SpringHill Christian Camp Child Safety Policy

Child Safety at SpringHill

At SpringHill, our mission is to glorify God by creating life-impacting experiences that enable young people to know Jesus Christ and grow in their relationship with Him. Central to this mission is ensuring that every child experiences a safe and secure environment at camp.

We have developed a comprehensive program designed to protect your child and provide peace of mind for parents. Below are the key elements of our child safety policies and procedures.

The Five Pillars of a Safe Experience

Hire the Best Summer Leaders

We carefully select leaders who undergo rigorous background checks and demonstrate integrity, responsibility, and a commitment to our mission.

Train All Staff on Our Safety Policies and Procedures

Staff receive extensive training on safety protocols, child protection policies, and emergency procedures.

Maintain a Safe Environment

Our facilities, equipment, and properties are regularly inspected and maintained to the highest standards.

Report Known or Potential Issues

Any concerns or allegations are immediately reported and investigated with the help of legal counsel and authoritie

Educate Campers and Parents

We empower campers with knowledge on recognizing and reporting unsafe situations and provide resources for parents to protect their children.

Camper Rights

At SpringHill, every camper has the following rights:

Privacy: The right to privacy in bathrooms, showers, and cabins.
Voice: The right to be heard and taken seriously if they feel uneasy about any situation.
Respect: The right to be free from hazing, ridicule, threats, corporal punishment, or excessive physical demands.

NO Disciplinary Action will include:

Deprivation of food or sleep.
Placed alone without supervision, observation, or interaction.
Subjected to physical restraint or excessive physical exercise.

Name Badge System

To ensure that only authorized individuals have access to campers, we use a tiered name badge system:

Staff members with Cleared Background checks: Plastic Name Badges are issued to individuals with cleared background checks and central registry files. These include year-round staff, Summer Leaders, and medical volunteers.
Volunteer Badges are issued plastic badges that indicate their status as volunteers. They are not permitted to have direct care or supervision of campers.
Campers are NEVER left alone: Campers cannot wander the camp unsupervised.
Paper Adhesive Badges are issued daily to short-term visitors, CITs, and others without direct care responsibilities.

Camper Awareness

We believe in empowering campers to recognize and report unsafe behavior. On the first day of camp, all campers watch an instructional video that explains how to:

Spot Unsafe Behavior: Recognize situations that may compromise their safety.
See It, Say It, Tell It: A simple, memorable approach to encourage reporting concerns to a trusted adult.
Campers are NEVER left alone: Campers cannot wander the camp unsupervised.
Understand Camp Rules: Clear guidance on safety protocols is reinforced through visible signs and reminders around camp.

Mandatory Reporting

SpringHill is deeply committed to protecting children and adheres to all legal requirements for reporting suspected neglect or abuse:

All allegations are treated with utmost seriousness and are immediately reported to authorities.
Investigations are conducted in collaboration with legal counsel and civil authorities.
Violations result in immediate removal from employment and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.

At SpringHill, your child’s safety is our top priority. Our comprehensive measures ensure a secure environment where kids can focus on having fun, building friendships, and growing in their faith.