Safety Cultivates Belonging at Camp Aranzazu - The Bend Magazine

Safety Cultivates Belonging at Camp Aranzazu

What makes a camp truly safe? It starts with accreditation, and at Camp Aranzazu, that commitment to safety has been built in from the very beginning.

At Camp Aranzazu, safety has never been an afterthought, it has always been foundational. For two decades, we have worked to create a place where campers of all ages and abilities feel physically safe and emotionally supported, because belonging cannot exist without safety. 

When considering a camp experience for their children, one of the first things to look for is accreditation.  The American Camp Association is the only national accrediting body for camps, and evaluates programs against hundreds of standards in health, safety, and risk management. Accreditation shows a commitment to going beyond minimum requirements and investing in best practice, that are reviewed by a third party. 

However, Accreditation alone is not enough. Families should talk directly with camp leadership and ask clear questions.

  • How are staff trained?
  • What are the emergency plans?
  • How are campers supervised?

A strong camp should be able to answer these with confidence and clarity. 

At Camp Aranzazu, safety is built into daily life.  Every group receives an orientation within the first 24 hours that covers rules, boundaries, hazards, and emergency procedures. Our staff train regularly on emergency responses, partners with local first responders, and follows detailed emergency action plans designed to guide decision-making in any situation. 

We also believe that safety includes mental and emotional well-being.  Our staff are trained to support campers, build relationships, and create an environment where every individual feels seen and valued. 

In the end, safety is not a checklist, it is a culture, and when that culture is strong, it creates something even more powerful, a place where every camper can truly belong.