Safety Blog (2 of 3): Tour the Health Hut

By Ruby Compton on April 18, 2013

Continuing a three part series of blog posts regarding safety at camp, this blog discusses our on-camp medical staff and facilities. Safety is our number one priority at summer camp. Think about this: Green River Preserve is an American Camp Association (ACA) accredited camp with our most recent re-accreditation occurring during summer 2012. The ACA has over 350 standards that camps meet to earn accreditation status. Compare that to most daycare accreditation programs which typically only have between 18-24 standards. 

[caption id=“attachment_5726” align=“aligncenter” width=“328”]health hut sign Tour the Health Hut[/caption]

 

[caption id=“attachment_5727” align=“alignleft” width=“308”]Day beds on the porch encourage healing from the fresh mountain air. Day beds on the porch encourage healing from the fresh mountain air.[/caption]

The infirmary at Green River Preserve is affectionately known as the Health Hut. Every session, camp employs at least one (often two) registered nurses who live on site in the infirmary, administer medication, and assist campers with any health and wellness concerns. The Health Hut is also home to one of the best front porches in base camp. When designing the Health Hut, the decision was made to create great sitting space outdoors so those who were not feeling well could rest, relax, and recover outside in nature in the fresh mountain air.

Camp nurses staff the infirmary 24/7 and there are beds inside for campers if they are unable to return to their group due to illness. Most campers never see the inside of the Health Hut. But if a camper does require a visit, the Health Hut is stocked with many over the counter medications, bandages, and other first aid supplies. Many camp nurses are also camp parents and are hired for their caring towards and knowledge of the well-being of children. All staff—health staff included—undergo background checks and interviews prior to employment at Green River Preserve.  Camp nurses also carry a radio for constant accessibility.

First aid kit

All mentors carry a full stocked First Aid kit on hikes as pictured on right. Items in the kit include but are not limited to the following: band-aids, antibiotic ointment, triangle bandages, sterile pads, alcohol wipes, cold compress, tweezers, Moleskin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antihistamine, hydrocortisone cream, epinephrine, whistle, map, and compass. All camp staff are trained and certified by the state of North Carolina to administer injectible epinephrine.

In case further medical attention is necessary, GRP works closely with local pediatricians, dentists, orthodontists, optometrists, and health centers and hospitals to provide the best care possible.

Ruby Compton
Ruby Compton

Former all star Mentor and Program Director 2012 - 2016

Ruby began her career in camping at YMCA Camp Widjiwagan in her hometown of Nashville, TN. At Camp Widjiwagan, she was a counselor who progressed over the years to camp administration. Prior to moving to Western North Carolina, Ruby taught experiential education at Nature’s Classroom Atop Lookout Mountain in Mentone, AL. Ruby found Green River Preserve to be a perfect blend of everything she loves: teaching environmental education, being curious about nature, calling contra-dances, singing about Itty Bitty Frogs, and learning from other outdoor educators. She is active within the American Camp Association, giving presentations at conferences and working as a faculty member of their e-Institute. Ruby is also an avid geocacher, runner, and Rubik’s-cube solver.