Safety

• Camp Marston

• Camp Surf

• Raintree Ranch

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       

Proven Safety Practices:        

The YMCA takes seriously the importance of child protection and safety.  We have specific, tested policies and procedures for all staff that work with children.  The following are some of our proven safety practices:

Sum

  • The YMCA has comprehensive pre-employment screening for staff members and program volunteers, including interviews, reference and nation-wide criminal history checks. 

S

  • YMCA staff maintain certifications relevant to their job.  All camp counselors are certified in First Aid and CPR.  Lifeguards are certified through eiter the YMCA of the USA or the United States Lifesaving Association, and receive additional site-specific aquatic training.  Children are never permitted in aquatic activities without lifeguards present.  Read more about Camp Surf's comprehensive ocean lifeguard service.  

 

  • Intensive staff training periods are conducted prior to the summer and outdoor educations seasons, varying in length from 7-14 days.  Training program includes YMCA Policies and Procedures, Emergency Procedures and Safety Practices, Safety and Accident Prevention, Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting Procedures, and the YMCA Code of Conduct.  Camp Coordinators, lifeguards and wranglers attend additional trainings. 

S

  • At no time during a YMCA program may a staff person be alone with a single child.  YMCA staff enforce the “buddy system” between children.  YMCA Staff never leave a child unsupervised.  As part of effective 24-hour responsibility, YMCA staff reside within camper cabins.

 

  • Staff are not allowed with the children they meet in YMCA programs outside of the YMCA.

Summer C

  • Camp staff are prepared to respond to first-aid situations.  Health Center facilities are maintained at each camp.  The Camp Health Care Program is under the written direction of a licensed physician.  At Camp Surf, a nearby Urgent Care Center or Coronado Hospital provide professional care if needed.  At Marston and Raintree Ranch, the camp doctor’s office is 4 miles away, ambulance service is local, with our nearest hospitals in Poway or Escondido, California.
  • YMCA Staff are vigilant toward intruders, hazardous situations or unsafe practices.  Our camps are considered “closed environments”.  Any guests must be authorized, registered and supervised at all times.