Safety and Medical Care at Camp

• Every camp session, we have volunteer medical providers that are led by our year-round staff nurse, Elissa.
• Our medical volunteers each session consist of physicians and registered nurses.
• All medications are stored in the health center (aside from emergency medications like Epi-pens and inhalers which are always kept with the camper) and distributed by medical volunteers using our electronic medical record system.
• Camp is a 20-minute drive to a community hospital and a one-hour drive to a major medical center. For emergencies, we have a helicopter pad.  
• The goal of our medical volunteers is to facilitate and support our campers without intruding on their experience – we are available to them 24/7!  
• As part of the application process, our medical team reviews the health profile, medications, and physical of potential campers to ensure that we can safely provide for their needs.
• Prior to camp, families are sent an invite to call our staff nurse to review the camper’s medication regimen or discuss any medical concerns. 

• A Camp Director is onsite at all times as well as additional year round staff to support.
• All Camp Māk-A-Dream summer staff members are carefully screened, undergo a thorough interview process, reference checks, and a federal criminal background check.
• All summer staff receive a 6-day intensive training at the start of summer and ongoing trainings throughout the season.
• Our summer staff training includes sessions on cancer, medical policies, caring for campers, bullying prevention, inclusion, risk management, promoting wellness, personal boundaries, and the camp emergency action plan.  
• All Camp staff review and follow Camp policies, procedures and practices in line with the national Children’s Oncology Camping Association and are dedicated to a high level of safety in all activities. 
• All volunteers submit an application and are screened, complete reference checks, a federal criminal background check, and receive training on the first day of camp.  
• Staff and volunteers meet daily with the Camp Director to address any camper safety, inclusion, or behavioral concerns.  

• Our campus is designed to be ADA accessible and there are paved sidewalks to all buildings. We even have a wheelchair accessible zip line!
• Camp has several wheelchairs and walkers for campers to borrow if needed during their stay.
• Camp Māk-A-Dream welcomes participants regardless of sex, class, age, ethnicity (race), religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. 

• All camp staff members carry walkie-talkies to communicate with the leadership team, medical team, and other staff members in case of an emergency.  
• All visitors on campus (such as a workshop presenter) must check in at our office upon arrival and wear a guest badge throughout their stay. 
• Our facilities and outdoor equipment are tested, maintained, and annually certified. 
• Campers (under 18 years old) are supervised by camp staff and/or volunteers. Rules for safety, including our Community Agreement are verbally reviewed at the beginning of the camp week. 

• Campers and camp staff wear protective safety equipment during activities. We wear activity specific helmets for rock climbing, zip-lining, high ropes course and horseback riding. 
• Our zipline, rock wall, and high ropes course are inspected annually and certified by an ACCT Accredited company. 
• Staff operating the zipline, rock wall, and high ropes course undergo 25 hours of additional training in accordance with industry standards.
• Staff are trained how to facilitate archery, games, and other camp activities with an emphasis on safety. 
• We supervise and teach campers how to properly use all equipment to avoid any potential injuries associated with everyday camp life. 
• Campers are supervised by a minimum of one certified lifeguard in the pool area at all times in addition to other Camp staff/volunteers per our established supervision ratios.  The pool is locked when not in use.   
• All activities at Camp are optional. We encourage our campers to embrace “Challenge by Choice” and do not pressure campers into participating if they are uncomfortable.   

• We serve 3 excellent, well-balanced meals each and every day. Meals served at Camp always includes fruits and vegetables. Healthy snacks are available for campers between meal times. Alternatives can be provided for those with specific food allergies.   
• Camp works to accommodate food allergies (when possible) as well as vegetarian, diary-free and gluten-free diets. While we will take reasonable steps to minimize risks, please be advised that cross contamination may occur. Participants with specialized diets may need to supplement with their own food. If we have concerns about our ability to handle a participant’s dietary or allergy needs, we will contact the guardian/camper to discuss further. 
• Campers who have an EpiPen to manage their allergic reaction should bring it with them to Camp. Camp staff members are trained in using an epi-pen and have access to epi-pens in the main lodge and the health center.  

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your camper’s time at camp. Call our office at (406) 549-5987 and ask to speak with Lauren, our Summer Programs Camp Director.