Safety Is Everyone’s Job #
At Adventure Camps, safety isn’t something we “add on” to activities — it’s built into everything we do. Whether you’re leading a football game, running a craft session, or supervising the pool, you’re both a role model and a guardian. Children should feel free to take risks in their learning, but never be put at risk.
Think of safety as invisible scaffolding: children don’t always notice it, but it holds up their whole camp experience.
🔑 The Golden Rules in Practice #
- Eyes on children, always. Imagine you’re a lifeguard, even when you’re not at the pool. Keep scanning the group, counting heads, and noticing the child who’s hanging back. Active supervision means you’re engaged, not sitting on the side.
- If in doubt, shout. Something feels wrong? A space looks unsafe? A child is pushing boundaries? Call over a colleague or your Site Manager. Acting early prevents problems.
- One step ahead. Think about the “what if.” What if it rains mid-session? What if the ball goes near a busy car park? Anticipating risks is how you prevent accidents.
🧭 Ratios & Supervision #
- Stick to ratios. If your zone is meant to have 1:8, keep it at 1:8. Ratios aren’t suggestions — they’re calculated to keep everyone safe.
- Position with purpose. Stand where you can see all the children, not clumped together with other staff. Spread out like guardians on watch.
- Never leave a group alone. Even for “just a minute.” If you need to step away, call another leader to cover. Children without staff = risk.
🏊 Pool Safety #
The pool is high fun, high risk. That means extra vigilance.
- Lifeguards lead. Always follow their instructions — they’re the authority in the pool space.
- Head counts, head counts, head counts. Before getting in, during the session, and as they leave. Double check with another staff member if needed.
- Stay present. No phones, no side chats. Your job is eyes on water, all the time.
- Safe transitions. Children must stay under supervision until they are fully changed and signed back into their group.
🎯 Activity Safety #
Every activity has its own risks. Here’s how to manage them in the moment:
- Check your kit. Is the football pitch clear of stones? Are scissors sharp but safe? Is the tech equipment powered safely? A two-minute check saves a trip to first aid.
- Walk the space. Look around the room or field before kids arrive. Remove trip hazards, sharp edges, or clutter.
- Demo first. Show the correct way to use equipment, then let children try. Don’t assume they’ll “figure it out.”
- Adapt when needed. If dodgeball is too wild for a younger group, switch to a calmer throwing game. Flexibility keeps fun and safety balanced.
🩹 Accidents & First Aid #
Accidents will happen — what matters is how you respond.
- Log everything. From a grazed knee to a bumped head. It might seem small, but parents expect transparency.
- First Aider = first call. Don’t improvise. If in doubt, call for the trained First Aider.
- Medication rules. Never give a child medication unless written consent is on file. Always hand it through your Site Manager.
- Stay calm. Children mirror your reaction. If you panic, they panic. A calm voice and steady hands reassure everyone.
🚨 Emergencies #
Big incidents need quick, clear action:
- Fire alarm → Drop everything, follow the evacuation route, take headcounts immediately.
- Missing child → Raise the alarm to your Site Manager instantly. Lock down exits, search systematically.
- Serious incident → Clear the area, move children to safety, and follow the emergency services protocol if directed.
🧠 The Safety Mindset #
Being safe at camp isn’t about memorising policies — it’s about carrying the right mindset all day:
- Prevention first. Think “how do I stop this happening” instead of “what do I do when it happens.”
- Don’t cut corners. Even when you’re running late, safety checks come first.
- Use your team. Safety is a shared job — communicate, cover each other, and step in when someone misses something.
- Speak up. It’s always better to raise a concern than regret staying silent.
Quick Tip 💡 #
Children need freedom to explore, but they rely on you to hold the boundaries. A great leader balances adventure with awareness. If you model calm, confident safety, children feel secure enough to take on challenges.
