Health & Safety
The health and safety of our campers and staff is our top priority at Camp Savannah. We are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for everyone in our camp community.
We understand that missing camp can be disappointing; however, if your camper is not feeling well or is showing symptoms of illness, we ask that you keep them home. Please err on the side of caution and be mindful of the health of all campers, families, and staff.
Medical Care & Parent Communication
A Team Leader will contact parents or guardians as soon as possible if a situation is considered significant. In the event of a medical emergency, 911 will be contacted immediately.
Parents are not typically notified for minor incidents that can be easily addressed and do not significantly affect a camper’s day (such as small cuts, scrapes, bruises, or insect bites). Any camper who receives first aid will be sent home with a written note detailing the issue and care provided.
Medications, Illness & Behavioral Support
Camp Savannah supports the continued use of medications that help campers successfully participate in group settings. If your camper is beginning a new medication or adjusting dosage during the camp session, please notify our staff so we can monitor and communicate any notable changes.
Medication Administration Guidelines
Prescription medications must:
- Be in their original container (no plastic bags, please)
- Be clearly labeled with the camper’s name and prescribing physician
- Be administered only according to the instructions of a licensed physician
To allow camp staff to administer medication, families must:
- Complete the Medication Authorization Form included in your welcome email
- Submit the completed form and medication to a Team Leader at the Meet & Greet (May 31) or on your camper’s first day of camp
Campers Who Become Ill During the Day
If a camper shows signs of illness—including fever, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, lethargy, rash, or other concerning symptoms—they will be removed from their group and supervised comfortably.
Parents or guardians will be contacted and are required to pick up ill campers promptly. If a camper is not picked up within 30 minutes, emergency contacts listed on file will be notified.
Swimming & Sun Safety
Swimming
Swimming is a favorite part of the Camp Savannah experience! To ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all campers, all campers are required to wear a JEA-provided life jacket until they successfully pass a swim test.
The swim test includes:
- Swimming approximately 25 feet without holding onto the wall or using a flotation device
- Treading water for 45 seconds with their head above water without holding the wall
Once a camper passes the swim test, they are no longer required to wear a life jacket unless a parent or guardian requests otherwise.
Each group swims multiple times per week and alternates between free swim and structured swim instruction. For safety reasons, campers who choose to sit out during structured swim days will not be permitted to participate in free swim.
Families interested in additional swim instruction are encouraged to visit our Aquatics page to learn more about swim lesson opportunities offered by the JEA.
Sun Safety
Please apply sunscreen to your camper before arriving at camp each day. Campers should also bring their own spray sunscreen, clearly labeled with their first and last name. Counselors will remind campers to reapply sunscreen throughout the day and will assist as needed to help prevent sunburn.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is essential, especially during active summer days. Please send your camper with a reusable water bottle, clearly labeled with their first and last name. Campers have access to a water bottle filling station in the camp hallway and in the outdoor space throughout the day.