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Our Commitment to Safety

At Carroll County YMCA Camp Huckins, the safety and well-being of every camper and program participant is our top priority. We are dedicated to creating a secure environment through thorough staff training, clear safety protocols, staying up to date on industry best practices, and regular updates to our facilities. Our commitment to safety ensures that each participant can enjoy their time at Huckins with confidence, knowing they are supported in a safe and nurturing space. Learn more about the measures we take to maintain a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience for all.

Commitment to Hiring
  • We believe that our greatest asset is our staff members, and nothing requires more effort than finding the correct fit to help deliver our mission. 
  • We follow best practices for screening, hiring and onboarding staff members. Potential staff complete applications and then undergo interviews with year-round staff members. 
  • Before candidates are hired, we complete reference checks and verify previous employment.  Candidates then undergo an in-depth background check which consists of a Criminal Background Check, Check of the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW), and a Central Registry Check from the state of NH. 
Commitment to Training
  • Staff members undergo an in-depth 50+ hour training program prior to summer camp.  
  • Our general training program is quite extensive, including CCYMCA Camp Huckins structure & culture, emergency procedures, operating procedures, ages and stages of youth development, abuse prevention, and so much more.  
  • In addition to our general training program, staff receive department specific training. This is broad and includes the following:
    • Water Safety Instructors (WSI) for Waterfront Directors
    • American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification for guards.
    • US Archery Instructor Training
    • Small Crafts Boating Training
    • Transportations training, including behind the wheel training for anyone operating a vehicle.
    • Serve Safe Certification & Training for our Food Service Staff.
    • Specific training for staff overseeing specialized activities such as Ropes Course, Mountain Biking or the Pottery Program.

Commitment to Supervision
  • We would like to re-frame this as active supervision. All staff and volunteers are trained in techniques connected to active supervision. We recognize that varying activities, scenarios and spaces at camp require different approaches to supervision.  
  • Camp follows industry standards and best practices for staff to camper ratios. These are defined in collaboration with the state of NH, the American Camp Association and other industry leaders.  
  • The organization implements a robust organizational structure, and leaders are trained in supervision. Staff members are oriented to this structure and have a direct support person who is accessible.
Commitment to Child Safety

In 2025, CCYMCA Camp Huckins was awarded Praesidium Accreditation® by Praesidium, the leader in abuse risk management. Praesidium Accreditation® is a prestigious honor that publicly demonstrates that Huckins has worked to achieve the highest industry standards in abuse prevention.

To achieve accreditation, Huckins underwent a rigorous process to implement Praesidium’s Accreditation Standards focusing on eight primary operational areas: policies, staff screening and selection, training, monitoring and supervision, consumer participation, internal feedback systems, responding, administrative practices. Praesidium then verified Huckins’s successful implementation of these standards during an on-site visit during Summer 2024.

CCYMCA Camp Huckins will be accredited for three years, and during this time will commit to uphold fundamental organizational values and stringent safety practices that demonstrate their commitment to protecting those in their care from abuse.

In addition to our Praesidium Accreditation®, here are other ways Huckins commits to Child Safety:

  • Three year-round staff are Certified Praesidium Guardians (CPG). CPG is an intensive weeklong certification process which focuses on the gold standards in abuse prevention. This is conducted by Praesidium , the industry leader in abuse prevention. 
  • CCYMCA Camp Huckins has a zero-tolerance policy for child abuse.  Our staff are mandated reporters, which means we are required to report any suspicion of child abuse (sexual, physical, mental, emotional, neglect) to the state of NH.  
  • All staff and volunteers complete in-depth child abuse prevention training.
  • CCYMCA Camp Huckins recognizes the importance of keeping all kids safe and that this requires a collective effort by all –youth professionals, caregivers and family members. Please check out the many resources below on child safety to help with this important work. 
Commitment to Maintenance & Upgrades
  • Huckins is located on over 250 acres of land and has over 50 buildings. The facility is maintained by a team of facilities staff, overseen by a full-time facilities director. The facilities team works closely with the Executive team, Buildings and Grounds Committee and the Board of Directors to execute a comprehensive maintenance program.  
  • We adhere to standards set by the Department of Environmental Service (State of NH) for our water system, and all equipment is inspected and serviced regularly. The organization consults and contracts with professionals such as plumbers, electricians, foresters’/ arborists, architects and engineers regularly to ensure the highest of standards.   
  • The facility is inspected daily during program operation to ensure safe and optimal operations. 

Resources for Families:

General Resources
Child Safety Resources

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