If you have ill intentions, you better go somewhere else! We're going to hunt you down and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law!
Screening Staff
We believe that the best way to keep our campers safe is by keeping all potential abusers out of camp! Therefore, we are incredibly thorough in the screening of all staff. Each application is carefully read and reviewed by two full time staff. Each applicant has a personal interview with either an assistant director or director. During the application and interview process, strategic questions are asked to help us identify red flag answers. The vast majority of our new staff, come recommended by our former staff. This helps us keep the quality of our staff incredibly high because we don't often hire people totally unknown to the Gilmont family.
All applicants must have three references and then submit a Voluntary Disclosure statement. Thorough national background checks are performed on all full-time and seasonal staff every year.
All applicants must have three references and then submit a Voluntary Disclosure statement. Thorough national background checks are performed on all full-time and seasonal staff every year.
Staff Training
During staff training, we take the abuse prevention training and apply it to the Gilmont setting. We make sure all our summer staff know the signs of an abuser and their role and responsibility in keeping our campers safe.
Policies and Procedures
Gilmont has policies and procedures in place to facilitate effective monitoring and supervision in order to protect campers from abuse, as well as staff and volunteers from false allegations of abuse.
Camper Orientation
When your campers come to Camp, we make sure they know that they have the right to be safe: "If someone makes me feel uncomfortable, scared, or hurt, I will yell “STOP” and GO TELL an adult who listens. I have a right to be safe. I deserve respect."
Reporting and Response
Protocols are in place for all staff and campers to report suspected incidents.
ACA ACCREDITED
What’s the difference between state licensing of camps and accreditation by ACA?
State licensing for youth camps is mandatory; licensing requirements vary from state to state. Accreditation by the American Camp Association is voluntary and assures families that camps have gone the extra mile beyond state licensing, and made the commitment to a safe, nurturing and professional environment for their children. ACA standards are recognized by courts of law and government regulators as the standards of the camp industry.
How do ACA standards exceed state licensing requirements?
ACA goes beyond basic requirements for health, cleanliness, and food service into specific areas of programming- including all camp staff, from director to counselors; emergency management plans, health care, and management. ACA applies separate standards for activities such as waterfront and adventure.
What are some of the ACA standards that camps rely on?
•Staff to camper ratios are appropriate for different age groups
•Goals for camp activities are developmentally based
•Emergency transportation available at all times
•First-aid facilities and trained staff available when campers are present
State licensing for youth camps is mandatory; licensing requirements vary from state to state. Accreditation by the American Camp Association is voluntary and assures families that camps have gone the extra mile beyond state licensing, and made the commitment to a safe, nurturing and professional environment for their children. ACA standards are recognized by courts of law and government regulators as the standards of the camp industry.
How do ACA standards exceed state licensing requirements?
ACA goes beyond basic requirements for health, cleanliness, and food service into specific areas of programming- including all camp staff, from director to counselors; emergency management plans, health care, and management. ACA applies separate standards for activities such as waterfront and adventure.
What are some of the ACA standards that camps rely on?
•Staff to camper ratios are appropriate for different age groups
•Goals for camp activities are developmentally based
•Emergency transportation available at all times
•First-aid facilities and trained staff available when campers are present
