Health & Safety

Your child’s safety, health, and spiritual well-being are our highest priorities. To ensure every camper, staff member, and guest can enjoy a safe, nurturing, and faith-filled experience, we have established clear health and safety guidelines grounded in best practices for outdoor ministry and child care.

These guidelines cover medical screening and care, illness prevention, medication and allergy management, emergency response, staff training, facility sanitation, food safety, and behavioral safety policies. They are designed to protect the community while allowing campers to engage fully in activities—hiking, swimming, worship, and small-group discipleship—with confidence and peace of mind. Please read these guidelines carefully, share relevant information about your child’s health, and contact our office with any questions so we can partner with you in keeping everyone safe and cared for during your time at camp.

Emergency

At Camas Meadows Bible Camp we take wildfire safety seriously. If wildfire conditions threaten the camp, our priority is the safety and well‑being of campers, staff, and families. Below is a clear summary of our evacuation protocols and procedures so parents know what to expect.

  • Monitoring and decision-making

    • We continuously monitor local fire conditions, weather, and official alerts from fire authorities and emergency management.

    • The Camp Director, in consultation with local emergency services, will make timely decisions about sheltering, partial relocation, or full evacuation.

  • Notification and communication

    • Parents will be notified immediately by text or phone (if time allows), and email if an evacuation is ordered or if conditions change that affect camper safety.

    • We provide updates on the situation, the chosen evacuation plan, and expected timelines.

    • Emergency contact information you provide at registration will be used—please keep it current.

  • Immediate actions at camp

    • Staff are trained in wildfire response: accounting for all campers, preparing belongings for rapid departure, and following evacuation routes.

    • If safe, we move campers to a designated on-site safe area or shelter until evacuation begins.

    • Campers will remain with assigned counselors at all times.

  • Evacuation procedures

    • Evacuations follow pre-planned routes to safe off-site locations: Mid Valley Baptist Church, Dryden, WA or Ingalls Creek park.

    • Transportation is provided by camp vehicles and, if needed, arranged ahead of time with cleared adult drivers. We will not leave campers unattended.

  • Reunification and pickup

    • Once campers reach the reunification site, parents will be notified of the location and pickup procedures.

    • You will be asked to present ID and sign out your camper. If you cannot arrive, your designated emergency contact may pick up with proper ID.

    • If roads are closed or conditions prevent immediate reunification, campers remain under our care at the safe location until we can safely reunify with families.

We understand how stressful wildfire situations are for families. Our team is trained, prepared, and committed to keeping your child safe and keeping you informed every step of the way.

If you have questions or need to update your emergency contact or medical information, please contact the camp office.

Medical

Our goal is to keep every camper safe, healthy, and able to enjoy camp. The following summary explains how we handle medications, first aid, and food allergies while your child is in our care.

  • All medications (prescription and over-the-counter) must be brought to the camp nurse in their original containers with the camper’s name and dosage instructions clearly labeled.

  • Staff will store medications in a secure, supervised location and will administer them according to the instructions on the label and the medication form.

  • Inhalers and EpiPens: Campers who are capable may carry and self-administer inhalers and EpiPens. Staff must be informed and will keep a backup supply if provided. Please label these clearly and provide written instructions on use.

  • Our camp nurse is available during all program hours to provide first aid, assess injuries or illnesses, and coordinate care with parents when needed.

  • They are trained in first aid, CPR, and medication administration, maintain secure medical records, and follow clear protocols for illness screening and emergency response.

  • If a camper needs further medical attention, the nurse will contact parents immediately and arrange appropriate transport.

  • Our kitchen staff takes food allergies seriously and follows strict procedures to minimize cross-contact.

  • Menus are planned with allergy awareness, and separate preparation and serving areas are used when needed.

  • Parents are asked to provide up-to-date medical and allergy information before camp and to notify us of any special dietary needs so we can accommodate safely.

Staff & Safety

Camas Meadows is committed to providing a safe, loving environment where children and youth can grow in faith, build friendships, and enjoy the outdoors. Below is a clear summary of the key safety practices and safeguards we maintain:

Staff screening and training

  • Thorough hiring process: All staff and volunteers undergo application review, reference checks, and background checks before working with campers.

