812-385-3597
Princeton, IN
YMCA CAMP CARSON
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Our first priority is the safety and health of your camper. We have strict safety protocol at all activities, especially the waterfront. Our new Health Center is staffed through the summer by two nurses available to campers 24 hours a day. Please read below for additional detail.
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CERTIFICATION AND STANDARDS​
YMCA Camp Carson is certified by the American Camp Association. ACA accreditation is maintained by the camp's affirmation of continued compliance with applicable ACA standards and state and federal laws by submitting an annual Statement of Compliance, completing an annual Accreditation Report, and participates in the peer review visit at least once every five years.
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CREATING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT AT CAMP
At YMCA Camp Carson, summer camp counselors are positive role models and mentors who are focused on the needs of campers both in the cabins and the activity areas. We personally interview each candidate, secure a minimum of three personal written references and perform a national background check for all new and returning counselors.
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Staff training week concentrates on effective cabin leadership and includes heavy emphasis on teaching skills. Staff are required to complete 40 hours of online training and testing prior to on-site staff training. In addition to traditional camp training, all of our staff are also certified in First Aid, CPR, AED, O2. We also certify our lifeguards as Waterfront Lifeguards.
We maintain an overall staff to camper ratio of 1:4 in the cabin and 1:3 on the grounds with the inclusion of our program staff. Our high ratio ensures each camper receives positive interaction with their counselors each and every day.
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We follow all Child Safety Guidelines from YMCA of Southwestern Indiana, Inc.
Hand washing and hand sanitizing stations are available throughout camp. ​ Program supplies and equipment will follow procedures to be sanitized between uses. Camp maintenance staff cleans high-use areas throughout the day.
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HEALTH CARE AT CAMP
YMCA Camp Carson takes seriously its responsibility to provide all campers with a healthy camping experience. We maintain a well-equipped health center with camp nurses on-site 24 hours a day. In addition, all of our counselors hold current certification in First Aid, CPR, Oxygen, and AED and are thoroughly trained to properly handle emergency situations. We also have arrangements with a local pediatrician and Gibson General Hospital (only 10 minutes from camp).
INJURIES AND ILLNESS AT CAMP
The majority of bumps, scrapes and bug bites are treated at camp by the camp medical staff. Parents are contacted by phone by our Health Center staff if symptoms of illness are presented.
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MEDICATIONS
ALL medications (including vitamins) must be given to the nurse on opening day at check-in.
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Prescription drugs must be in the original container with current dosage clearly stated on the container.
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If your camper requires any non-prescription drugs such as Zyrtec etc., these medications should also be in the original container in order to provide the camp nurse with all the appropriate medication information. The Health Center is stocked with basic Tylenol and Ibuprofen etc. so it is not necessary to bring these to camp.
Keeping ALL medications out of the cabin helps ensure the safety of all campers. All unused medications will be placed in your camper’s luggage on closing day.
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Medications are dispensed by the medical staff at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, at the Dining Hall and at bedtime at the Health Center. If your camper's medication schedule is different, please discuss with the medical staff when you turn in your camper's medications during Check In.
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PREVENTIVE HEALTH MEASURES BEFORE AND DURING CAMP:
ANNUAL PHYSICALS - A completed Camp Health Examination Form must be completed for each camper. The front is completed and signed by a parent and the back is to be completed, signed and dated by a licensed physician. The physical date must fall within 24 months of the camper’s arrival at camp.
HEAD LICE PREVENTION - If your child has had head lice or has been exposed through a friend or family member, please have a nurse or physician carefully check your child’s scalp before opening day. The presence of head lice should be treated and then rechecked before coming to camp. Please also ask the camp nurse to check your camper's scalp prior to your departure.
ILLNESS/FEVER PRIOR TO CAMP ARRIVAL - Contagious diseases spread quickly in the camp setting. Our expectation on Opening Day is that all campers arrive in a healthy condition. If your child has a fever or is experiencing nausea or unusual pain, please delay his/her arrival time until 24 hours after illness or pain has abated and there is no elevated temperature.
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MASKING - Campers may choose to wear masks at Camp.
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SWIMMERS EAR PREVENTION - In order to minimize internal ear infections, swimmer’s eardrops are administered after each visit to the swim lake.
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SUN AND HEAT - ​​Most activities are in shaded areas or in the water. Water bottle filling stations are available throughout camp, and Campers will fill up each morning and afternoon before leaving the cabin. ALL campers are required to apply sunscreen prior to morning and afternoon activities. Campers who need additional applications of sunscreen are reminded to do so.
