Facilities
- Do facilities meet ACA Standards?
- The American Camping Association (www.acacamps.org) is a national organization with expertise dedicated to the enrichment of children’s lives through the camp experience. ACA has established an accreditation program setting a professional industry baseline for camp operation, program quality, health, and safety. When camp organizations voluntarily agree to submit to the ACA accreditation process they agree to meet, or exceed, over 250 standards, many of which apply specifically to facilities. Standards on facilities include questions regarding emergency exits in cabins, where flammable or hazardous materials are kept, if the camp has blueprints for utility systems readily available, and so forth. The facility standards give guidance to camp staff establishing best practices in the overall preparedness of the camp’s sites, staff, and programming as well as its buildings and food preparation.
Return to top - Are buildings at your camp accessible?
Most camps are required to be accessible either as a program of a city, county or state agency or as a public accommodation (either profit or non-profit) under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Camps can also be required to be accessible under state civil rights laws. There are a few exceptions in some cases. For example, if a camp program is run by a religious organization it may not be covered under the ADA. Camps covered by the ADA are required to provide children with disabilities equal opportunity to participate and benefit from the program. Camp facilities are required to be accessible using the accessibility guidelines for buildings and facilities incorporated into the ADA if the facilities are new construction, altered or have barriers to access where removal of barriers is readily achievable. Since many activities that occur at camp occur inside (even at day camp) it is a good idea to ask your director what buildings campers typically access and how … buildings such as restrooms, craft centers, nature centers, gymnasiums, swimming pools, etc. Ask if these buildings have ramps or accessible door openers. A specific area to inquire about may be the pool. Does the camp have ‘zero-depth’ entry, a ramp, or an accessible chairlift? Also ask about emergency exits and evacuation plans for campers with disabilities.
Return to top- Are trails around the camp accessible?
- This is an extremely broad question. Since access needs vary widely depending on the needs of the individual, it is best if you ask questions of the director specific to your child’s needs. Are there accessible routes to areas where activities will take place such as the waterfront, archery range, picnic area, etc. Some children may need fully paved pathways. Others may be fine on a less accessible trail such as one that is covered in dirt or gravel. It is a good idea, however, to ask the director to explain the type of trail system within the camp, such as if there are trails leading to the most widely used activity sites and buildings and what type of trail surface do they have (paved, dirt, gravel). Some campers using assistive devices such as manual wheelchairs may need assistance moving over unstable services such as gravel. Will the camp staff provide this type of assistance? Knowing these types of issues will help you and your child make an educated decision as to the suitability of the camp you are exploring.
Return to top - What are the Risk Management procedures relating to your facilities?
If the camp is ACA accredited much of this will be covered within standards relating to site and food service. It is still a good idea, however, to ask the director specifically about procedures relating to severe weather, fire extinguisher placement and availability, alarm systems, outside professional support such as fire and police, and training for staff to carry out these risk management policies and procedures.If the camp you are considering is an overnight camp, you may also want to consider asking the camp director the following questions:
- What are the overnight accommodations for campers?
Residential camps have a wide variety of overnight accommodations from cabins where everything is self-contained to more primitive arrangements such as tents, teepees, or shelters. Depending on the needs of your child, it is a good idea to find out several things:
- Are cabins accessible? Do they have ramps or stairs?
- Do the cabins have electricity? How many electrical outlets are available in each cabin or site? This is especially important if your child utilizes a power wheelchair that needs to be charged or if he has a feeding machine or breathing machine that must be utilized while at camp.
- Are the cabins air-conditioned? This may be an issue if your child has a respiratory condition or other condition where they may need a break from extreme heat or summer’s humidity.
- Are the toilets and sinks accessible with clear floor space and grab bars?
- Do the bathing facilities have roll-in showers or tubs, depending on the preference of your camper? Are showerheads movable or adjustable for independent use?
Again, your need to ask these types of questions will vary greatly based upon the individual needs of your child. Children with severe disabilities and chronic illnesses are now seeking, and have a right to, quality camp experiences. These children may need to attend camp with electric wheelchairs, feeding machines or breathing machines, etc. Thus the availability of electrical outlets can be critical, as can amenities such as air conditioning.
Return to top- Does your camp have accessible transportation?
- Since many camps conduct off-site trips, such as trips to the museum or zoo, it is important to ask if your child can access the camp’s vehicle. Is the camp bus or van equipped with a wheelchair lift? You may also want to inquire when discussing transportation how the drivers of these vehicles are trained and evaluated.
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