Safety at Camp Runoia
Thoughtful, proactive care for every camper, every day.
At Camp Runoia, safety is built into every part of camp life. From how we hire and train our staff to how we structure each day and support our campers, our goal is simple: to create an environment where campers feel safe, supported, and able to fully be themselves.
Questions About Safety? Let’s Talk
Safety at a Glance
- ACA-accredited since 1960
- 24/7 on-site health center staffing
- Ongoing collaboration with local emergency services
- Detailed emergency action plans + regular drills
- Certified lifeguards at all waterfront activities
- Layered leadership structure with experienced staff always accessible
- Camp-wide communication systems across our 150-acre campus
- 12 full days of comprehensive staff training prior to camper arrival
- Ongoing staff development and scenario-based training throughout the summer
- Small, community-centered environment where campers are truly known as individuals
Our Approach to Safety
Safety at Runoia is not a single policy or checklist. It is something we build into every aspect of camp life. Camp Runoia has been accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) since 1960. ACA accreditation means meeting nationally recognized standards for health, safety, risk management, staff training, supervision, and emergency preparedness. Accreditation is an ongoing process that requires regular review and accountability, and it is one of the many ways we continually evaluate and strengthen our practices.
We combine strong systems with thoughtful, experienced leadership to ensure that safety is both well-planned and actively practiced. Our approach is grounded in preparation, communication, and care for the whole child. At Runoia, safety also means helping campers feel emotionally supported, included, and cared for within our community.
Preparedness & Emergency Planning
We maintain detailed emergency action plans for a wide range of scenarios and review them regularly to ensure clarity and effectiveness.
Our team conducts emergency drills throughout the summer, both with and without campers, so that responses feel familiar, calm, and well-coordinated. We also work closely with local emergency services to review and strengthen our procedures, ensuring our plans are aligned with best practices.
Camp-wide communication systems, including two-way radios and an intercom system that spans our 150 acre campus, allow our team to stay connected and respond quickly when needed.
Supervision & Leadership
Campers at Runoia are supported by a strong and layered leadership structure. Counselors, Heads of Cabin, and senior leadership team members work together to ensure that campers are consistently supervised and supported throughout the day, evening, and overnight.
Multiple experienced leaders are always present, accessible, and actively engaged across camp. Because of our size and community-centered approach, campers are truly known by name, personality, and individual needs, allowing staff to provide thoughtful, responsive support for each child.
Waterfront Safety
Our waterfront is one of the most active and exciting parts of camp—and safety there is a top priority.
All waterfront activities are supervised by certified lifeguards, with clearly defined swim areas, structured swim checks, and active supervision at all times. Campers are supported in building confidence in and around the water while participating in activities appropriate to their skill level.
Health & Wellness
Our on-site health center is staffed 24/7 by experienced medical professionals who provide daily care and respond to any health needs that arise.
We partner with families before the summer to understand each camper’s health history and needs. During camp, our team manages medications, monitors wellness, and communicates with families when appropriate.
We care for the whole child-supporting both physical health and emotional well-being throughout the camp experience.
Staff Training
All Runoia staff participate in comprehensive pre-camp training that covers emergency procedures, supervision, communication, and child development. Training also includes scenario-based practice and collaboration across leadership teams so staff feel prepared to respond thoughtfully and effectively in real-life situations.
We place a strong emphasis on both physical and emotional safety, ensuring that staff are prepared not only to respond in emergencies, but also to support campers through everyday challenges.
Training continues throughout the summer, helping staff build confidence, judgment, strong communication, and effective decision-making skills.
A Thoughtful, Ongoing Commitment
We know that sending your child to camp is a big step. Our commitment to safety is not just about policies—it is about people, preparation, and care.
At Camp Runoia, we are always learning, always improving, and always working to create an environment where campers feel safe, supported, confident, and able to thrive.
Have questions about safety at Runoia? We’re always happy to connect.
FAQs
Since 1960 Camp Runoia has been continuously accredited by the American Camp Association, complying with over 300 safety standards. ACA is Camp Runoia’s link to a global camping community and an opportunity to network professionally with peers and educators worldwide.
We maintain detailed emergency action plans and conduct regular drills throughout the summer, both with and without campers. This helps ensure our team can respond quickly, calmly, and effectively in a wide range of situations. We also regularly collaborate with local emergency service teams to review our procedures and strengthen our preparedness.
Camp Runoia follows both American Camp Association (ACA) standards and Maine State regulations for youth camps.
Yes. We maintain ongoing relationships with local emergency responders and regularly review and strengthen our procedures in collaboration with them. During the off-season, we walk through camp with local emergency service teams to review safety systems, emergency action plans, and a variety of possible scenarios. These proactive conversations help ensure our plans are aligned, well understood, and fully supported.
All waterfront activities are supervised by certified lifeguards, with structured swim checks, clearly defined swim areas, and active supervision at all times. Our waterfront and water activity areas are regularly inspected by our Waterfront Director, and campers are taught clear water safety expectations throughout the summer.
We utilize a buddy system during waterfront activities, and campers are never permitted near or in the water without a lifeguard present, actively supervising, and granting permission to enter the water.
Campers are supported in building confidence in and around the water while participating in activities appropriate to their skill level.
If there is a health or safety concern involving your child, a member of our leadership or health center team will communicate directly with your family. We aim to provide timely, thoughtful communication while ensuring campers receive the care and support they need.
Safety at Runoia includes emotional well-being. Our staff are trained to support campers through homesickness, friendship challenges, transitions, and everyday social-emotional growth. Because of our small, community-centered environment, campers are truly known and supported as individuals.
We work closely with families before camp to understand each camper’s individual health needs. Our health center team manages medications, coordinates care, and partners with leadership staff to ensure campers are appropriately supported throughout the summer. Camp Runoia is proud to maintain a nut-free environment and to thoughtfully support campers with a wide range of allergies, dietary needs, and medical considerations whenever possible.