Course Rotation
Each year the Safer Summers course changes so that staff never get bored of the content and continue to improve their skills.
Year 1 Modules
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Becoming a Youth Development Professional, Part I
(8:11)
Dan Weir
Day and overnight camps are powerful, positive developmental experiences for young people. Their growth hinges on the quality of their relationship with you, so it is essential that you begin considering yourself a youth development professional. This honest module explains how to transition from focusing on yourself to focusing on the needs of the children and adolescents you’ll serve. -
Wilderness Wellness
(15:45)
Dr. Laura Blaisdell
The healthy examples, watchful eyes and wise treatment of frontline staff can prevent small cuts and coughs from becoming serious infections and illnesses. Pediatrician and mother Dr. Laura Baisdell gets down and dirty to discuss key components of wilderness wellness. Everything from hydration and hand washing to insect bites and sneezing etiquette is covered (with an elbow, of course) in this module. -
Alcohol Beverage Laws
(11:55)
Jack Erler, Esq
Each year, talented youth leaders are arrested and dismissed for dangerous alcohol violations. Rather than regretting a poor decision this season, consider the solid recommendations in this sobering module: Obey the law; don’t ask other staff to break the law; avoid the liability of supplying alcohol to minors; appoint a designated driver; and know your consumption limits. -
Look Before You Leap, Part I
(8:48)
Dr. Chris Thurber
Here's a sobering fact: Accidents are the leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults. But Chris's seven principles of awareness can instantly reverse that trend. Sure, teens and young staff are more impulsive and less experienced than you'd like, but they can all learn mindful concepts that allow them to anticipate consequences before putting themselves or someone else in danger. -
Look Before You Leap, Part II
(8:15)
Dr. Chris Thurber
Learn more keys to creating a community where common sense is actually common. Part II of this ground-breaking module series describes load limits, future-focused thinking, and other best practices for staff to behave in ways that minimize risk and maximize healthy outcomes. There is no such thing as a perfectly safe youth program, but there are effective ways to prevent human error. -
Anaphylactic Emergencies
(14:35)
Dr. Laura Blaisdell
Your quick response to a severe allergic reaction could save a life this season. For that reason, all staff should know what anaphylaxis is, what the symptoms look like, how to treat it (with speed, calm and poise) and how best to coordinate care with health care professionals. Many associations and boards of health require this type of training so that all staff know—at a minimum—how to administer an EpiPen. -
Duty of Care, Part I
(6:22)
Dan Weir
Think this is just a casual summer job? Think again. Your job as a youth leader includes the enormous responsibility to care for the participating children as if they were your own. You function in place of the parents, or in loco parentis. With startling clarity, this module highlights the responsibilities of all youth leaders and the grave consequences of neglecting that duty. -
Weather Watch
(14:15)
Steve Maguire
Weather will affect everything you do at your camp, school, or youth program. Using clear examples and practical techniques, this fact-packed module will teach you what causes weather change, how to predict the weather, and what to do when foul weather strikes. Bonus footage on lightning safety for outdoor programs is a must-see for all youth leaders. -
Safe Touch & Safe Talk, Part I
(9:58)
Dr. Chris Thurber
One essential component at any high-quality day or overnight camp is the physical and emotional safety of the campers and staff. Although every camp has slightly different guidelines, this frank module demonstrates the essentials of what's forbidden and what's permitted. Adhering to these safe touch and safe talk rules helps protect your campers and you. -
Speaking of Camp
(8:48)
Dr. Chris Thurber
Here's what all parents want you to know before becoming the substitute caregiver for their most precious possession—their child. Listen carefully here to what moms and dads believe is the value of the camp experience, the important role you play, and the ways in which camp changes children's lives. Nowhere else can you hear real parents sharing valuable advice for youth development professionals.
Year 2 Modules
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Becoming a Youth Development Professional, Part II
(11:45)
Dr. Deborah Gilboa
Young adult brains are sometimes ridiculed for being immature, but every leader can learn how to make wise choices. In this lively and scientific module, you’ll learn about the most common vulnerabilities that cause inexperienced leaders to make poor choices and behave unprofessionally. Case studies will then guide your thinking about the best ways to become a thoughtful, respected, and careful mentor. -
Active Lifeguarding
(11:16)
Dr. Chris Thurber
The camp tradition of hiring newly certified lifeguards without real-world experience is woefully inadequate. Inexperienced lifeguards are often poorly equipped, fail to scan properly, and neglect regular practice of emergency action plans. This crucial module teaches staff how to prepare for their work as lifeguards, scan for distressed or drowning campers, and practice skills and drills. A safety essential. -
Duty of Care, Part II
(10:12)
Dan Weir
In Part I of this module series, you learned how duty of care concepts applied to your job as a youth leader. Here in Part II, you’ll learn seven essential strategies to help you act in a reasonably prudent manner in your role as in loco parentis: self-assessment, participant assessment, equipment assessment, risk analysis, continuous evaluation, go/no-go, and procedure compliance. -
15 Passenger Van Safety
(18:30)
Dr. Chris Thurber
15-Passenger vans have unique handling characteristics that require special driving techniques and an understanding of proper weight distribution. This extended module reviews the essential pre-flight checks drivers must perform before transporting children, fundamental operator safety practices, and the proper way to load and drive a 15-passenger van. These detailed demonstrations are the perfect prelude to on-road practice. -
Sexual Harassment Awareness, Part I
(12:21)
Isaac Mamaysky
To reduce liability and create a safe culture at camp, employees must know their rights and responsibilities regarding sexual harassment. This carefully constructed module, hosted by one of the camp world’s most respected attorneys, reviews sexual harassment laws and the proper way to respond if you observe or experience any unwelcome sexual advances, touch, language, or requests for favors. -
