Our healthcare staff consists chiefly of four registered nurses and two medical assistants, who are responsible for the overall health of our campers and camp as a whole. For some of our sessions, there is a Doctor that resides on property as well. An off-site physician reviews and approves in writing all standing orders which are revised and updated annually prior to each summer’s opening. We have a great relationship with the local Urgent Care, just a few miles away, should second opinions or assistance be needed. Medical care is available on a 24-hour basis by our Doctors and Nurses. A web-based log is kept of any and all treatment provided which can be reviewed by Camp's leadership at any time.
Keeping our camp community healthy is very important to our team. We focus on proactive steps such as diligent hand washing paired with hand sanitizer use. We strongly encourage our camp families to ensure that their child is healthy and has not been exposed to an illness before dropping them off on opening day. All cabins are thoroughly sanitized between sessions. Our housekeeping team cleans and sanitizes common restrooms and high touch surfaces throughout the day. While prevention is key, we also provide an infirmary where campers can recover from an illness while remaining separated from other campers. If a bug begins to spread, we will begin having campers go home to recover and then returning to camp once they are 24-48 hours fever free with improving symptoms.
Campers are not required to have a physical or health screening prior to their arrival at camp. However, there is a required Health History form that must be filled out by a parent or guardian. You can find this in your account in mid-April or later. All medications are prepackaged in "bubble packs" by Sunshine Pharmacy in Black Mountain, NC, and are distributed to your child by our Medical Team. The pharmacy will contact each camp family by phone to discuss the details of your camper's medication before you arrive.
Parents are asked to have an adult on call during their camper's stay who can pick up their sick child within 24 hours if necessary.
Camp's COVID Guidelines are available here.
To learn more about nursing opportunities with our camps, call us at 800-968-1630 or email Sam or Sharon at rscamps@ridgecrestcamps.com.
For trips out of camp, our experienced staff are trained to meet the medical needs of our campers. Many of our counselors are Red Cross certified in CPR & AED. Waterfront staff maintain a Lifeguard certification as well as CPR for the Professional Rescuer. Trip staff hold a minimum Wilderness First-Aid certification and CPR & AED certification.
Almost all of our staff on property are certified in NC to administer Epinephrine (Epi-Pens) if necessary. Furthermore, EMS and other first responders are only 3 miles away.