  • Mandatory training: Staff complete comprehensive training that includes child protection policies, emergency procedures, behavior management, first aid/CPR, and boundary-setting.

  • Sexual abuse prevention: All staff receive specific training on preventing, recognizing, and responding to sexual abuse and grooming. Training emphasizes mandatory reporting requirements, appropriate physical boundaries (e.g., groups of three and public visibility), and procedures for reporting concerns.

Supervision and accountability

  • Activities with minors are structured so that groups of three are present to reduce isolation and risk. One-on-one situations follow special protocols—in visible spaces only.

  • Staff-to-camper ratios: We maintain appropriate supervision ratios for age and activity type to ensure adequate oversight.

  • Regular leadership oversight: Program leaders and supervisors routinely check cabins, activities, and interactions to ensure safety and proper conduct.

Boundary and behavior expectations

  • Code of conduct: Staff and campers follow a code of conduct that promotes respect, safety, and Christian behavior. Consequences for violations are clear and enforced consistently. Parents are welcome to request or review this policy.

  • Appropriate touch and privacy: We teach and enforce appropriate touch guidelines and ensure camper privacy for changing and showers (with same-sex supervision and private areas).

  • Abuse awareness education: Age-appropriate teaching helps campers understand personal boundaries, consent, and how to speak up if they feel uncomfortable.

Reporting and response

  • Mandatory reporting: All staff are required to report suspected abuse to camp leadership and to civil authorities as required by law.

  • All reports from campers and parents are reported are taken seriously and investigated promptly.

We take the physical, emotional, and spiritual safety of campers seriously. If you would like more details or to review policy documents, please contact our office — we value your trust and partnership in keeping children safe at Camas Meadows.

How to Report Concerns

Camas Meadows Bible Camp is a welcoming outdoor Christian camp and retreat center in Washington, committed to providing safe, loving, and spiritually nourishing experiences for youth, families, and church groups. The safety and well‑being of our guests, staff, and volunteers is a top priority. If you observe or experience a safety concern, please report it promptly so we can respond quickly and appropriately.

How to report safety concerns

  • In an emergency (immediate danger, injury, medical crisis, fire, or threat to life): Call 911 first. Then notify the nearest Camp staff member or call the camp main line immediately.

  • For non‑emergency but urgent safety issues (suspected abuse, hazardous conditions, aggressive behavior, medical symptoms that need attention): Contact the Camp Director 509-670-4675 or by calling the camp main line 509-548-6553 and request immediate assistance.

  • For routine or after‑the‑fact concerns (facility hazards, maintenance issues, policy violations, or questions about safety practices):

    1. Write a short description of the concern: who, what, where, when, and any other relevant information.

    2. Submit the details to camp via email to office@camasmeadows.org

    3. If you prefer anonymity, you may mail a written note to the camp office clearly labeled “Safety Concern” to Camas Meadows PO BOX 304, Cashmere, WA 98815

  • If the concern involves suspected child abuse or neglect: Report it immediately to local law enforcement or Child Protective Services after calling 911 if the child is in immediate danger. Notify the Camp Director as soon as possible so the camp can cooperate with authorities and follow mandated reporting procedures.

What to include in your report

  • Your name and contact information (or indicate you wish to remain anonymous)

  • Date, time, and location of the incident or concern

  • Names of people involved and any witnesses

  • Clear description of what happened or was observed

  • Any photos, video, or other evidence if available and safe to share

  • Any immediate actions taken or first aid provided

What to expect after you report

  • Immediate response for emergencies and urgent issues.

  • Prompt review and follow‑up from camp leadership for non‑emergent reports.

  • Appropriate corrective action, which may include maintenance, staff training, policy changes, or referral to authorities.

  • Confidential handling to the extent possible; mandated reports involving child safety will be shared with appropriate authorities.

Your vigilance helps protect everyone at Camas Meadows Bible Camp—we appreciate your care and cooperation.