How Our Staff is Trained?
How Our Staff is Trained
At Wilderwood Camps, we are committed to providing your child with a safe, enriching, and inclusive experience. We know that as a parent, you want to be confident in the readiness and qualifications of the people who will be guiding your child. That’s why we’ve designed a robust staff training program to ensure our team is fully prepared to meet the needs of every camper and handle a wide variety of situations and challenges.
Comprehensive Staff Training Program
Our staff undergo extensive training that covers safety, inclusion, mental health awareness, and activity leadership. Here’s what makes our team uniquely prepared to create a fun and supportive camp experience:
1. Safety Training
First Aid & CPR Certification by the American Red Cross:
All staff members are certified in adult, child, and infant first aid and CPR through a rigorous program by the American Red Cross. This ensures they are well-equipped to handle minor injuries, medical concerns, and emergencies with confidence and care.Water Safety Training:
For camps that include aquatic activities, our team includes certified lifeguards and staff trained in water rescue techniques. This ensures all water-based activities are supervised with the highest safety standards.Emergency Response Training:
Our team is prepared to handle unexpected situations, including severe weather, evacuation protocols, and lost camper procedures.
2. Inclusion Training
“Ready. Set. Summer.” by Kids Included Together (KIT):
Our staff undergo specialized inclusion training to ensure every camper, regardless of their background, abilities, or needs, feels welcome, valued, and included. This program equips our team with tools and strategies to accommodate diverse needs and create an environment of acceptance and belonging.
3. Mental Health Awareness
State of Tennessee Adolescent & Youth Mental Health First Aid Training:
Each staff member completes this evidence-based program, which teaches them to identify, understand, and respond to mental health challenges that may arise. This includes recognizing signs of anxiety, stress, or other concerns and knowing how to provide appropriate support or seek additional resources when needed.
4. Activity Leadership & Outdoor Skills
Outdoor and Wilderness Skills Training:
Our team is trained to teach hiking safety, wilderness survival basics, and other outdoor activities aligned with our "Get Outside, Stay Outside, Play Outside" philosophy.Program-Specific Training:
Staff are equipped to lead creative workshops, retro games, and other engaging activities that foster growth, teamwork, and fun.
5. Ongoing Supervision & Support
Mentorship Program:
New staff members are paired with experienced mentors to ensure they have the guidance and support they need to excel in their roles.Continuous Professional Development:
We conduct weekly team reviews and feedback sessions to address challenges, share insights, and ensure ongoing improvement throughout the camp season.
Is Wilderwood the Right Fit for Your Camper?
At Wilderwood Camps, we believe in creating a space where every child can thrive. However, we understand that each camper is unique, and we want to ensure our camp is the best fit for your family:
Active Outdoor Environment: Wilderwood is designed for children who enjoy spending time outdoors and engaging in physical activities.
Small Group Settings: While we provide personalized attention, we may not be able to meet the needs of children who require one-on-one supervision or highly specialized accommodations.
Adventurous Spirit: Wilderwood is a great fit for campers who love to explore, try new things, and build friendships in a dynamic outdoor setting.
Your Peace of Mind Matters
We know your child’s safety and well-being are your top priorities. If you have any questions about our training program or would like to discuss specific needs or concerns, please reach out to us. Our team is here to help and ensure you feel confident that Wilderwood is the right choice for your camper.
