Child Abuse Prevention Policy:
A main focus of the YMCA is to provide a healthy atmosphere for the growth and development of children. Any suspected or reported child abuse shall be treated in accordance with applicable laws and approved policies. All YMCA employees must read and sign the Child Abuse Prevention Policy prior to employment annually.
Staff and campers must abide by Rule of 3. Camper are never to be left unsupervised, and at least one staff member must be with a group of campers at all times. The Rule of 3 indicates that if a camper needs to go anywhere on Camp, they must have at least themselves and two adults or themselves, another camper, and an adult. Campers are informed of the Rule of 3 during the All Camp Welcome on Sunday.
Two counselors are assigned per cabin. Occasionally there is a 17-year old counselor-in-training (CIT) that joins their group to assist. CITs are not staff members and cannot be the adult in the Rule of 3. Ratio numbers for staff to campers is 1:5.
Privacy at camp:
All campers have the right to privacy. All changing of clothes is done in a bathroom stall or shower stall. Camp Potawotami has a one camper per bunk bed policy. No other camper is allowed in another’s bed for any reason. Disposable cameras are recommended. Photos are not permitted to be taken in the cabin or bathrooms. Cell phones and smart watches are not permitted during the camper’s stay at Camp. This is for the privacy and protection of all campers.
Transportation:
Campers are only permitted in the YMCA Mini Bus supervised by 2 staff members. The Camp Director’s vehicles are designated and approved for emergency transportation of campers only to the hospital accompanied by a Camp Nurse.
Employee information:
All staff members, fulltime and seasonal, are background and national sex offender registry checked annually as well as drug tested prior to employment. All staff are trained in following topics: child abuse prevention, emergency procedures, supervision, bullying prevention, active shooter emergency, American Red Cross First Aid, CPR, AED, totaling a training time of 12 hours. Summer Staff receive a minimum of 80 total hours of training before campers arrive.
Employee Policies:
Employees of YMCA Camp Potawotami are not permitted to be “friends” with or “follow” campers under 18 on any social media platforms. Relationships built between campers and counselors is a special bond, however The YMCA does not sanction, encourage or endorse the use of YMCA employees or volunteers for non-YMCA child care activities. Such activities are outside of the scope of an employee or volunteer’s duties with the YMCA. Employees and volunteers shall not engage in any after-hours or post-childcare. This is a part of our Child Abuse Prevention policy.
If you have any questions about our employees or your child’s safety at camp, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Inclusion policy YMCA of Camp Potawotami:
The spirit of the YMCA mission is that everyone has the opportunity to participate as we build the character traits of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
The YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne gives equal opportunity to all people who participate in the YMCA through employment, program participation, membership, and volunteerism without regard to race, color, religion, gender, citizenship, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, economic status, age, disability or veteran status. We recognize that the community is always changing and we are committed to providing a welcoming and safe experience at all times for all YMCA participants. We partner with families to determine how to best support individuals.
Our Y camp is inclusive and welcomes all. Standards of age appropriate behavior are expected. Changing clothes and showering is done in private, and camp staff supervision is in place. Personal information is kept private and will not be shared without permission.
USDA Nondescrimination Statement:
Click here for more information regarding the full USDA nondiscrimination statement