Experts say there are key questions parents and guardians should ask camp operators about wildfires, flood and heat risk.
Danielle Villasana for The Washington Post via Getty Images/Danielle Villasana for The Washington Post via Getty Images
hide caption
toggle caption
Danielle Villasana for The Washington Post via Getty Images/Danielle Villasana for The Washington Post via Getty Images
The tragic incident at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas, where at least 27 children and staff lost their lives, has raised concerns among parents and guardians regarding the safety of summer camps, especially in the face of increasing extreme weather risks due to global warming.
One of the attractions of summer camps is the opportunity for children to be outdoors in nature. However, this also poses the risk of heat illness and exposure to wildfire or flood-prone areas, according to Tracey Gaslin, the chief executive of the nonprofit Alliance for Camp Health in Kentucky.
Henry DeHart, the interim chief executive of the American Camp Association (ACA), mentions that while there are general regulations applicable to all businesses, there are no specific federal standards for camps. The ACA has a voluntary national accreditation program with health and safety standards, but only about 12% of the country’s approximately 20,000 camps have participated.
DeHart also highlights the variation in state-level oversight, with some states having minimal regulations related to camps. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the regulatory framework in place and the level of protection provided by each state.
Chad Berginnis, the executive director of the Association of State Floodplain Managers, stresses the need for parents and guardians to inquire about detailed safety measures at camps, especially related to climate-related risks such as heat, wildfires, and floods.
Given the gaps in the current regulatory framework, experts recommend that parents and guardians ask camps specific questions about the safety of campers. Berginnis, who dropped off his daughter at Girl Scout Camp, realized the need for more information about flood precautions at the camp.
He emphasizes the importance of understanding the camp’s approach to reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths, considering the vulnerability of children and teenagers to heat-related issues.
Gaslin suggests that parents inquire about the camp’s strategies for managing heat and hydration, including the presence of shade structures and misting systems. She also recommends asking about the camp’s schedule and how frequently counselors remind campers to stay hydrated.
Addressing wildfire risks, parents and guardians should ask about the camp’s emergency action plans, monitoring of air quality, evacuation procedures, and communication protocols in case of a crisis.
