...That means YOU, Parents!
I am proud of the work we do at Camp Ernst to spark a light inside of our campers, to help them discover how to be their best selves, behave and belong in a diverse community of friends, and grow in confidence to try new things. As my own children have grown older (18, 18, and 12), I have put a lot of thought into what the camp experience means—for parents. Many moms and dads have expressed to me how a week of camp was a break for them too—no dishes, driving, or dirty laundry (at least until the kids come home on Saturday…).
I recognize that when you allow us to take care of your children for a week (or more!)in the summer, you are not just empowering us to introduce them to the magic of loving nature, making friends, and serving others, but you’re trusting us with their emotional, physical, and mental safety.
Recent news stories of children harmed while in the care of preschools, churches, YMCAs, and camps resonate loudly with me, as a mom and as a youth development professional. As part of my life work, putting the YMCA values of honesty, caring, responsibility, and respect into practice FOR ALL, I have invested a lot of personal study and professional development training into preventing child abuse. I am constantly thinking of how we can continue to do that better—for you, for the children, for the YMCA, and for the community.
At Camp Ernst, we are committed to training all of our more than 500 summer staff in child abuse prevention strategies. The courses they take include coaching on the YMCA’s Child Protection Policy, Child Abuse Reporting Procedure/Mandated Reporter training, how to respond to disclosures of abuse, principles of consent, how to help kids relate to each other safely, and how to act always with witnesses. We conduct inservices, are accredited by the American Camp Association, utilize background checks and other screening procedures, and review our policies regularly through Praesidium, Inc. (I am a Certified Praesidium Guardian.)
Our screening, training and reporting regimen work well to keep kids safe. But what I am so proud of here at Camp Ernst, is the seriousness with which our young staff take their responsibility for campers. Many of our camp counselors are only a few years past being campers themselves. When asked why they want to work at camp, they consistently answer, “Because I gained so much confidence, so many friends, and all these leadership skills at camp—and I want to provide that same experience for the next campers to come.” I am inspired by the way our young staff keep each other accountable to maintaining the child protection policy and constantly remind each other to stay camper focused.
Our counselors are our greatest partners in helping you raise your kiddos. They have the background, training, but best of all, passion to help keep your campers safe. We are happy to give you a week off of dishes and driving to help your precious ones grow in spirit, mind, body, and friendship, building memories that last a lifetime. THANK YOU for believing in the power of the camp experience and for trusting us with your children!