We recently received a Stop Use Notice provided by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) for ALL Redpoint Auto-Belay Descender devises. There have been two incidents in which climbers using a Redpoint Auto-Belay device experienced rapid rates of descent resulting in injury. This Stop Use Notice applies to the following descender units: All Redpoint Descenders (part numbers 10024873, 10027646, and 10027798) regardless of the date the unit was manufactured or last serviced, Auto-Belay Descenders (part number 10021806) manufactured or last serviced on or after June 30, 2000. The part number, date of manufacture, and date of last factory service of the unit is located on the white...
In the past few weeks we have seen a number of severe injuries related to climbing walls and ropes activities. The first injury happened to a young male camper. Three other campers were belaying him on the high ropes course. He gave them the command to come down, and they appropriately responded. Within the last 10 feet of the camper's descent the belayers lost control; he fell to the ground and fractured his tailbone. The second injury happened when a young female camper was on the high ropes course. The knot in the rope came undone and dropped the camper onto the ground, where she fractured both arms. In this incident a first year staff member who only had three weeks of ropes experience...
With camp fast approaching you are gearing up your program areas and cleaning them up from winter. The archery range is one of the many areas that you will be preparing. So much of the focus on archery safety is on clear commands and orderly progression by the shooters to ensure the safety of all those on the range. Whistles and voice commands are vital to the safety of the shooters. Prior to the start of camp, look at the layout and condition of the range. In the last 10 years a YMCA insured by the Redwoods Group has not experienced an archery program related injury. Children are more likely to be injured from a trip or a fall on the range than by being hit by an arrow while down range or on...
As the summer approaches and you prepare for counselors to arrive make sure you have completed a background check on all staff. There are many different types of background checks available: Criminal, Credit, Medical, Military, Sexual, and Worker's Compensation checks are just a few. In this post we will discuss the most important checks: the Criminal Background Check and the Sexual Offender Registration Check. The American Camping Association (ACA) has set a requirement for all ACA Accredited camps to annually check the National Sex Offender Public Registry for all employees. Additionally, accredited camps must complete criminal background checks, verify previous employers, verify two references...
At camp you can find many hazardous materials. These chemicals can threaten the health and safety of campers, counselors, and staff. All chemicals should be properly stored and maintained. Here are some areas where you may find hazardous materials at your camp: Pool Chemicals - Chlorine, Hydrochloric Acid, Sodium Bisulfate Kitchen Chemicals - Oven Cleaner, Degreaser, Dishwashing Detergent Cleaning Agents - Bleach, Ammonia, Laundry Detergent, Spray Cleaner Pesticides - Grass Fertilizer, Rat Poison, Insecticide, Weed Killer Vehicle Supplies - Fuel, Antifreeze, Transmission Fluid Miscellaneous - Paint, Paint Thinner, Kerosene, Algae Killer All chemicals should be handled appropriately with the proper...
Today there are almost too many social networks to keep track of: Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter are the largest. Last month Facebook reached over 175 million users. These networks are available for anyone to join and can lead to problems at your camp. The Today Show recently posted an article about "Social Netiquette" ( http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/29616648/ ). It discusses the responsibilities that come along with having an online account. You need to be aware of your staff's network pages. For example, your head counselor/unit leader may be the best counselor at camp but has a completely different social life away from camp. If campers go home and see pictures of their favorite...
Have you entered your camps name on YouTube lately? A search of YMCA camps on www.youtube.com identifies a number of great camp videos that show a wonderful environment. However, there may be videos on there that would never be part of your promotional materials. Worm Fighting, suggestive dance videos, WWE style events and just plain staff stupidity are all easily found when a YMCA camp's name is in the video title or subject. Managing your profile on YouTube is an important part of being a camp director. As we all know, you are marketing to moms. If a mother decides to search YouTube to learn about your camp, are you going to like what she sees? There are some very easy steps you can take...
Cell phones, the internet and digital cameras have changed the way camps have to operate. The youth of today are keeping you on your toes with ever-changing ways technology can be used. As you prepare for camp you should be asking whether sexting is something your camp is ready for. Sexting is the sending receiving or forwarding of nude or sexual photos via your cell phone. Every summer, thousands of camp relationships start and end shortly after school starts. Now what is the likelihood of one of the teens will use the cell phone they brought to camp to sext? According to Newsweek magazine teens in Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas...
"Helicopter Parent" is a new term you may have heard before. It is used to define a parent who pays extremely close attention to their child and often makes decisions for the child. At camp you will see many helicopter parents drop of their kids. However, today's article will take a look at the parents of your counselors. (You may see another post closer to the summer about helicopter parents of campers). Around this time you probably have most of your staff hired. As you begin to receive new applications or send rejection letters you will surely run into some helicopter parents. Your first response is the most important when these parents call. The parent is calling because they...
We have put together some new trainings here at Redwoods. These trainings have been recently presented at various camping conferences during 2009. If you would like a Power Point version of these trainings to use for your camp please use the Contact Button above. Camp Aquatic Safety - http://blogs.redwoodsgroup.com/blogs/camping/Camp_Aquatic_Safety.pdf Camp Bullying Prevention - http://blogs.redwoodsgroup.com/blogs/camping/Camp_Bullying_Prevention.pdf Managing Risk at Camp - http://blogs.redwoodsgroup.com/blogs/camping/Managing_Risk_at_Camp.pdf
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