Fire Building and Fire Safety
(13:49)
Faith Evans
Nothing says camp like a fire, but few outdoor enthusiasts know how to build a safe fire that starts with a single match. In this enlightening (pun intended) module, viewers will learn how to prepare a fire ring, assemble tinder, kindling, and fuel wood, and then light, stoke, and properly extinguish a campfire…all in accordance with Leave-No-Trace practices. First aid for burns is also included. -
Look Before You Leap, Part I
(8:48)
Dr. Chris Thurber
Here's a sobering fact: Accidents are the leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults. But Chris's seven principles of awareness can instantly reverse that trend. Sure, teens and young staff are more impulsive and less experienced than you'd like, but they can all learn mindful concepts that allow them to anticipate consequences before putting themselves or someone else in danger. -
Look Before You Leap, Part II
(8:15)
Dr. Chris Thurber
Learn more keys to creating a community where common sense is actually common. Part II of this ground-breaking module series describes load limits, future-focused thinking, and other best practices for staff to behave in ways that minimize risk and maximize healthy outcomes. There is no such thing as a perfectly safe youth program, but there are effective ways to prevent human error. -
Safe Touch & Safe Talk, Part II
(8:04)
Dr. Chris Thurber & Jack Erler, Esq
The only risk management video that elucidates our universal human vulnerability to cross boundaries with young people. Guidelines for safe touch and safe talk (covered in Part I of this series) are only half of the child welfare and protection picture. Youth leaders must also look inward to recognize the unhealthy seeds of secrets, rule-bending, favoritism, over-sharing. A must-see sequel. -
Youth Inspired
(14:04)
Dr. Chris Thurber
Of all the staff training content available, the testimonials in this module are the most indispensable. The authentic voices of children and teens in this clip anthology provide candid advice to adults about the importance of balance, rules, having fun, keeping your cool and—above all—spending time with young people. Learn from experience what leadership practices separate the best from the rest.
Year 3 Modules
-
Staff Use of the Internet
(7:07)
Tim Huchton
The Internet is public space. If you take your responsibilities as a youth development professional seriously, then your behavior in that space, like all your other public behavior, must set a sterling example for young people to follow. This provocative module provides practical guidelines that promote leadership and integrity. Now is the time to clean up your online presence. -
Cyberbullying and Sexting
(12:25)
Dr. Joel Haber
Computers and social networking sites help young people learn and connect. The virtual world also provides opportunities for cyberbullying and sexting—hostile or sexualized messages from one young person to another. This provocative, contemporary module shows how cyberbullying and sexting have infiltrated summer programs and exactly what to do about it. -
Look Before You Leap, Part I
(8:48)
Dr. Chris Thurber
Here's a sobering fact: Accidents are the leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults. But Chris's seven principles of awareness can instantly reverse that trend. Sure, teens and young staff are more impulsive and less experienced than you'd like, but they can all learn mindful concepts that allow them to anticipate consequences before putting themselves or someone else in danger. -
Look Before You Leap, Part II
(8:15)
Dr. Chris Thurber
Learn more keys to creating a community where common sense is actually common. Part II of this ground-breaking module series describes load limits, future-focused thinking, and other best practices for staff to behave in ways that minimize risk and maximize healthy outcomes. There is no such thing as a perfectly safe youth program, but there are effective ways to prevent human error. -
Fire Evacuation Planning
(13:05)
Brad Wiggins
Most camps, parks and rec departments and afterschool programs have a written emergency action plan that includes fire evacuation. Precious few have practiced the plan or even trained their staff how to use an extinguisher. Join burn nurse Brad Wiggins and a team of professional firefighters for a thorough explanation of emergency planning and response, fire extinguishing and efficient evacuation. -
Regional Disaster Management for Youth Programs
(15:00)
Brad Wiggins
Every season, natural disasters decimate youth programs worldwide. And although careful preparation and routine practice saves lives, many directors don’t know where to start. Using actual disaster footage and expert advice from a Red Cross CEO, this detailed module explains the fundamental components of program readiness, parent communication, evacuation and shelter-in-place planning. -
Safe Touch & Safe Talk, Part II
(8:04)
Dr. Chris Thurber & Jack Erler, Esq
The only risk management video that elucidates our universal human vulnerability to cross boundaries with young people. Guidelines for safe touch and safe talk (covered in Part I of this series) are only half of the child welfare and protection picture. Youth leaders must also look inward to recognize the unhealthy seeds of secrets, rule-bending, favoritism, over-sharing. A must-see sequel. -
Sexual Harassment Awareness, Part II
(14:40)
Jack Erler, Esq
This advanced second chapter goes into depth about what constitutes sexual harassment, which behaviors are unwelcome by one's colleagues, key differences between harassment and assault, and what actions staff can take if they believe they have been harassed or assaulted. Attorney Erler also discusses the core features of healthy relationships and the best ways to create an inclusive community. -
Waterfront Safety Design
(15:22)
Dr. Chris Thurber
Certifications on your waterfront mean nothing without common sense and experience. This practical module is loaded with professional advice that will help you save lives and prevent injuries. From preventing slips, pinches and burns to building moorings and gates that last, this clear explanation of robust waterfront design principles is what all aquatics staff need to ensure a safe and happy season. -
Wise Use of Time Off
(5:11)
Tim Huchton
Whether you work at day or overnight camp, you'll need to spend your time off wisely so when you're on duty you're ready for anything. Working at camp takes energy and patience, but if you return to camp exhausted or hung-over, you're likely to burn out quickly. This candid module provides solid advice on managing stress and returning refreshed from time off.