April 28, 2026 2 minute read
Get Child Abuse Prevention on Your Staff Training Calendar Now
As National Child Abuse Awareness Month comes to a close for 2026, it doesn’t mean our focus on prevention should end. As camps and summer programs prepare to open their doors (or gates) to children and teens in just a few weeks, this work should remain top of mind.
April 22, 2026 3 minute read
Prevention Is Possible: What New Research Means for Camps and Youth Serving Organizations
Recently, the Chalmers Team had the opportunity to host Meredith Bunnel, Director of Research & Strategic Engagement at Praesidium, for a webinar focused on what the latest research tells us about abuse prevention in youth serving organizations—and what that means for camps and programs as we prepare for another summer. This week’s blog provides a summary of this webinar with Meredith, as she…
April 17, 2026 3 minute read
Understanding Sexual Behavior Between Campers: Why Boundaries Matter
Each summer, camp professionals encounter situations that raise difficult questions: a concerning disclosure, a staff report that feels “off,” or behavior between campers that seems to cross a line. In Bunkmates and Boundaries: Understanding the Dynamics of Peer‑to‑Peer Behaviors at Camp, Chalmers Senior Risk Consultant, Katie Johnson, highlights just how complex sexual behavior between…
April 6, 2026 1 minute read
Strengthening Camp Safety Through Thoughtful Access Screening
Camps work hard to create environments that are welcoming, supportive, and safe for everyone who visits. From program design to staff training, safety is the foundation that allows a camp to deliver on their mission. One important part of this work is reviewing who has access to camp property and ensuring consistent screening practices are in place.
March 19, 2026 4 minute read
Why Does Talking About Child Abuse Prevention Seem So Scary?
After more than ten years serving as a risk consultant for youth‑serving programs combined with 20+ years in youth development, I’ve had countless conversations with camp leaders about every kind of situation imaginable. Whether discussing an incident that happened on-site or exploring ways to strengthen risk management practices, the goal is always the same: protecting the people, the program…
July 26, 2025 1 minute read
Protecting Campers – A Mid-Summer Abuse Prevention Refresh
As we enter the second half of the summer, here’s some encouraging news: while a few reports of inappropriate behavior have surfaced, early recognition and reporting by campers and staff have led to timely interventions. This speaks volumes about your team’s commitment to strong abuse prevention practices and the effectiveness of your training efforts—thank you.
That said, abuse…
July 19, 2024 1 minute read
ACA New England Partner Check-In: Mid-Summer Risk Management Tips
Join Carissa Chipman from Chalmers Camp Insurance, Katie Johnson, Senior Risk Consultant and Bud Copeland from American Camp Association New England in a recent ACA Partner Check-In for a discussion around their recent camp visits and claims they are seeing this summer.
They discuss key strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of campers and staff, emphasizing the…
March 1, 2024 3 minute read
Navigating Maine's Title 22, §4010-A: A Practical Guide for Camp Directors
The introduction of Maine's Title 22, §4010-A brings new requirements your way, aimed at ensuring the utmost safety for every child in your care. This guide is designed to help you navigate these requirements with ease, so you can focus on what you do best: making camp unforgettable.
February 20, 2024
ACA New England Partner Check-In: Safe Camps Start with Smart Hiring & Screening
Join Ethan Johnson and Carissa Chipman from Chalmers Camp Insurance as they sit down with Bud Copeland from ACA New England in a recent ACA Partner Check-In. They discuss crucial hiring and screening practices to ensure a safe camp environment. They highlight common pitfalls such as the lack of comprehensive job descriptions for all positions, from cabin directors to maintenance staff. They…
Camp Safety
| Child Sexual Abuse Prevention
| Employment Practices
| Safety Guidance
| Transportation Safety
March 1, 2023
Bus Safety & Supervision
All kinds of incidents happen on buses. Here are some important aspects to consider to prevent these incidents from happening at your organization.