Updated on June 28, 2010
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‘Tis the season for kids’ camps galore! And while that’s a very good thing for both the youngsters and their parents, it’s critical for moms, dads and grandparents to make sure that all camp personnel are background checked.
It might surprise many parents and guardians to learn that background checking of camp counselors, coaches, etc., is not standard. In fact, many camps background check no one from the top down. There’s just a cursory interview, possible checking of references, and, voila, the camp employees are given carte blanche to have access to kids.
This isn’t meant to terrify parents or to keep children from ever going to camps, of course. It’s just meant as a serious warning.
Parents need to ask the following questions BEFORE allowing any camp to have access to their sons or daughters:
1. Has your camp staff been background checked? If so, by whom?
2. What is the criteria for camp staff to be accepted by the camp?
3. Do you check sex offender registries before hiring camp staff?
4. How much access do camp staff have to be alone with any one camper?
5. What background checking company do you use?
Again, this makes sense… and it also helps avoid a serious issue. Though some moms and dads might feel awkward with these inquiries, they’ll be happy they asked. And the kids will, too.
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