Your Child’s Safety at Kidder Creek
Dropping your kids off at camp is a Big Deal and we treat it as such. One of your greatest treasures in life are your kids. With that in mind we have a robust policy that will help ensure your kids are safe while at camp!
Our desire is to partner with you and come along side you to give your kids, our campers, a wonderful experience while they are at camp. I want to pull back the curtain and share with you what we are doing every day to make sure campers are safe when away from home.
Our staff aren’t just seasonal employees to me; they are the people I live and work alongside all summer and will counsel my kids when they are at camp.
- The Gold Standard of Vetting: We don’t take shortcuts. Every single staff member undergoes a Live Scan background check before they ever work with a child.
- Knowing the Person: We require 2 to 4 outside references and conduct deep-dive interviews. I’m looking for more than just energy; I’m looking for the character and responsibility I’d want in a neighbor and a mentor for my own kids.
Living here, I see our supervision policies in action 24/7. We have a culture of accountability that starts with me and filters through every level of leadership and even to the campers.
- The Rule of Three: This is our non-negotiable. Whether it’s a hike to the pond or a walk to the dining hall, we require groups of at least three at all times. No one is ever isolated.
- Layers of Oversight: We always have two supervisors watching over campers. These leaders are trained mandated reporters who have gone through intensive safety training right here on site.
- The 360-Degree Model: During orientation, campers and staff are invited into this model. This model means that we trust each other, but we also watch each other. We empower even the youngest camper to speak up if something doesn’t feel right. We keep our standards “above reproach” because we are all looking out for one another.
We don’t leave things to chance. We provide our staff with a robust Code of Conduct that defines exactly what “above reproach” looks like in 3 different categories in our daily life together:
- Talk: Using language that builds up and protects.
- Territory: Being exactly where they are supposed to be, in supervised areas within eyeshot.
- Touch: Maintaining clear, healthy, and safe physical boundaries.
I see our river guides and wranglers training long before the first camper arrives. Their “fun” is built on a foundation of serious expertise.
- Expert Training: Our team is specifically trained for the rugged Northern California terrain. Our waterfront staff are Red Cross Lifeguard and CPR/First Aid certified.
- Gear You Can Trust: I see our team inspecting and retiring gear regularly. If it’s not 100%, it doesn’t go on a horse or a raft.
One of the most important things we do during orientation is tell your child exactly who they can talk to if they ever feel unsafe. Whether it’s their counselor, our “camp nurse”, or even me—they are surrounded by a network of adults who are here to listen and protect.
- Allergies: We are a peanut-safe camp, and our kitchen team is incredible at accommodating vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free needs.
- Health: Our health staff manages medications with meticulous care as well as provides First Aid support as needed.
- Bullying: We have a zero tolerance for bullying. We put the kabash on bullying behavior immediately, if it continues the bully goes home.
I get to see the transformation that happens when a child feels safe enough to be brave. When they know they are protected, they are free to tackle the rapids, climb on the ropes course, and open their hearts to a life-changing relationship with Jesus.
I’m here on the grounds all summer, and I’d love to chat if you ever have questions. We’re not just running a camp; we’re welcoming you into our community.
