Safety and Emergency Procedures

Cub Creek Science Camp has created policies and procedures in cases of emergencies. In this section, you will find procedures for weather related events and emergencies, information regarding our alert systems, procedures for missing campers, and information as it pertains to hazardous areas.

Camp Alerts and Signals

"Help Request" Signal

The air horn sounding in three short bursts every 15 seconds for one minute indicates a need for staff assistance. If you hear this request for help and you are not needed for the immediate supervision of campers, go immediately to the camp office for further instructions. Groups that leave base camp should take a blow horn with them. 

"Gather Campers" Signal

In an emergency, it may be neccessary to gather campers in a central location. In such an event, the horn will be blown in 2 second bursts continuously every 5 seconds. When hearing this signal, gather all the campers you care currently responsible for and go to Ursa's Landing. As campers arrive at Ursa's Landing, they should group according to cabin groups. Cabins should take attendence and report any missing camper or staff to the director conducting the gathering at Ursa's. Staff should keep the campers calm and engaged in a sit down activity until further instructions are given. 

"Open Door" Signal

We also ask that in any time someone is in a cabin/ building and needs assistance and are unable to leave the cabin, they leave the front door of the building wide open. To all staff members, this should be seen as a signal for request of help. Anytime, you are walking by a building with a front door left open, you should make sure that this is not a signal for help and double check the situation. 

Natural Disaster Procedures

Fire

The moment a fire is detected in camp, 

1. Evacuate all campers from the general area.

2. Report it to the nearest staff member. One staff should stay at the scene and immediately send campers or another staff to notify a director.

3. If the fire extinguisher can safely be used, the staff should attempt to put the fire out. ONLY IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.

4. If a fire extinguisher is inadequate to handle the fire, and additional help has not yet arrived, blow the airhorn. Sound the 'help request' signal: 3 short bursts every 15 seconds for one minute. 

5. If the fire is large enough to need to evacuate campers further than the general area, blow the air horn, sound the 'gather campers' signal: 2 second blasts every 5 seconds. 

Fire extinguishers are located in every cabin and most program locations. We never want any staff member to enter a building with an out of control fire. A building can be replaced, you cannot. Directors will notify authorities and make all necessary calls. 

Tornado

If the threat of a tornado exists;

1. In base camp, all persons in camp should seek shelter in the cabins, laundry room, or other building. Stay in the middle of the room and away from windows. Remain in the building until a designated person comes around to give further instructions. 

2. Out of base camp, lie flat and face down in a low lying area like a ditch or ravine. Never try to out run a tornado. 

Severe Electrical Storm

1. For all water related activities: At the first occurrence of thunder and lightening, all persons shall be evacuated from the pool, ponds or river and go to the designated rainy day location.

2. In camp: The camp director shall evaluate the severity of the storm. If the storm occurs during the day, activities will be suspended. all campers and staff should return to the cabins. Any staff not living in a cabin group will report to the dining hall. If the storm occurs at night, groups should remain in the cabin. If storms happen during camp outs, move under pavilions for cover from the rain and keep campers calm. Do not wake sleeping campers or leave the campsites in the middle of severe storms.

3. Out of camp: If you are close to base camp, return to camp by taking trails. If you are unable to return to camp, seek shelter. Try not to be the tallest object in the area or under the tallest object. IF you are in or near the cave, stay in the opening at the entrance of the cave until the storm is over. 

Earthquake

During a major earthquake, you may experience a gentle shaking that becomes more violent as it persists. During an earthquake, stay calm!

1. If indoors, crouch under a bed, desk or heavy table, brace yourself in the doorway. Stay away from windows, bookcases, cabinets and mirrors. 

2. If outdoors, stand away from buildings, trees, and power lines. 

After the earthquake, 

1. A camp staff should blow the air horn, giving the 'gather campers' signal.

2. Assemble all campers at Ursa's Landing and take attendance

3. The camp director should assess the situation and contact the necessary rescue, emergency personnel if necessary.

Power Outage

While power outage is usually a relatively short term event, there are some helpful things to keep in mind.

• Open doors and windows as little as possible

• Keep campers engaged and active during the downtime

Copperhead Snakes

In our area, Copperheads are the venomous snake we take the most precaution for. Unfortunately, they don't live in just woods and should be watched out for in all camp locations. They do not come after walkers, and typically only strike when disturbed. Their venom does not kill, but it causes severe pain. There are several precautions that will prevent you from having an unfortunate event with a copperhead.

• Wear closed toed shoes

• Do not trail blaze

• If you see a copperhead do not move it and stay away. If it is near a cabin, in an unavoidable walkway, or in a location where it is more likely to come in contact with a camper, call the director of instructions. Touching, or moving a copperhead is a fireable offence!

Missing Person Procedure

We have many procedures built into the schedule that helps keep track of your campers throughout the day. But in the event of a lost, missing or runaway camper you should do the following:

1. Retrace your steps

2. If you have assistance, ask one person to go to the location you were heading to and a second person to go back to where you camp from

3. If the missing person is not located, notify a Director. From here appropriate actions will be put in place to locate the camper. 

Hazardous Area Regulations

There are areas at camp that are off-limits to campers and staff for safety reasons and areas we take extra safety precautions in. The following areas we regard as hazardous and/or needing special supervision:

• All electrical installations. Electric boxes should be kept closed at all times and are periodically checked by the maintenance staff. At no time should campers be allowed to fly kites or other toys near any power lines.

• Cabin Utility Closets. Inside each cabin is a utility closet that contains a hot water heater and various cleaning supplies. For extra precaution, we maintain that campers are not allowed inside. When campers are doing morning chores, you will be handing out supplies from the closet. 

• Pump House. The well pump house should be kept locked at all times and is off limits to all unauthorized staff and campers. 

• All bodies of water. There shall be no wading, swimming or fishing without proper supervision.

• Pool Control Room. The pool control room is off limits to everyone except pool and maintenance staff and should be kept locked at all times. 

• Maintenance Garage. The shop is off limits to everyone except the maintenance team and authorized staff. 

• All Vehicles. Campers should not play near the parking lot or be in any vehicle except with the permission of and under the supervision of a staff member to be transported somewhere. This also include the vehicles that are used around camp property including ATVs, T-Rexes, Mules and Rangers. Only authorized and trained staff members may drive a camp property vehicle and must have a valid drivers licence. 

• Animal Locations. All animal locations are off limits to unsupervised campers. Animal buildings and enclosures may only be entered with the permission of and/or being accompanied by an Animal Specialist. 

• Old cabins, bath houses and buildings. These old structures are historic remnants of the old camp that was here before ours. They are structurally unsound and should never be entered by any staff or campers. 

• Archery and Riflery Ranges. Both ranges should be properly flagged and used only by groups under supervision. The flagged areas are off limits. All rules and procedures should be followed and all calls should be obeyed by the instructors of the area. The gate to the area should remain closed at all times. 

• Ropes Course. The ropes course is off-limits to all who are not participating in or assisting with an activity at that time. Helmets and harnesses are to be worn at all times by all participants and all personnel stepping foot onto the ropes course. During non-activity periods, the ropes course is off limits to all campers and unauthorized personnel. This prohibits campers and staff from entering the towers, removing equipment, and using the ropes course as a short cut. 

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