FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Safety at camp FAQs
What are the top risks facing the camp? Is there a history of these affecting the camp?
Our camp properties are located mostly in high alpine environments where the top environmental risks are wildfire and severe thunderstorms. We have not had to evacuate overnight campers due to nearby wildfires, but we have experienced impacts from wildfires such as air quality at day and overnight camps. We did have to evacuate Girl Scouts from a day camp at a state park due to a fire across the street, and we have evacuated overnight campers in the past during a tornado warning. Girl Scouts of Colorado’s properties are in FEMA-designated low flood hazard areas.
​
What is the emergency response plan, and have staff done drills on it?
Girl Scouts of Colorado’s overnight summer camp program is accredited by the American Camp Association and adheres to all State of Colorado Childcare Licensing procedures. Per childcare licensing, we must have written policies and procedures that are developed, written, and followed regarding: the procedures for emergencies and disaster preparedness including but not limited to lost campers, tornadoes, fires, shelter in place, lockdown, active shooter on premises, reunification with families after emergency or disaster, evacuating children with disabilities. Our staff are additionally trained by the I Love U Guys Foundation, which works with local students, schools, families, and first responders to develop and train staff on community safety and family reunification. The emergency response plans are reviewed and updated annually and when major incidents occur. Staff practice a variety of scenarios with campers at the start of each session as well as run extensive staff training and larger scale drills prior to camp season. We have several emergency plans for various scenarios, which staff and campers are trained on. We also have various evacuation locations, pending where emergencies are and what is accessible. In addition to camp vehicles to evacuate campers, we also have a partnership with the local fire department and school district to support evacuation if needed. We have a back route off camp if needed. Off-site staff also support with communications and emergency operations.
​
What coordination does the camp have with local emergency services?
Camp leadership staff at both Sky High Ranch and Tomahawk Ranch coordinate regularly with local emergency personnel, and in emergency situations when applicable (like in the case of a nearby fire) notify local authorities that there are children at camp. The fire department and sheriff’s department frequently visit our properties and are familiar with layout of cabins, evacuation routes, numbers of campers on-site, and other details in case of an emergency situation or evacuation.
Are there sirens or other warning mechanisms installed in the camp? Is there camp security that monitors things overnight? Do counselors have radios that don't rely on cell phone service to contact the camp if they are out hiking outside of the main part of camp?
While camps do have siren or emergency alert systems, it is hard to ensure all campers can hear throughout all acres of camp, and why we rely on several methods of alerts and communication. We have several staff that monitor weather and other situations during the day and overnight through apps and battery-powered weather radios. This includes staff on-site who respond to overnight issues (most frequently, wetting the bed), as well as off-site staff who monitor weather and fire concerns through weather alerts and weather apps. All staff carry battery-powered radios camp, which is the most reliable way to alert staff throughout camp, given that our camp properties are several hundred acres. We have satellite phones for communication if our power is out or there is no service. We also have systems in place to notify drivers of issues at camp during trips off-site. All staff that drive programs off-site have a folder with contingency plans, emergency procedures, nearest emergency services (like pharmacy, hospitals, etc).
​
Do camp staffers have basic first-aid training and access to more advanced medical care? For certain activities (swimming, rock climbing), are there any specialized safety protocols and equipment?
All camp staff have basic first-aid training. A full-time licensed nurse is onsite for all camp sessions. Certain staff have additional certifications depending on what activities they facilitate. All certifications are compliant with ACA accreditation standards and childcare licensing requirements.
What does ACA certification entail?
ACA (American Camp Association) accreditation signifies that a camp has met rigorous health, safety, and operational standards. It's a voluntary process where camps undergo a thorough document review and on-site visit from ACA visitors to ensure our camps are compliant with ACA accreditation standards. This includes standards related to staff qualifications, emergency procedures, program quality, and risk management. Part of ACA accreditation ensures a camp must have comprehensive risk management plans in place, including emergency procedures and staff training. ACA accreditation goes beyond what state licensing requires and demonstrates a camp’s commitment to excellence. Both Tomahawk Ranch and Sky High Ranch are ACA accredited.
​
How will the camp contact parents in case of emergency?
In the case of a camp-wide emergency, camp staff will communicate with one another via battery-operated radios and camp leadership staff will communicate using satellite phones, if necessary, with offsite staff to deliver a text message and email to both caregivers listed on campers’ registration. In an emergency situation, camper families may also be called. Emergency contacts are called only if caregivers cannot be reached. In situations that are informational rather than emergent, an email might be sent to put caregivers’ minds at ease.
​
​
General FAQs
When is my full payment for camp due?
Full payment for your each camp session is due four weeks prior to the start of camp. The deadline is the same for all required forms, you can see the deadline date specified beside each required form, listed in your CampInTouch Account.
