health and safety

At Coldstream, the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every camper, staff member, and volunteer is our highest priority during summer camps. Below you'll find an overview of the policies and practices we have in place to ensure a safe, healthy, and nurturing experience for all during our programming.

Questions about our health and safety policies? We're happy to talk.

download full policies here

ABUSE PREVENTION

We are deeply committed to creating a safe environment where every individual is protected, respected, and empowered. Our abuse prevention trainings were developed with the support of social workers, licensed counselors, law enforcement, and longtime youth camp workers. Additionally, our programs leadership undergoes additional trainings via MinistrySafe, the nation's top-recognized resource for abuse prevention in nonprofits and churches.

safeguarding standards

Rule of three

Counselors are never alone with a camper in a closed or secluded space. Two campers are also never left alone together to prevent peer-to-peer situations. Private conversations are always held in public or with a third person present. High-risk areas, such as bathrooms, are closely supervised during high-traffic times while providing individual camper privacy.

hotspot monitoring

Staff proactively monitor 'hotspot' areas that may become problematic for peer-to-peer situations, such as during shower time. Campers are encouraged to protect their own privacy and respect the privacy of those around them even in close-contact situations.

Screening measures

All staff and volunteers are thoroughly screened via background checks and references before working with minors. No one with a prior conviction involving harm to minors, sexual offenses, assault, or related offenses is permitted to serve in any capacity. Suspicious references that report impatience or outbursts with children also result in termination of employment consideration.

Abuse Recognition & Reporting:

Staff are trained to identify signs of abuse, respond to disclosures, and report concerns to the appropriate authorities immediately. Our training Coldstream recognizes Tennessee as a mandatory reporting state and encourages staff to recognize and report signs of abuse and neglect.

safety network

Every camper personally designates two trusted "Confidential Adults" on staff that they can approach at any time, without special permission, to talk through anything that feels wrong or uncomfortable.

CONSENT & BOUNDARIES

We actively teach campers about consent, personal boundaries,

and their "body bubble" — the idea that no one may enter their personal space without permission, and that they must respect the same for others. All physical contact is based on the needs of the camper, never the staff member. High fives, pats on the back, side hugs, and handshakes are the standard. Staff and volunteers are strictly prohibited from using any form of physical discipline or shame-based punishment.

camper empowerment

We encourage every camper to trust their instincts. If something

feels wrong, we want them to tell a safe adult immediately.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

Certified First Responders: All senior staff hold current CPR, AED, and First Aid certification (renewed every two years) as well as Stop the Bleed certification (renewed annually).
Emergency Medication Preparedness: Staff are trained on the proper use of epinephrine auto-injectors and emergency medications. Before campers arrive, staff are informed in advance whether a camper or camp nurse is carrying this medication.
Whole-Camp Medical Awareness: All staff — including kitchen and support staff — are briefed on any serious medical conditions or allergies among campers and fellow staff that require camp-wide attention.
On-Site AEDs: Two AEDs are located on camp property. One is always positioned at the waterfront during swim time for immediate access.
Waterfront Safety: Certified lifeguards are present during all waterfront activities — even when swimming is not planned. Campers middle school age and up must pass a swim test to swim without a life jacket, and must always wear a life jacket in a kayak or canoe. Staff must do the same.
Medical Staff On-Site: A certified nurse or EMT/paramedic is on site during camper activities (9-4 for day camp, 24 hours during overnight camps). You will have the opportunity to speak with our medical staff one-on-one during drop-off.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Trained for Multiple Scenarios: All staff receive training on fire, lightning, active shooter, and tornado preparedness before the start of each camp season.
Regular Drills: Staff participate in hands-on drills for natural disaster scenarios so that emergency responses are practiced, confident, and calm — not improvised.
Camp-Wide Communication: Staff have access to a radio system to communicate emergencies and coordinate responses across the entire camp property in real time.

CAMPER WELLBEING

A Place to Grow: Campers are encouraged by their own counselors — people who know and care about them — to try new things, step outside their comfort zone, and build meaningful friendships at their own pace.
Practical, Dignified Dress Code: Our dress code is designed with real-life camp activity in mind. When enforcement is necessary, it is always handled by a staff member of the same sex, and always through a relationship-first approach.
Emotional Regulation Support: Staff are trained in grounding techniques and other evidence-informed strategies to help campers who are overwhelmed, anxious, or struggling to regulate.
Inclusive, Informed Care: Staff receive training on how to support campers who are neurodivergent or have similar needs, so that every camper can participate fully and feel genuinely included in camp life.
Behavioral Emergency Preparedness: Staff are trained to respond to behavioral emergencies with calm, competence, and care, and equipped with resources to respond accordingly. A designated behavioral health team is available when issues arise, allowing counselors to provide care for the rest of their cabin as needed.
Non-Emergency Illness: campers and staff are screened for potential contagious illness upon arrival at camp and monitored throughout the week. If a camper isn't feeling well, we work with our medical team and guardians to determine next steps so they can feel their best.

Please note that the above policies apply only to Coldstream-operated programs. Other groups not-affiliated with Coldstream may utilize our property with their own safety standards or disregard posted safety messaging.