Health and Wellness
Health Care In-Camp
How do you store and administer daily medications?
Our nurses store and dispense all medication at camp. These medications are stored and locked in the health center at all times.
How many nurses are at camp?
There are 2 RNs at each camp. An RN (Registered Nurse) is a licensed healthcare professional who has completed an accredited nursing program (diploma, ADN, or BSN), passed the NCLEX-RN exam, and is licensed by a state board to provide, coordinate, and educate on patient care.
How do you handle food allergies?
We are accustomed and comfortable managing tree nut, peanut, milk, whey, and many other allergies. In addition, we provide alternatives to those with Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance. We also serve a vegetarian and kosher options at all meals.
Is there a hospital nearby?
The Stanford Bemidji Medical Center Emergency Room is 14 miles away from both camps. There is a separate Orthopedic facility attached to the Emergency Room.
Who is on-site to handle medical situations?
There are two RN's and a rotating doctor in camp at all times. Additionally, many of our staff have received their Wilderness First Responders Certification at both camps and thus are qualified to handle medical emergencies.
What if my child has anxiety or a mental health diagnosis? How do you support this?
We work closely with parents prior to camp to understand their child's needs to ensure that they are successful at camp. Our staff are trained by professionals who equip them with tools to help campers who experience anxiety and some mental health diagnosis.
How and when will you contact me if something happens?
Parents are notified in all of the following scenarios: a camper spends the night in the health center, a camper needs treatment outside of camp, and if a campers is prescribed medicine due to illness.
Are their poisonous plants or animals at camp?
Minnesota is home to poison ivy and poison oak. If campers are exposed we follow a strict protocol to ensure it does not spread, and if required prescribe steroids. The only poisonous animals in Minnesota are spiders. Spider bites are extremely rare and are treated immediately with topical creams.
Additional Questions?
Please reach out directly to a camp director for any additional medical or safety questions. We are happy to provide more detailed information.
Healthcare Outside of Camp
What level of medical training do trip leaders have?
All trip leader are required to have a Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification.
What medical supplies do you carry on trips?
All groups on guided wilderness trips carry full medical kits equipped with supplies standardized by the National Outdoor Leadership School.
How do trip leaders prepare for a camper's specific health needs before departure?
All trip leaders are briefed by the nurse prior to leaving camp regarding their campers health needs.
What happens if a camper forgets or loses their medication?
Trip leaders will contact camp, and will determine the quickest way to acquire the medication required.
Will a staff member stay with my child at the hospital or clinic?
Yes, staff members stay with campers for the entirety of a campers visit to a hospital or clinic.
Additional Questions?
Please reach out directly to a camp director for any additional medical or safety questions. We are happy to provide more detailed information.
American Camping Association Accreditation
We believe that safety and adventure go hand in hand at camp and our ACA accreditation reflects exactly that. The American Camp Association sets the national standard for camp safety, risk and health management. Their review process is expansive, stretching from staff training and emergency protocols to wilderness programming and waterfront supervision. We meet these standards because your child deserves nothing less than the best.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
The structure of camp life, the absence of technology, the relationships built here and the immersion of nature, these all work together to create something rare for young people: a place where they can simply be kids.
We take the emotional welfare of our campers seriously at camp. Our staff are trained to create supportive and caring environments. At the beginning of staff training, well before campers arrive, we bring in licensed and trained therapists to help coach and teach staff how to better support the mental health of our campers, and of our community. Behind our staff is a team available around the clock to support both the physical and emotional wellness of our entire community.