​
Do I have to take my camper to my primary care physician for their overnight camp physical?
You can go to your primary care or any other doctor who is able to complete the physical for your child to complete this form. If your insurance does not allow for a physical in the time you need it, you can get a sports physical from a pharmacy. The physical must be within 24 months of the final day of your camper's session. This is a requirement of our childcare license and our American Camp Association Accreditation.
​
How are food allergies and special dietary needs handled at camp?
Allergies and dietary restrictions are collected through CampInTouch forms and Formstack registrations. Our camp staff review Health History information prior to each session to account for all allergies. All dietary information is then shared with food service staff. It is best practice to complete your camper’s health information early so camp staff are prepared to help accommodate your camper’s needs. If you do not input the allergy/dietary information on the form by the deadline date listed in your CampInTouch account, the staff will not be prepared for your child’s dietary needs. At our overnight camps (Tomahawk Ranch and Sky High Ranch), we are ‘nut aware.’ This means that although we are not entirely nut free, we can accommodate campers with nut allergies. Feel free to contact camp for further information regarding food service & dietary/allergy information.
How long are physicals and immunization records good for when submitting health forms required by State of Colorado Childcare Licensing?
Physicals must be completed within 24 months of camp start date. Immunization records must be dated within 12 months of camp start date. This is a requirement of both our childcare licensing with the State of Colorado, and our Accreditation with the American Camp Association.
​
Who will be at camp?
Girl Scouts of Colorado extends opportunities to campers who identify with the girl experience. Girl Scouts of Colorado serves campers who have been historically marginalized and systemically excluded from outdoor spaces. This can and does include cis-gendered girls, gender-expansive youth, non-binary youth, and trans youth. You can learn more about these terms by visiting GSCO’s Diversty, Equity, and Inclusion webpage.
​
Will my camper be asked to share their pronouns?
We will ask how your camper would like us to refer to them during their time at camp (i.e. camp names), and campers may share their pronouns in response to this inquiry if they would like to do so. We will never force anyone to disclose or discuss these aspects of their identity, as with any identity a camper may hold. Staff may model this by sharing their pronouns with groups as they choose. Every effort will be made to ensure individuals who do elect to share this information are referred to by these personally identified pronouns in every aspect of their camp experience and by all Girl Scout volunteers and officials.
​
What if gender identity topics are raised at camp?
We respect and nurture belonging, inclusion, and safety for every camper, broadly and by respecting each individual’s gender identity. While campers and staff members may at times share their pronouns, we will only discuss gender identity with campers if questions are raised organically. If questions or issues arise about gender identity among campers, staff are trained to address the questions or issues with respect and in an age-appropriate manner. We do not discuss camper or staff bodies, or sex assigned at birth.
​
What if sexual orientation topics are raised at camp?
There is no need to “out” or discuss a camper’s (or staff member’s) sexual orientation, and we do not initiate discussions about sexual orientation or sexuality at camp. We know that questions and conversations sometimes arise organically at camp about “crushes” or attraction, and we are respectful and non-judgmental regarding everyone’s romantic and sexual orientation.
Although sexual orientation is part of someone’s identity, conversations surrounding romantic intimacy are not appropriate at Girl Scout camp, and staff are trained to intervene in these instances with respect and in an age-appropriate manner.
​
Are all the camp staff women?
Our staff have a wide range of lived experiences and backgrounds that often mirror that of our campers. Our staff reflect a spectrum of gender identities and expressions. Applicants are encouraged to apply and are selected without regard to gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, which are protected classes in the state of Colorado. We believe that our campers should have the benefit of a diverse group of role models.
​
What about bathrooms and showers?
Privacy is an essential and fundamental right to everyone at camp. We do not have any group shower facilities. Our single-use shower stalls and bathroom stalls provide privacy. This includes toilets, changing areas, and showers, which have single-use stalls separated by curtains or walls. Staff members have separate spaces to shower or may use the same shower facilities as campers but at a different time. Alternate single-use lockable shower, bathroom, and changing facilities are available in health lodges at overnight camp. No one will be forced or required to use these alternate facilities regardless of their gender identity or expression. Please contact your Executive Camp Director and camp team to inquire about property-specific accommodations.
​
What about bunks?
Campers are grouped in living units by age and session. We ensure staff-to-camper ratios are met as defined by childcare licensing, and a minimum of a 1:2 staff-to-camper ratio is practiced at all times. Beds are considered private spaces that are not shared with others. With a few exceptions, staff have separate sleeping areas away from campers, either separated by a wall, curtain, or separate cabin, tent, platform, or hammock area. In a few circumstances, like in our six-person yurts, there is not this separation. Male-identifying staff do not share sleeping accommodations with our campers and are housed in separate staff-only accommodations.