Monarch Camps FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this the right camp for our family and is the camp safe?
- Is the camp Nut Free?
- What should my camper wear and bring?
- How is the staff screened for employment? How are they trained?
- What is the ratio of children to adult staff?
- What is Monarch Camps’ Policy regarding camper medicine?
- What kind of medical services does the camp provide to deal with minor or major camper injuries?
- Are there any emergency procedures for fire, earthquakes, etc.?
- Is Monarch Camps a licensed child care facility/what is your Tax I.D. Number?
Monarch Camps has an emphasis on sports, love for the outdoors, and fun activities. Our philosophy is that children can only grow and learn by taking acceptable risks. And, while we recognize that every camp program has some inherent risks (i.e. archery, swimming, rock climbing, gymnastics, and even crossing the street) we take pride in our exemplary safety record. We could not have been around since 1971, if we were not good at identifying and reducing risks. We train staff to identify the risks, then assess on how to reduce risk.
In addition to working hard each year to identify and reduce risks we’d like to point out to new parents that campus security is provided 24 hours per day 7 days per week by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. In addition, XX (number) staff hold current First Aid and CPR Certifications. There are also several Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) machines located at key areas on campus. Finally, there is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) on staff as well.
Activities at the pool are supervised by Los Angeles Community College District lifeguards who all hold at least minimum certification required by the State Of California. Our beach trips only go to approved LA County beaches and only those supervised by County Lifeguards.
Our camp was accredited by the American Camping Association from 2016-2019 and as such meets or exceeds a wide variety of rigorous standards and practices for operating a youth camp safely. We do still keep the standards, but have chosen not to pay the fees in order to keep our fees down and still keep up with the increase on minimum wage each year in Los Angeles.
Camp is a place to try new things, win or lose, and be exposed to new experiences. Although we recognize that part of our staff’s responsibility is to protect campers from possible incidents, we feel it is as (if not more) important to instruct and teach techniques of how to be safer.
We understand we are not for all families and we do NOT accommodate families that want to receive special treatment. We believe in teaching fairness and sportsmanship, which also applies to parents.
The camp is NOT a nut-free location and we do NOT serve any food with nuts or seafood. However, it’s important to note that while the camp allows the consumption of nuts, it takes proactive measures to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. By eating outdoors, the camp reduces the likelihood of allergens spreading in enclosed spaces. Additionally, the camp is willing to communicate with the group via email and kindly ask them to refrain from bringing nuts when requested. This approach demonstrates a considerate attitude towards those with nut allergies and shows an effort to create a safer environment for everyone involved.
1. Clothing:
– Comfortable athletic wear: Campers should wear shorts, t-shirts, or tank tops that allow for easy movement during sports activities. No loose garments like dresses as they get caught.
– Swimwear: Campers should wear swimsuits under their regular clothes to facilitate easy transition to swimming sessions.
– Extra clothes: Campers should bring an extra set of clothes in case they need to change after swimming or if their clothes get wet during activities.
2. Footwear:
– Athletic shoes everyday even on field trip days to the beach: Campers should wear closed-toe athletic shoes with fixed supportive backs that provide good support and traction for sports activities. Crocs do NOT have fixed supportive backs.
3. Sun Protection:
– Sunscreen: Campers should bring their own sunscreen and be encouraged to apply it before arriving at camp. They should also have access to sunscreen throughout the day and be reminded to reapply as needed.
– Optional Hat: A wide-brimmed hat or a baseball cap can help protect campers’ faces from the sun during outdoor activities.
4. Swim-related items:
– Towel: Campers should bring a towel to dry off after swimming sessions.
– Goggles: If campers prefer to use goggles while swimming, they should bring their own.
5. Water bottle:
– Staying hydrated is crucial during physical activities, so campers should bring a reusable water bottle labeled with their name.
6. Lunch Program no need to bring snack or lunch, except on Thursdays Pack a lunch. If not on Lunch Program pack a lunch and separate snack.
7. Optional items:
– Extra Clothes
– Water Footwear for the pool
– Sunglasses
Current or former counselors (adults 18+) refer most of our new staff. Most of our counseling staff are college students working towards a degree and/or studying to become a teacher. We have an intense selection process and a mandatory two & a half day training session that allow us to choose and train the most highly qualified candidates. We look for responsible counselors who fit our active profile requirements. Most counselors have also attended our yearly 6-7 day training trip to Sequoia & Yosemite National Parks. All employees are required to complete an online background check and reference checks. In addition, they must show proof of negative TB (Tuberculosis test) in the last 6 months in order to be employed by us.
Our overall adult staff to camper ratio is never less than 1 adult to 8 children, but the exact ratio depends upon how many campers are in camp each specific day. Individual groups may be as small as 4 – 6 campers for 5 & 6 year olds or as large as 12 or more campers for 11 & 12 year olds. We average 8 – 10 campers to one Counselor (18+) per group. Additionally, one Junior Counselor (14-17 year olds) is assigned to a group as extra supervision. Group sizes will vary depending upon the nature of activities and age of the campers.
Our staff is not permitted to administer any medication (prescription or over the counter) to campers. Campers must carry and administer their own medication. We cannot be responsible for the administration or storage of any medication.
Each child is responsible for taking his or her medicine at the proper time. Our staff may remind campers that they need to take their medicine as a courtesy, but we cannot be responsible for ensuring that campers take their medicine at the proper time. Campers that have allergies or asthma are responsible for carrying and using EpiPens and Asthma inhalers. If your child uses an EpiPen or Asthma inhaler, we expect that you have spoken to the child about proper usage. Also, please make sure that your child is aware that no one should touch their EpiPen or Asthma inhaler and that they keep it on their person at all times.
Many staff members are certified in CPR and First Aid. We also have First Aid Kits that are carried by our management staff. In addition, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department maintains a station on our campus that is staffed 24 hours per day 7 days per week.
Monarch Camps follows the Los Angeles Valley College’s emergency procedure plans. All staff are trained and briefed on campus evacuation areas and emergency scenarios. In addition, the L.A. County Sheriff Department have a substation on campus that is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In times of emergency, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department takes the lead on all incidents.
Monarch Camps is not a “Day Care” facility. We are listing our Tax I.D. number (47-1708392) as a courtesy only. If you claim Monarch Camp as a “day care” deduction, please consult with your tax preparer.
© 2018 Copyright by MONARCH CAMPS
LLC. All rights reserved.
Camp offered in partnership with the Los Angeles College Community District.
