Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Local News
What does NC state law say about summer camp safety? What programs do to ensure kids are safe
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RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The Raleigh Little Theatre stage could spark a new dream for local kids this summer.
“There’s energy buzzing here from June until August,” said Marketing Manager Megan Farrell.
“We have one- and two-week camp offerings for ages four, to ninth grade. Plus, we have a teens on-stage and backstage program,” she said.
Farrell says it is not a requirement for teachers and teacher assistants to undergo safety training, but staff members are CPR and First Aid certified. It’s a similar scenario for iLead Kids Summer Camp in Raleigh.
“All of our staff members are CPR and First Aid Certified,” said iLead Kids Camp Owner Yashida Vinson.
This year marks the fifth summer camp for Vinson.
“We focus on leadership as well as STEM – science, technology, engineering and math. We also do a lot with entrepreneurship,” said Vinson.
Her 10-week camp averages about 70 students and she takes it a step further.
“We also look at employee’s criminal history background check as well,” said Vinson.
Right now, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says, “Summer Day Camps are exempt from being licensed because they operate as a recreational program for fewer than four consecutive months.” They said some camps will get licensed by the state to gain access to funding through the Subsidized Child Care Program.
CBS 17 found the Raleigh Little Theatre and iLead Kids Camp both take extra steps to give their parents a peace of mind.
“We want parents to be at work and to be at ease knowing their children are with trained people,” said Vinson.
Experts recommend parents ask simple questions before signing your kids up. You can check out more information about summer camps and licensing requirements from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Click here for details North Carolina summer camp guidelines.
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Greg Funderburg
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