Health & Safety
Their growth starts with your peace of mind.
At Camp Arowhon, health and safety isn’t just a protocol, it’s a promise.
From the water to the woods, we’ve built every part of camp life around one core belief: when children feel safe physically, emotionally, and socially, they’re free to stretch, try, and grow. That’s when the real magic happens.
Staff You Can Trust
We don’t just hire counsellors. We hire mentors, role models, and steady hands. All our staff go through rigorous screening, references, and multiple interviews. Many grew up as Arowhon campers, some are even second or third generation Arowhoners, and all are here because they believe in the power of helping kids become their best selves. All of our instructors are first aid trained, and every single counsellor is a certified Bronze Cross lifeguard. Canoe trip leaders are qualified Wilderness First Responders, and every trip has a satellite phone in case of emergencies.
Our staff complete up to six weeks of extensive pre-camp training in emergency response, youth safety and development, and our custom-built Social Safety Tool Kit to ensure the highest level of camper care possible.
Medical Support on Site
A doctor and 3 nurses live on site and run the camp Med Lodge – a fully stocked clinic with 24/7 emergency capacity. We have long standing relationships with the regional hospital in Huntsville and local emergency services, and our team is trained to respond quickly and calmly to everything from scraped knees to bigger medical concerns.
Medications are kept secure and administered by our trained staff to ensure kids stay on track with any regular treatments. The only medications that campers may keep in the cabin and self-administer are inhalers for asthma, epi-pens, and topical ointments.
Our Safety Standards
Food, Allergies & Special Diets
We serve kid-friendly, nutritious, nut-free meals in our dining hall, with vegetarian options at every meal and accommodations for most dietary needs, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and more. Our kitchen staff are trained in allergy safety, and we work closely with families to ensure each camper’s health and nutrition needs are met.
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
Emotional safety is just as important as physical safety. Every Arowhon staff member is trained in how to support children through big feelings, homesickness, and the ups and downs of social dynamics. Our Social Safety Tool Kit includes daily Cabin Circles, weekly Talking Circles, and trained Peacemaking support to guide kids through conflict in a healthy, respectful way. And when kids are struggling, they’re never alone—someone’s always there to listen, guide, and help them grow through it.