Safety by Design:

Anticipate, Prevent, Protect

At Camp Alvernia, we believe that the physical and emotional safety of your children is never an accident; it is the result of intentional design. When it comes to the well-being of our campers, we rely on highly practical, efficient, and rigorous systems.

Our safety philosophy is built on three actionable pillars: anticipating risks before they happen, preventing hazards through continuous training, and protecting our community through strict protocols.

We operate in strict accordance with the regulations set forth by the New York State Department of Health, including Subpart 7-2 of the State Sanitary Code. Furthermore, we voluntarily maintain accreditation from the American Camp Association (ACA). This requires us to adhere to ~300 distinct safety standards regarding everything from staff ratios to emergency infrastructure.

Medical Care and Health Protocols

Camp Alvernia is equipped to handle the daily health needs of our campers as well as unexpected medical situations.

• The Nurses’ Office: We maintain an on-site Nurses’ Office to handle first aid, daily health surveillance, and illness.
• Medication Management: All medications (prescription and over-the-counter) are strictly controlled. They must be checked in at the Nurses’ Office in their original pharmacy packaging with written instructions from both a parent and physician. Counselors do not carry or administer medications.
• Allergy Awareness: We are a food-aware campus. To protect campers with life-threatening peanut and tree-nut allergies, we do not permit any food from home without direct clearance from the camp nurse.
• Environmental Safety: We contract with Ivy Oaks for professional tick, mosquito, and poison ivy control. Our activity areas are kept weeded and mowed, and campers are not permitted to roam in heavily wooded areas.

Waterfront and Pool Safety

With 15 acres of property on Centerport Harbor, water activities are a cornerstone of the Alvernia experience. We treat waterfront supervision with absolute strictness.

• Swim Assessments: All campers (excluding our Ducklings) are evaluated by our Red Cross-certified Water Safety Instructors on their first day. Based on this evaluation, campers are assigned a swimming level and, if necessary, up to four swim bubbles for flotation support.
• Flotation Requirements: When boating, all campers and staff are required to wear properly fitted Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) at all times.
• Layered Supervision: Our waterfront is monitored by certified lifeguards from the stands and chase boats on the water. We utilize a strict buddy system and tag board accountability to ensure every camper is identified and accounted for throughout the swim block.

Campus Security and Personal Safety

We maintain a secure perimeter and strict internal movement policies to ensure our “open-air” environment remains controlled.

• The Intruder Policy: We actively monitor our borders. All visitors and parents must sign in at the main office and wear a visitor badge. Our staff are trained to report anyone on the property without a badge.
• Controlled Dismissal: Any adult picking up a camper early must present a valid photo ID. We do not make exceptions to this rule.
• The Rule of Three: Campers are never permitted to travel anywhere on the camp property alone. Whether going to the nurse or the bathroom, campers are always accompanied by a counselor and at least one other camper.
• Transfer of Responsibility: When a camper moves between groups or locations, our staff conduct a face-to-face “transfer of responsibility.” Campers are never allowed to disperse across the property unattended.

Weather Preparedness and Emergency Response

Summer weather can be unpredictable. We have structured plans to pivot our operations at a moment’s notice.

• Rainy Day Procedures: Our leadership team monitors weather radar in real-time. In the event of storms or extreme heat, the Assistant Director initiates a “Rainy Day Schedule” via our camp-wide radio and intercom system, moving groups into designated indoor spaces like our Rec Hall.
• Heat and Hydration: Staff are trained to monitor campers for signs of heat exhaustion. We modify physical activities during extreme heat, enforce hydration intervals, and utilize shaded areas for rest.
• Drills and Training: Every two-week session begins with a mandatory fire drill. Our waterfront team regularly practices Emergency Action Plans (EAP) using specialized whistle signals and VHF radios to ensure rapid response.

Staff Selection and Supervision Ratios

A safe camp requires highly competent adults. We enforce strict guidelines regarding who watches your children and how they are trained.

• Thorough Vetting: All staff members undergo rigorous background checks, including screening against the New York State Sex Offender Registry and verified character reference checks.
• Supervision Ratios: We maintain small group sizes to ensure constant visual supervision. Our ratios strictly adhere to or exceed state guidelines, including 1:5 for our Ducklings (ages 3–4), 1:8 for our Sandpipers, and 1:10 for all other groups.
• Professional Standards: We strictly enforce policies to prevent isolated one-on-one contact. Staff are trained to ensure that vulnerable spaces, such as changing areas, are supervised by at least two adults to maintain both privacy and safety.

Your Peace of Mind

Your peace of mind is as important to us as your child’s happiness. If you have questions regarding our NYS DOH compliance, ACA accreditation, or general safety standards, please do not hesitate to call or email us. We look forward to partnering with you for a safe and successful summer.