Health
The health and safety of campers and staff are Gold Arrow Camp’s top priority. We provide counselor supervision, safety equipment, and training to help ensure campers have a safe experience. Our staff encourage campers to gain independence, learn new skills, and build confidence while maintaining the structure and supervision necessary for their safety. Gold Arrow Camp utilizes the resources and programs as outlined below to promote the health and safety of everyone in our camp community.
Two registered nurses live on-site and are always available to campers and staff for first aid, disbursement of medications, and general care as needed. As per the American Camp Association Standards, we store and dispense all medications through the Wellness Center. For illnesses and medical emergencies requiring additional assistance, we follow appropriate EMS procedures. The closest hospital is approximately ninety minutes from camp, with emergency helicopter transportation available if needed for a faster transport time. Parents must complete a health history and a medication card for each camper prior to camp attendance. All medications and health histories are confidential. If a camper is treated for any illness or injury that requires them to miss an activity or stay overnight, parents (or guardians) will be contacted and updated. Parents will not be contacted when their child receives minor first aid (splinter removal, cleaning of a cut, or ointment for dry skin, for example).
Camper Medications
Allergies
Menu & Dining
Hygiene
Camp support staff provide assistance to our camp community by checking campers’ hands before each meal, inspecting cabins daily, and helping younger campers with personal hygiene.
We require campers to shower at least every other day. Campers who wish to shower daily can do so during designated times (usually before breakfast, during rest hour, or immediately following evening activities). Younger campers (Bears & Tigers) are scheduled for specific shower times. Private showers with hot water are available throughout camp. Counselors and support staff are discrete when handling bathroom accidents in sleeping bags and clothing.
Supervision & Safety
Our counselors are an integral part of providing excellent care to our campers. We assign at least two counselors to each cabin of 8 to 10 children. The counselors sleep in the cabin with the campers and supervise the group throughout the day. All of our counselors attend a 10-day orientation at the beginning of the summer, prior to camper arrival, to train in program areas, learn our emergency procedures, and understand health and safety precautions. Counselors remind and/or help campers with personal hygiene, including use of sunscreen, keeping hydrated, changing clothes daily, brushing teeth, and showering at least every other day. For bathroom visits during the night, campers awaken their counselor, who escorts them to the bathroom.
We require safety equipment such as helmets, harnesses, and lifejackets for most of our activities. We also require campers and staff to follow safety guidelines in order to participate at each activity. Our staff are trained in their specific program area, and they provide campers with careful instruction and supervision. All counselors are certified in CPR, staff instructing waterfront activities are Lifeguard certified, and all backpacking instructors are Wilderness First Aid certified. Two-way radios are positioned throughout camp, including the camp Wellness Center and Office, for emergency communication.
