At camp, kids enjoy activities that are too dangerous for home like archery, canoeing, and cooking over an open fire. To keep your camper safe, remind them to avoid tipping the canoe, and don’t stand up! For parents, here are some camp tips.
Check if the Summer Camp is Licensed
All Texas summer and day camps must be licensed each year after fulfilling state guidelines found in Texas Health and Safety Code Ch. 141. Camps must provide each camper with safe, healthy conditions, facilities, and equipment free from known hazards that could cause injury. To be sure your kid’s camp is licensed and in good standing, just look them up by searching the web for “Texas youth camp license.”
Carefully Read the Camp Waiver
Licensed camps have a duty under the law to provide a safe environment and activities, you likely signed a waiver before your child left for camp. That waiver probably states you assume responsibility for injuries while your child is at camp. Be careful because they are filled to the brim with legalese that tilts toward protecting the camp. Even after signing a waiver, the camp could be responsible if they were negligent by breaching a duty such as failing to provide a safe environment and activities noted above.
Review the Summer Camp’s Handbook
Take the time to read the camp’s handbook. It functions like a guardrail to keep your camper safe by explaining the rules of the road. It will explain the conduct rules, camp policies, emergency contact numbers, and descriptions of the activities at camp.
Prepare for a Fun-Filled Summer
Knowing the rules of the road and encouraging your camper to follow them will help ensure they have a fun and safe summer camp. Be safe and have fun. Just don’t stand up in the canoe!
Attorney Wilson is an attorney at Hammerle Finley Law Firm, a boutique law firm offering services in estate planning, probate, guardianship, business law, litigation, and real estate. Contact him at (972) 436-9300.
This article does not constitute as legal advice.
