How do you train staff to protect campers in your care? 

1. Mandatory Child Abuse Prevention Training: All staff who are working directly with children must complete training on recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect, including sexual abuse. Mandatory Child Abuse Prevention Training is an ANNUAL training for all staff. Training for Avid4 Adventure Staff includes:
1. Definitions and indicators of various forms of abuse
2. Signs of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
3. Appropriate boundaries and interactions with campers.
4. Appropriate steps to report suspicions or allegations of abuse to program leadership and authorities.
2. Behavioral Expectations: All participants and their families are advised on Avid4 Adventure guidelines regarding acceptable and unacceptable behaviors in our parent handbook and marketing materials. Campers are also reintroduced to these rules on day 1 and revisited throughout their experience at Avid. Specific guidelines include: 
1. Prohibition of hitting or using abusive language towards campers. 
2. Appropriate physical contact, such as pats on the back or shoulder, while avoiding areas covered by a bathing suit unless necessary for medical reasons and with another adult present.
3. Zero tolerance policy on intentional physical violence
4. Discussion of appropriate boundaries and interactions between campers
3. Supervision and Ratios:
   Training emphasizes maintaining proper supervision ratios (according to ages/activities) and avoiding situations where a staff member is alone with a camper. We teach various techniques on how to have campers always within eyesight and ear shot during activities.

What policies do you have in place to protect children?

1. Written Policies: All seasonal staff of Avid4 Adventure receive and are trained with a guidebook that documents policies that address:
   
1. Prevention of child abuse and neglect.
2. Supervision protocols to avoid one-on-one unsupervised interactions between staff and children.
3. Procedures for reporting allegations or suspicions of abuse.
2. Background Checks: Comprehensive background checks and a check of the National Sex Offender database, are required for all staff to identify any criminal history, as well as any history related to child abuse or sexual offenses.
3. Codes of Conduct: All staff are trained and agree to the organization’s codes of conduct. This is specific for both staff and campers which clearly sets expectations and provides a framework for behavior. These codes of conduct address: 
1. Supervision practices, such as maintaining appropriate ratios and avoiding alone time with campers.
2. Discipline methods, specifying acceptable ways to manage camper behavior.
3. Communication standards, promoting open and respectful interactions.
4. Guidelines for interpersonal relationships, including prohibitions on intimate or romantic relationships between staff and campers.
4. Reporting Procedures: Avid4 Adventure has a confidential reporting system for staff and campers to report concerns or incidents of abuse. This includes:
1. Following State guidelines for immediate reporting to child protective services or law enforcement if abuse is known or suspected.
2. Internal protocols for documenting and responding to allegations, supporting the safety of all parties involved.
5. Response Protocols: Upon receiving a report of inappropriate behavior or abuse Avid4 Adventure:
1. Prioritize the immediate safety and well-being of the camper involved.
2. Conduct a thorough investigation in cooperation with authorities.
3. Take appropriate disciplinary action against staff members found in violation of policies, which may include suspension or termination.
6. Ongoing Monitoring: Our Camp Directors and Full Time staff conduct unexpected visits to maintain vigilant supervision of camp activities to prevent potential instances of abuse. Our management staff encourages an open-door policy for private interactions and establishes protocols for one-on-one situations, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
7. Culture of Safety: Avid4 Adventure prioritizes fostering an environment where safety is a shared responsibility. We encourage staff and campers to speak up about concerns and ensure that policies are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect best practices.

What is your screening and selection process for employees and any volunteers?

How do you reduce opportunities for abuse? 

1. When private conversations are necessary (e.g., addressing personal issues), they must occur in an open or observable area where other adults are present or within sight.
2. Ratios and supervision are trained upon and required depending on age/activity
3. Staff are trained to maintain appropriate physical boundaries, such as avoiding unnecessary physical contact and following policies that specify acceptable behavior.
   

1. Structured supervision is required even during unstructured or “free time” activities to prevent bullying or inappropriate behavior among campers.
2. For Overnight Camp and Expeditions, Bunk/Tent sleeping arrangements are separated campers by age and gender, and staff ensure all interactions in shared spaces remain appropriate.
3. Campers and staff are educated on healthy conflict resolution, empowering campers to speak up and report concerns.
4. Camp Directors and Managers are encouraged to rotate and monitor random group activities, providing support to staff while reducing the chance for unsupervised peer-to-peer interaction
   

How are you ensuring safe environments for bathrooms and less visible spaces?