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Here are some basic questions in regards to safety:
Will my child be Safe?
Safety is a top priority at Frost Valley YMCA. Frost Valley’s Summer Camp program has a counselor-camper ratio of 1:4. This exceeds Department of Health standards.
We employ 18 lifeguards, all of whom are re-certified annually, regardless of their experience.
There are 12 horse barn staff, all of whom are Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) certified and supervised by a master trainer. Children must all wear safety gear including helmets, without exception.
Our ropes courses are extremely well supervised. There are three ropes supervisors. All are expert in taking safety measures and all necessary precautions. Belaying policy and procedure is dictated by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) and all standards are met.
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Staff integrity, reliability, training, experience.
The Frost Valley YMCA camp community is an exciting mix of cultures, backgrounds, and abilities. Staff travel from across the country and around the world to join this program. From California to Maine, and as far afield as South Africa and New Zealand. In-depth background and criminal history checks are diligently performed on all applicants. Once hired, staff undergo rigorous training, which includes: Health and Safety Awareness, Emergency Procedures, Behavior Management, Activity Leadership, the Wellness Philosophy, Team Building, and Age Specific Youth Challenges. Lifeguards are recertified annually; horsebarn staff are Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) certified; and ropes course supervisors meet all Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) standards. Our goal is to ensure successful camping experiences for each camper.
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Staff info and policies
All staff undergo intensive background and criminal history checks. International staff must have J-1 authorization from Immigration and Naturalization. Our staff is expected to share Frost Valley YMCA’s mission and vision, and are dedicated to bringing your children the best camping experiences possible. This facility meets all guidelines, policies & procedures as mandated by the American Camping Association (ACA) and the Department of Health. Staff undergoes rigorous training prior to working with your children and safety is the prime directive when it comes to the equipment used by our campers at Frost Valley YMCA.
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Level of supervision
Level of supervision is high with a 1:4, counselor-camper ratio. Campers remain supervised even during down-time and rest periods.
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How does FV prevent strangers?
Staff are very sensitive about identifying authorized versus non-authorized individuals on campus. Staff are in constant contact with one another and with the administration, via hand-held radio. Frost Valley YMCA runs a “closed campus” during summer session, therefore, any strangers would be readily identifiable.
Conferences, retreats, Elderhostel, and adventure events can coincide with summer and day camp events. In the event that this should occur, procedures are in place to safeguard our campers. All other guests are required to wear name tags and color-coded wristbands identifying the program in which they are enrolled. Additionally, their vehicles are registered with Frost Valley’s conferencing center. This ensures an increased awareness of whom is on the campus at any given time. Trespassers are immediately identified, approached, and asked to vacate the premises. Guided tours of the facility are available via appointment only.
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