4. Not all camps discipline staff or children attending the camp, in the same manner. You may want to learn the camp's discipline policies and ask certain questions: (a) does it enforce a written policy of zero tolerance for drug use or alcohol abuse (are counselors fired after first time drug use/alcohol abuse is discovered?); (b) does it enforce a written staff and/or child curfew and, if so, what time?; and (c) has it fired counselors before and why?

5. Find out if there have been prior deaths or serious injuries at the camp. You may want to learn what happened and what the camp has done in response.

6. For all out-of-camp trips, particularly hikes and excursions, does there exist a specific protocol? You may want to ensure that the camp requires (a) a trip leader qualified to Respond To Emergencies ("RTE") (as required in some states) (this Red Cross certification requires significant hours of specialized training); (b) counselors to bring with them communication devices; (c) the counselor-in-charge to be over a certain age; (d) a buddy system to be employed; (e) a lost camper plan to be followed; and (f) a parental permission slip to be signed.

7. Has the camp identified possible major threats to the camp, staff, or guests? Do they have an emergency plan?

· Environmental threats — earthquakes, hurricanes, forest fires, dam collapses, and tornadoes.
· Security threats — hostile parents or visitors, hostage situations, verbalized threats, and child abduction.
· Health threats — intentional or unintentional food poisoning or water contamination, child abuse, communicable disease outbreaks, staff death, and group-wide emotional stress resulting from a catastrophic event.
· Off-site hazards — off-site trips, airports, nuclear power plants, and dangerous wildlife.