Child Safety Policy
SAFE ENVIRONMENTS. TRUSTED LEADERSHIP. EVERY CHILD MATTERS.
Our Commitment to Child Safety
At Breakaway Camps, the safety, dignity, and well-being of every child are among our highest priorities.
We believe every young person deserves an environment where they feel protected, respected, valued, and free to enjoy the camp experience with confidence.
Our commitment to child protection is rooted in our Christian values and reflected in the policies, procedures, and expectations we establish for staff, volunteers, and program participants.
We take proactive steps to prevent abuse, exploitation, bullying, and other forms of harm while promoting a culture of accountability, appropriate boundaries, and respectful relationships.
1. Staff Screening & Background Checks
We require background checks for staff, volunteers, and other individuals serving in roles covered by our child protection policies.
Our screening procedures are designed to identify potential safety concerns before individuals are entrusted with responsibilities involving children.
2. Child Safety Training
Staff and volunteers receive training appropriate to their roles, including expectations for child protection, appropriate boundaries, recognizing concerning behavior, and responding to potential safety issues.
We emphasize ongoing awareness and education as important parts of maintaining a safe camp environment.
3. Reporting Safety Concerns
We take allegations of abuse, exploitation, inappropriate behavior, and other child safety concerns seriously.
Concerns are addressed promptly and reported to the appropriate authorities when required by law.
Our commitment is to prioritize the protection and well-being of children throughout the reporting and response process.
4. Respectful & Bullying-Free Environments
Every child deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
We strive to maintain environments free from abuse, bullying, harassment, racism, intimidation, and other harmful conduct.
Our Code of Conduct establishes expectations for positive relationships, respectful communication, and appropriate behavior. These standards are regularly communicated to staff, volunteers, and participants.
5. Supervision & Accountability
We maintain clear supervision guidelines to protect children and promote accountability among adult leaders.
During camps, KidVenturez programs, and overnight retreats:
- Staff and chaperones are not permitted to be alone with a child in isolated or private settings.
- Individual conversations or counseling must take place within the line of sight of other authorized adults or group members.
- Children are expected to remain in appropriate supervised groups, following our group-of-three guidelines when applicable.
- Staff and volunteers are expected to maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
These practices help foster transparency, accountability, and a safe environment for everyone.
6. Appropriate Communication & Boundaries
We recognize the importance of protecting children from unauthorized or inappropriate contact.
Staff and volunteers may not initiate or maintain personal relationships or private communications with children outside Breakaway programs without the express permission of a parent or legal guardian.
This includes communication through email, text messaging, social media, and other digital platforms.
Any approved post-camp communication must remain appropriate, transparent, and consistent with our child protection standards.
7. Medication & Health Procedures
Medications are administered only by authorized personnel, such as designated camp leaders or qualified medical staff, in accordance with applicable procedures.
We seek to support children’s health and well-being through appropriate supervision, clear communication, and responsible health and safety practices.
8. Structured Activities & Positive Engagement
Our programs are designed to provide meaningful, age-appropriate activities that encourage positive relationships, teamwork, and healthy engagement.
We believe thoughtful programming and consistent supervision help create an environment where children remain actively engaged, supported, and connected throughout their experience.
9. Ongoing Safety Assessments
Child safety requires ongoing attention and improvement.
We conduct routine safety evaluations and review our practices to identify potential risks, strengthen safeguards, and address areas needing improvement.
Our Safety Standards Manual provides guidance for implementing and maintaining our child protection expectations across Breakaway programs.
Partnering With Parents
We believe parents and guardians are essential partners in creating safe and positive camp experiences.
We encourage families to communicate questions, concerns, medical considerations, or other information that may help us better support their children.
Our goal is to build trust through clear communication, responsible leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to every child’s well-being.
Questions or Safety Concerns?
If you have questions about our child safety policies or need to communicate a concern, please contact us.
Breakaway Camps
Email: info@breakaway.camp
Call or Text: (423) 400-1358
Every child matters. Every child’s safety matters.