How do I know if my child has been sexually abused?

If you are concerned that something has happened to your child, please read Stop It Now's Warning Signs and Generation Five's Frequently Asked Questions.

How can I pick a safe camp?

As a parent, you must be very concerned about the information you are reading on this website. You may even be reconsidering whether to send your child to camp at all. We hope the information on this page can ease your anxieties by offering concrete questions to ask when picking the right camp for your child.

You've seen the brochures filled with smiling campers surrounding a camp fire or swimming in the lake.  You've read about what activities the camp offers, the price and how much fun the camp is.  Before registering your child for any camp, please consider the following:

Call the director or camp office staff and ask:

  • how the camp screens their staff and volunteers
  • what the camp's policies are regarding changing time and nap time
  • if they are accredited by any body (e.g., the American Camp Association)
  • if the camp has ever had any problems with abuse at their camp (they may not answer this question honestly, however it lets them know that you're concerned)
  • how they ensure the safety of all campers
  • what kinds of insurance they carry
  • how long the camp has been running
  • camper to staff ratio

Prior to calling, review the 'For Camps' section of this web site to read what good policies would look like.  Contact us if you have specific questions or concerns about a camp you are considering.

If possible, choose a camp that is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). The American Camp Association (formerly known as the American Camping Association) was created to ensure quality of camp programs. The ACA accredits over 2,400 camps. ACA-accredited camps meet up to 300 standards for health, safety, and program quality. Their website offers an easy-to-use tool to find the right camp for your child.

Links to Other Camp Safety Websites: