Reflections on the summer of '95.

Now that the summer of 1995 is behind us, we have the chance to think about events and find perspective.

For most camps, 1995 was a good summer. A little too hot or perhaps a little too wet depending on where you were, but by and large, a summer full of happy campers and memories.

Auto accidents

There were numerous automobile accidents this summer. This is not too surprising because auto accidents in camp tend to be a frequent event. But this summer was different. The number of catastrophic auto accidents involving counselors on their own time, in their own cars, increased. The fact these were personal car accidents does not diminish the tragedy or horror for the camp community. What strikes us most is the wastefulness of it all. It is an overwhelming feeling that makes us want to reach out for ways to prevent other senseless accidents from happening. There is certainly no single, easy solution. But, education and training make a difference.

How can driver training and education be fit into an already overflowing schedule during counselor orientation? This is a challenge. Some camp directors invite local sheriff deputies or state police to speak, or they hire driver training instructors to talk with camp vehicle operators. Perhaps everyone with a car at camp should be asked to participate. The National Safety Council has driver safety videos that address unique driving hazards in your area. They can be purchased for a reasonable price and used to supplement training.

Look for a risk management approach that makes sense for you, your camp and your staff. Can we afford to do less?

Sexual abuse

Ten years ago, the nation was shaken by the revelation of sexual abuse and molestation allegations involving young children at a California child care center. As a result, many state and federal laws have been passed that require certain behavior. These laws also state certain penalties for failure to act when a worker becomes aware of a possible incident of abuse or molestation. Many of these laws apply to health care professionals, teachers, and camp directors and staff.

Talking with camp directors across the country the past 10 years, we have realized that the epidemic of child sexual abuse and molestation in camp that was feared and expected to follow from the McMartin case has not materialized.

However, as a practical matter, the events of the past year and especially this summer, have reminded us that sexual abuse and molestation of campers is a real risk that must be recognized and dealt with. Some camp directors still seem to think that it cannot happen at their camps. Let us assure you from past experience that it can. It can and has happened at private camps, religiously affiliated camps and non profit camps. No program or group is exempt.

Proactive strategies are the essence of effectively managing the risks of sexual abuse and molestation. There is a lot of good information on prevention published by a variety of organizations to help you with sexual abuse and molestation risk management issues.

Review your plan now, update your resources and revise your practices to bring them in line with the most current information. Consult a local attorney for your state's reporting requirements. Finally, develop a plan for managing the crisis that will arise should one of your campers report an abuse incident to you or one of your staff. Will you be ready?

Physical abuse

Another spin on the abuse issue involves an increase in the number of claims alleging physical abuse at camp. Some camps have traditional "rites of passage." While such situations are hopefully few in number, the potential for physical abuse imposed by campers on campers and counselors on campers is great. This presents a significant risk of financial loss.

Physical abuse allegations also seem to be exacerbated by the increase in camper to camper violence we have noticed at camp recently. This most disturbing trend continued in 1995.

What methods do you have to prevent and uncover sexual abuse and physical abuse situations before they jeopardize your camp program and business?

Ropes course injuries

Ropes and adventure courses have been embraced by many camps over the past few years. They are exciting and fun.

Historically, the frequency of injury has occurred on the lower elements. Injuries have never been too serious, but we have always acknowledged the potential for a serious injury, especially from the high ropes course elements.

Unfortunately, this summer an incident involving a zip line caused serious injury to a counselor. While this is the first such incident, it underscores the fact that a ropes course is potentially a hazardous activity and requires the complete focus of the camp risk manager. When was the last time you had your course inspected? Have you checked your procedures and equipment against the field's latest advice and technology?

Don't be lulled into complacency by a solid safety record. Accidents can happen at any time, to anyone, even the most experienced driver, counselor, or director. Your challenge is to anticipate and minimize risk and to prevent unexpected events from turning your programs and your campers into statistics. Keep up the good work!

Ed Schirick is senior vice president of the Markel Insurance Company camp and youth recreation division. He is a charted property casualty underwriter and a certified insurance counselor. Send your risk management inquiries to: Ed Schirick, c/o Markel Insurance Company, 4600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060.