Health, Safety & Wellness

The safety of each child is our primary concern. We are American Camp Association (ACA) accredited. This assures that YMCA camp practices measure up to 300 national standards that go beyond our state's basic licensing requirements. ACA accredited camps voluntarily go through a rigorous risk-management process to provide a supervised, positive environment with controlled boundaries where children can grow. ACA standards establish criteria for areas such as: Emergency Preparedness, Transportation, Health Care, Program Practices and Facilities. 

At Camp Icaghowan:

  • We have a health care provider on the property at all times. 
  • Staff members are trained in safety and first aid.
  • Emergency response time is six minutes away.

Well-Trained Staff

A well-trained, enthusiastic staff is crucial to a unique and unforgettable camping experience. Camp Icaghowan staff members are carefully selected based on leadership skills, prior experience working with children, decision-making capabilities, respect for the environment and safety awareness. Each staff member undergoes an extensive and professional training program in preparation for our campers' arrival. 

Staff are certified in CPR and First Aid. Waterfron staff are certified lifeguards and trip leaders are trained in Wilderness First Aid and Life Guarding. 

Health Forms

A health exam is required for each camper. A physical is recommended if your child has health concerns.

Insurance information will only be used to facilitate outside medical treatment if required.

Illness and Injury

If your camper shows any symptoms of illness before coming to camp, please notify us.

If your child is sick or injured while at camp:

  • In the event of non-emergency medical treatment, campers are taken to the onsite healthcare provider, who administers minor first aid.
  • In the event of a more serious injury or illness, the camper will be taken to a local clinic or hospital, and a parent will be contacted.
  • In the event of an illness or injury where the camper will not be able to stay in camp, a parent or emergency contact will be called to make arrangements for pickup.

Medications

A Health Care Provider lives on camp 24 hours a day and a Physician is available by phone 24 hours a day. Medication will be turned in to the Camp Health Provider upon arrival at camp. Medication should be in the original container and labeled clearly with dosage, frequency and camper's name. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Please send extra pills in case they get wet or damaged.

We are able to provide campers with:

  • Loradamed (comparable to Claritin)
  • Ibuprofen
  • Acetaminophen
  • Cough Drops
  • Diamode

Insulin Shots

Each week we have a nurse on camp to administer medications. Many of our nurses are very comfortable with assisting others or providing insulin shots. If our current nurse is not comfortable administering shots, we will work with you and your child’s medical providers to explore other reasonable accommodations.

Allergy Injections

If your camper requires allergy injections, please send one disposable tuberculin syringe and needle for each injection.

Safety Considerations

Camp requires effort and the ability to communicate. To ensure your child has a safe summer camp experience, your child must:

  • Be able to understand, remember and follow instructions.
  • Be able to respect and relate responsibly to others in a group.
  • Be able to participate in primarily outdoor activities in large and small groups.
  • Be able to right themselves and remain face up in the water with the aid of a Personal Flotation Device (lifejacket).
  • PFDs are provided by camp and must be worn and zipped in all boating activities.
  • Riding helmets are provided by camp and must be worn during horse activities.

Lice

Please carefully check your camper for nits and/or lice before driving them to camp or the bus stop. Should we discover that your camper has nits or lice during our first day health inspections, you will be given two options:

  1. You may come pick up your camper, treat them and return them to camp when they are free of nits/lice.
  2. You can remove your child from camp, your session will not be refunded.

*The first option is only available if our Health Care staff is comfortable with treating Lice.

Bugs/Ticks

Campers spend the majority of the day/evening outside. There are mosquitoes and flies in the area, and many campers choose to bring bug repellant. They are encouraged to check themselves for ticks daily. The healthcare staff will provide appropriate assistance, as needed, for tick removal.

Severe Weather

Camp Icaghowan has weather radios and access to weather radar. If severe storms are approaching, campers and staff will be moved to the lodge, which is located beneath the dining hall.

Parent Handbook