Parent Communication: Camp Safety & Security

Other than having a fantastic time at camp, safety for your children is of primary concern at CampCaribe. This learning adventure program was intentionally set to take place in a United States territory in a U.S. National Park (Virgin Islands National Park), where regulations are strictly enforced and emergency services are the same as in any other area of the U.S.

Here is what you need to know about safety and security at CampCaribe. Please feel free to post any questions or comments:

1. Water and Food on St. John: The water and the food are safe on the island.
2. Critters. Mosquitoes can be pesky after a spate of rain, but insect repellent helps to keep them at bay. There are no dangerous animals, but it's not a good idea to pet the donkeys that roam the island—you could get kicked. When snorkeling, watch out for the mustard-colored fire coral and the black, spiny sea urchins. The coral can burn, and if you step on a sea urchin, it's hard to get the spines out.
3. Staff Screening: All staff members, including the Camp Director, are thoroughly screened. Copies of staff background checks (with personal information redacted) will be provided to parents upon request. All CampCaribe counselors are or will be trained in First Aid and CPR.
4. Emergency Plan: Although there is a First Aid Kit at the campground main office, we will have a First Aid Kid of our own for any minor injuries. All water activities are supervised by qualified and certified instructors. (The U.S. National Park service has STRICT guidelines.) Upon registration, all parents will be provided with a list of island Emergency Telephone Numbers in each Parent Packet.
5. Local Law & Park Enforcement: In addition to the U.S. Park Rangers, the local Police Department will be notified of our arrival and departure dates. Cinnamon Bay has its own dedicated Ranger.
6. Hospital Care. The Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center is located on St. John. It handles all emergencies. If necessary, transportation to St. Thomas is via the Star of Life ambulance boat and then on to Roy L. Schneider Hospital in an ambulance. (See http://www.rlshospital.org/.)
7. Adventurer Orientation. CampCaribe will assign each Adventurer with a Buddy at the airport. Buddies are responsible for one another for the duration of the learning adventure experience. They must go to the restroom together, to the beach together, etc. Upon arrival at camp, Adventurers will be oriented to the environment (by staff and a U.S. Park Ranger) and given all Camp rules. Cottages are attached to one another with 4 campers in each cottage. Counselors will sleep in the middle cottage. Locks to cottage doors will be retained by Counselors.
8. Hurricanes & Tropical Storms. According to the National Hurricane Center, "hurricane season" is June 1 - November 30. Whew.
9. The Glorious Sun: Sunscreen is mandatory (SPF 45) and will be used daily.
10. The Glorious Sea. Adventurers will be required to wear life vests for sailing, snorkeling & kayaking activities. Before anyone gets in the glorious sea to frolick, Camp Counselor Alley will perform a swimming evaluation so as to determine Swimmer Level. (To see Alley's swimming credentials, please see 5/20/09 blog post "About Alley.")
11. Cinnamon Bay Security/Rules and Regulations: There is a Security Desk at the Front Desk of the campground that operates from 6pm to 7am. Quiet hours are from 10pm - 7am and no unregistered guests are allowed on the campground after 7pm.
12. Medication. Any medication required by parents will be locked in the Counselor cottage and dispensed as needed.

Safety is number 1! With that all taken care of, the only thing left is to have a great time! I look forward to your questions and/or comments.

Tracey

CampDirector

CampCaribe