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Health and Safety

A Safe and Healthy Camp is a Fun Camp!

We take a thorough multi-layered approach to making sure kids can get the most out of camp:

Stay Healthy

Camp is ACTIVE! To fuel our adventures, our food service team provides delicious and nutritious meals in ample amounts. Nutritionist approved menus are prepared with fresh high quality ingredients and the highest food safety standards.

The menu always includes plenty of great options for children with food allergies or dietary restrictions. Strong systems make sure that campers with dietary needs only get the delicious items that are right for them.

It’s just as important to get enough sleep and rest time. Every full day at camp includes quiet rest time for recharging. At night we ensure comfortable conditions and quality bedding for a good sleep.

 

Beat the Heat

While our mountain campsite is generally cooler than the city, we still take heat safety seriously. Campers take plenty of breaks to cool down and rehydrate in the shade. If needed, we adjust activity schedules to avoid overexertion during the hottest times of day. In over 20 years and many thousands of campers, we have had zero heat related incidents – and we’ll keep it that way.

Stay Safe

Camp safety is no accident. We have written risk management plans in place for every activity at camp. They are regularly revised, trained to all staff, and actively supervised. We likewise have rigorous planning in place for many other crucial aspects of camp operation, such as transportation safety management.

Our safety standards are based on guidelines published by the American Camp Association and the National Camping Association of Japan, of which we are a member.

 

Water Play & Kayaking Safety Measures

Before any water activities begin, our staff carefully checks that each child’s life jacket is fitted and worn properly. In addition to the team leaders who participate in activities alongside the children, we also assign dedicated swimming and kayaking activity leaders, as well as staff stationed around the waterfront to monitor safety and supervise campers at all times.

Our kayaking activities are overseen by highly trained professionals with extensive experience in water-based activities. Our Kayak Masters ensure that all activities are conducted safely and correctly.

The kayaks we use are “sit-on-top” models designed for maximum stability, so there is no risk of sinking or becoming trapped underwater. In addition, the lake at our campsite is calm, with no strong currents, waves, or other hazards, allowing even first-time campers to enjoy the experience safely and with confidence!

Waterfront safety:  Every camper always in a life jacket, lifeguards always on duty.

Bear Prevention Measures

We have been operating our camp at the current campsite in Tsunan Town, Niigata Prefecture since 2016, and there have been no bear sightings at or around the camp site to date.

The area surrounding the campsite has very little vegetation or fruit that would attract bears. In addition, in this region bears typically enter hibernation from late November to early December, when snowfall begins, and it is not normal for bears to be active during the winter months.

That said, bears are wild animals that live in natural environments. When conducting outdoor activities, we believe it is important to clearly signal human presence and take steps to prevent wildlife from approaching.

For this reason, during camp we implement the following precautionary measures to prepare for any unlikely situation:

  • Bells are installed and rung regularly to signal activity times such as meals and programs, making human presence clearly known
  • Sirens or noise-making devices are used at the farthest point of the lake within the campsite
  • Bear deterrent spray is placed at several locations on site, and staff receive training on its proper use in advance
  • Flashing lights are installed at night between the glamping tents and restroom facilities
  • Food waste and other items with strong odors are properly managed, and food is never left unattended around tents or activity areas

We will continue to closely monitor bear-related information and work in cooperation with local authorities as needed to ensure thorough safety management.

We are fully committed to providing a safe and secure environment so that all children and staff can participate in camp with confidence and peace of mind.

 

Be Prepared

Even with diligent health and risk management, we have to be ready when campers need care.

 

Pre-Camp Staff Training

All staff receive CPR and first aid training, every season. We practice fire and disaster evacuation drills to keep all campers safe and accounted for.

For more information about our staff training programs and support systems, please see here.

 

Response to Injuries and Illness

A registered nurse is always available to tend to any injury or illness. Campers can rest and recover in our infirmary if needed. A dedicated medication manager ensures that campers receive any needed medications on schedule.

If a camper requires additional care, we have established relationships and communication channels with local emergency services, clinics, and hospitals.

 

Response to Natural Disasters and Emergencies

In the event of a natural disaster, severe weather event, or emergency situation, our team follows established emergency response procedures designed to ensure clear communication, rapid response, and participant safety.

Our emergency response measures include:

  • Continuous monitoring of weather conditions and disaster alerts
  • Procedures for confirming the whereabouts of all campers and staff onsite
  • Emergency response coordination led by trained managers and staff
  • Coordination with staff, local authorities, and emergency services
  • Pre-designated evacuation and shelter locations
  • Emergency transportation and medical response procedures

 

Emergency Communication

If an emergency situation affects camp programs or facility operations, we will provide updates to parents and guardians through some or all of the following channels:

  • Emails
  • Phone calls to emergency contacts
  • Announcements on our official social media channels (Facebook and Instagram)
  • Updates posted on our website

 

 

Bullying

At English Adventure, we take bullying very seriously. In cases of bullying or severe inappropriate behavior, campers may be sent home early from camp.

Before camp begins, we encourage you to talk with your child about what kinds of behavior may be considered bullying, what kinds of conflicts can arise at camp, and how we should treat one another with kindness and respect.

The most important thing is understanding how our words and actions affect others.

At camp, it is natural for children to spend time with campers who have different personalities, backgrounds, and ways of thinking. Small conflicts may arise as children adjust to a new environment and new friendships. Most of these situations are not bullying, but simply disagreements or misunderstandings. Our staff do not step in to mediate every minor conflict between campers, because we believe these moments are valuable opportunities for children to learn how to resolve problems independently and develop important social skills.

However, when a conflict crosses the line and a child is unable to resolve the situation on their own, especially if they continue to feel anxious, isolated, or unsafe, our staff will step in to support the children in resolving the issue. For example, staff may speak directly with a child displaying bullying behavior to determine whether the situation can improve. Depending on the circumstances, we may also change camper groups or room assignments.

If serious bullying behavior is confirmed, we will contact the parents or guardians of the child involved and request that they come to the campsite to pick up their child early.

Please encourage your child to speak with their team leader immediately if something upsetting happens during camp. We cannot help if we do not know there is a problem. If it is difficult for your child to communicate in English, bilingual Japanese-speaking staff are available to help. If speaking directly with staff feels difficult, campers are also welcome to write about their concerns in the nightly survey.

 

Child Protection at English Adventure

We know that keeping your child safe from any kind of abuse or exploitation is a major concern. It is for us, too. Read more about our approach to child protection at English Adventure camps.