The health and safety of each camper is our primary concern. Both KPC and Camp Coleman are inspected by the county and state boards of health and operate in compliance with their standards, along with those outlined by Girl Scouts of the USA. Programs and activities are supervised by qualified staff and conducted according to professional standards set forth for the activity.
A certified American Red Cross First Aider is on duty in each unit, and the camp health manager is onsite to oversee camper healthcare and medications. The camp health manager works closely with the camp's physician on-call, and arrangements are made in advance with hospital and local emergency response personnel for complete emergency care.
Gates designed to prevent vehicles from entering the cabin and program areas are in use at both campsites. The gates are closed at night and local police provide routine patrols. Dusk-to-dawn lights are located throughout the campsites. Camp counselors are trained to implement camper supervision procedures and to be diligent in the care and supervision of campers.
Camp Coleman is located in the City of Trussville which provides outstanding emergency services, including police, fire, paramedics (EMTs), and a swift water rescue team. Medical Center East and Children's Hospital provide emergency medical services whenever a camper must be transported from Camp Coleman.
Kanawahala Program Center (KPC) is located in northern Shelby County, near the town of Chelsea. Shelby County Sheriff's Department provides police protection and North Shelby Fire Department, located about four miles away, provides rapid response fire and rescue teams. Brookwood and Children's Hospitals provide emergency medical services if a camper must be transported from KPC.
Inclement Weather
Many programs include activities that may be affected by the weather. Horseback
riding, swimming, ropes, rock climbing, canoeing, cycling,
and kayaking will be postponed or cancelled in any of these
circumstances:
- When lightning is spotted
- In the event of heavy or persistent rain
- If the potential exists for severe weather
- When high winds prohibit safe execution of the activity
About the Camp Staff
Our staff includes caring camp counselors, specially trained
and certified instructors who supervise and lead specialized
program activities (horseback riding, ropes course, canoeing,
swimming, etc.), and a camp health manager who oversees
camper health and manages camper medication. The unit leader
and assigned counselors make up the "Unit Staff.” They
provide supervision in the unit and help the campers plan
unit activities. The unit staff is there to help campers
brush their hair, find their lost socks, and adjust to life
at camp. Program specialists such as horseback riding instructors,
ropes course facilitators, and canoe instructors possess
current certification or documented skill and experience
specific to their area. Our instructors are trained to follow
standard written operating and emergency procedures for
their activity area.
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