From “Is mutton-busting okay at camp?” to “Can 14‑year‑olds be lifeguards?” to “How should we plan for an evacuation?”, I’ve fielded a wide range of questions over the years. With time—(and sometimes a bit of research on something new to me, like mutton-busting...) —I’ve grown extremely comfortable navigating these topics. Many camp leaders can relate; you often jump from talking about septic systems to an anxious parent in the same breath.

Yet even with that wide-ranging expertise, child abuse and child abuse prevention remain topics many leaders still find uncomfortable. Not because of a lack of commitment—far from it. Instead, many describe the topic as scary, awkward, or emotionally difficult. Some worry about triggering staff members’ past experiences. Others don’t feel fully qualified to lead the discussion.

These hesitations are understandable.  When it comes to abuse prevention, the emotional weight of the topic adds another layer of difficulty to an already sensitive topic.

The reality is that the discomfort is widespread. As one powerful explanation puts it:

“Why do people avoid talking about child abuse? For many, child abuse and neglect are taboo topics. It can be uncomfortable to consider that you may know someone who experienced childhood abuse, or that you may know an abuser. It can be unsettling to learn that some abusers of children are other children. The stigmatization of child abuse and neglect makes it hard to have important conversations about prevention and can leave many survivors afraid to share their story.”[1]

This helps illuminate why the topic can feel so intimidating, even for experienced leaders. Yet the urgency remains. As Samantha McLennan noted in a blog post last year, “Ignoring hard conversations around abuse or sexual exploitation doesn’t stop it from happening; it stops kids from having the tools, confidence, and resources to say no and get the help if they need it.”[2]

Avoiding the conversation doesn’t make the concern disappear. Just as we learned the intricacies of a septic system or mastered how we approach a conversation with an anxious parent, we must continue strengthening our comfort and competence in these critical conversations—even if they remain imperfect, awkward, or emotionally challenging.

Talking With Parents: Why Transparency Builds Trust

Beyond staff discussions, many programs hesitate to speak openly with parents about their abuse prevention policies. Leaders often share, “We don’t want to imply this is an issue here,” or “I don’t want to scare parents.”

Yet these same programs consistently share other safety details on their websites:

·       “All swimming is supervised by trained, certified lifeguards.”

·       “Medical staff are available 24/7.”

·       “All staff complete a criminal background check.”

We don’t share these because something has gone wrong. We share them to build confidence. Abuse prevention belongs in that same category. A simple, clear statement like the one below can reassure families and demonstrate your program’s commitment to safety:

“We are committed to creating a warm, welcoming community built on honesty, respect, and kindness. To maintain a safe environment for all campers, we have a zero‑tolerance policy for abuse, harassment, bullying, or hazing of any kind. Our staff are trained to recognize and appropriately respond to concerning behaviors, and they communicate any issues directly with camp leadership so they can be addressed promptly. As mandated reporters, staff follow state laws regarding the reporting of any suspected abuse.

These practices are part of our comprehensive child abuse prevention strategy, which includes carefully screened and trained staff, clear standards for appropriate behavior, and ongoing supervision designed to support healthy interactions. We partner with parents by openly sharing our safety practices and encouraging communication—if you ever have questions or concerns, we want to hear from you. Together, we can ensure that every camper feels secure, supported, and able to thrive.”

Talking openly about prevention doesn’t create fear. It creates trust.

A Call to Action

Talking about child abuse prevention may always feel a little uncomfortable—and that’s okay. What matters is our commitment to the conversation. By acknowledging the discomfort, equipping ourselves with knowledge, and communicating openly with staff and families, we create safer, more supportive environments for every child. As we approach National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, now is the perfect time to take another step forward.

Below are a list of organizations and resources available to expand your knowledge:

®    Prevent Child Abuse America – Learn Facts about Different Types of Abuse

®    1 in 10 Podcast – One in Ten

®    National Children’s Alliance – Prevention Strategies

®    Praesidium Safety Equation – A Blue Print for Sexual Abuse Prevention

®    Darkness to Light – Research & Statistics

[1] Why We Don’t Talk About Child Abuse and Neglect by EndCAN; March 29, 2023; https://endcan.org/2023/03/29/why-we-dont-talk-about-child-abuse-and-neglect/
[2] Ignoring Hard Conversations Doesn’t Stop Child Abuse by Samantha McLennan; https://www.zebracentre.ca/blog/2025/1/23/ignoring-hard-conversations-doesnt-stop-child-abuse