Safety

Safety is paramount at Catholic Youth Camp. To assure you that we take each camper's safety seriously, we are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). That means that annually, we must meet or exceed over 300 rigorous standards in areas such as safety, camp program, staff training and supervision, health and wellness, risk management and food service. Only 25% of the camps across the country are currently accredited by the ACA.

Some examples of the measures we take to provide a safe environment for our campers include:

• To ensure that CYC hires staff of the highest quality and integrity, each staff member must provide employment and personal references with their application (which are verified), must complete an intensive interview with CYC administrators and undergo criminal background checks.
• Our staff receive intensive training in the areas of supervision, child & youth development, positive discipline and behavioral techniques, safety procedures, emergency response and communication, and program and leadership prior to the arrival of the campers.
• Our Health Center is staffed by our health officer who will serve with volunteer licensed professionals to provide first responder care when necessary. Our camp is just 12 miles from the clinic in McGregor and 30 minutes from emergency care at the hospital in Aitkin. Our camp and surrounding area is served by one of the finest First Responder units in the state of Minnesota!
• Certified lifeguards supervise all water activities on and off camp. Supervision ratios are at or below those determined by the American Red Cross and other national certifying organizations.
• A 'Buddy' system is used during all swimming activities to allow the lifeguards to quickly, accurately and repeatedly evaluate the status of all participants.
• Campers are supervised by CYC staff at all times. Our overall staff to camper ratio is 1:4. More specifically, when campers are with their cabin group, the ratio does not exceed 1:7 and during activities the ratio remains at or below 1:10.
• Nearly all of our staff is certified in first aid and CPR and first aid kits are located throughout camp for easy access.
• All groups participating in off-camp trips are equipped with a first aid kit and cell phone for emergency communications.
• CYC staff are continually monitoring local and regional weather radar and forecast sites on the internet and making program changes to help facilitate the quick movement of campers and staff in the event of dangerous weather.
• CYC receives annual inspections by local and state officials to ensure that we are meeting and exceeding all local, state and federal regulations regarding the health and safety of all of our participants.

If you have questions or concerns regarding safety issues at CYC, please contact the Executive Directors at our Administrative Offices.