INFORMATION

Emergency Procedures Policy

At River Pointe Church Camp, we are committed to ensuring the safety of all campers, staff, and volunteers during any emergency situation. Our "Emergency Procedures Policy" is designed to provide clear guidelines and protocols for responding to various types of emergencies, ensuring that everyone at camp knows how to act quickly, calmly, and effectively. This policy covers fire safety, weather-related emergencies, medical crises, and other potential hazards.

 

Purpose

To establish a standardized response to emergency situations in order to protect the health and safety of all individuals at camp. This policy aims to minimize risk and ensure that staff and campers are prepared to handle emergencies effectively.

 

Emergency Communication

1. Camp Communication System:

   - All camp staff will have access to walkie-talkies, which will be used for emergency communication across the campgrounds.

   - In the event of an emergency, key personnel (head counselors, camp director, medical staff) will be notified via walkie-talkie immediately.

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2. Emergency Assembly Points:

   - There will be designated assembly points for different types of emergencies (e.g., the flagpole for fire evacuation, the dining hall basement for severe weather). All staff and campers will be briefed on these locations at the start of camp.

   - A headcount will be conducted at the assembly points to ensure everyone is accounted for.

 

3. Emergency Alerts:

   - In case of emergencies, announcements will be made over the camp's PA system to ensure all campers and staff are informed. Camp staff are responsible for guiding their groups to safety.

 

Fire Safety Procedures

1. Fire Prevention:

   - All buildings will be equipped with fire extinguishers, and staff will be trained in their use.

   - Campfires will only be allowed in designated fire pits and will be supervised by trained staff. Fire pits must be fully extinguished after use.

   - Flammable materials must be stored safely and away from common areas or dorms.

 

2. Fire Evacuation:

   - In the event of a fire, all campers and staff must evacuate the building immediately. Counselors will guide campers to the designated assembly point (girls will go to the lower parking lot and boy will go to the upper part of the field).

   - Once at the assembly point, counselors will perform a headcount to ensure all campers are present. Any missing individuals must be reported immediately to camp leadership.

   - The camp director or Head Counselor will contact local fire authorities.

 

3. Fire Drills:

   - Fire drills will be conducted at the beginning of each camp session to ensure all campers and staff are familiar with evacuation routes and procedures.

 

Severe Weather Procedures

1. Tornadoes:

   - In the event of a tornado watch or warning, all campers and staff will be directed to the designated tornado shelter (the basement of the dorms or other sturdy structures).

   - Counselors are responsible for maintaining calm and ensuring all campers are safely relocated to the shelter.

   - Camp staff will monitor weather alerts and provide updates through the PA system or walkie-talkies.

 

2. Lightning and Electrical Storms:

   - Outdoor activities will be stopped immediately if a lightning storm is approaching. All campers and staff will be directed to return to their dorms or the nearest indoor location.

   - Staff will monitor weather conditions and only resume outdoor activities once it is safe to do so.

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Medical Emergencies

1. Injury or Illness Response:

   - For minor injuries (cuts, scrapes, etc.), counselors will use the nearest first aid kit to provide basic care. For more serious injuries, campers should be taken to the infirmary immediately.

   - If a camper or staff member experiences a medical emergency (e.g., an allergic reaction, seizure, broken bone), the camp nurse must be notified immediately. If the situation is life-threatening, 911 will be called, and emergency services will be dispatched.

   - In the event that a camper or staff member is transported to the hospital, the camp director will contact the individual's parents or guardians to inform them of the situation.

 

2. Incident Documentation:

   - Any medical emergencies or serious injuries must be documented in an incident report, which will include the nature of the emergency, actions taken, and follow-up care provided. The report will be kept on file by the camp administration.

 

3. Medication Emergencies:

   - If a camper has a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) and requires the use of an EpiPen or other emergency medication, the nurse or designated staff member will administer the medication immediately.

   - Staff are trained to recognize symptoms of allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other medical conditions that may require immediate action.

 

Missing Camper Procedures

1. Immediate Search:

   - If a camper is reported missing, the counselor must immediately notify the camp director and head counselors. A search of the campgrounds will be initiated, with staff checking all buildings, activity areas, and common spaces.

   - Walkie-talkies will be used to coordinate the search efforts. Other campers will be kept in designated safe areas during the search.

   

2. Notification of Authorities:

   - If the camper is not found within a reasonable time, the camp director will contact local law enforcement to assist with the search. Parents or guardians will also be notified.

 

3. Preventative Measures:

   - Campers will be instructed not to wander away from their group or leave designated activity areas without permission. Counselors will regularly perform headcounts, especially during transitions between activities or after free time.

 

Unauthorized Persons on Campgrounds

1. Identification of Visitors:

   - Any individuals on campgrounds who are not part of the camp staff or camper group must be identified and authorized by the camp director. All visitors must check in at the main office and sign in with the Head Counselors.

   

2. Unauthorized Visitors:

   - If an unauthorized person is spotted on campgrounds, staff must report this immediately to the camp director or head counselor. The individual will be approached and asked to leave the premises, and law enforcement may be contacted if necessary.

 

3. Preventing Unauthorized Access:

   - All entrances to campgrounds will be monitored, and dorms or activity buildings will be locked when not in use to prevent unauthorized access.

 

Violent Threats or Active Intruder

1. Lockdown Procedures:

   - In the event of a violent threat or intruder on campgrounds, a lockdown will be initiated. All campers and staff will be directed to the nearest building or safe location and instructed to lock doors and stay away from windows.

   - Counselors must keep their campers calm and quiet while waiting for further instructions from camp leadership or authorities.

 

2. Notification of Authorities:

   - The camp director or designated staff member will immediately contact local law enforcement to address the threat. The camp director will maintain communication with law enforcement to manage the situation.

 

3. Evacuation if Necessary:

   - If evacuation is deemed the safest course of action, campers and staff will be directed to a secure off-site location in coordination with law enforcement. Parents or guardians will be notified once the situation is under control.

 

Post-Emergency Follow-Up

1. Debriefing and Counseling:

   - After any significant emergency, camp leadership will hold a debriefing session with staff and campers to review the incident and provide emotional support. Counseling will be made available to anyone who needs it.

   

2. Review of Emergency Procedures:

   - Following an emergency, camp leadership will review the effectiveness of the response and identify any areas for improvement. Emergency plans and protocols will be updated as needed.

 

Conclusion

The "Emergency Procedures Policy" at River Pointe Church Camp ensures that all campers, staff, and volunteers are prepared to respond to emergencies in a calm and organized manner. By following these procedures, we can minimize risk, protect lives, and maintain a safe environment where campers can focus on their faith, personal growth, and fun experiences. All staff and campers must be familiar with these emergency protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone at camp.