10 Ways Camp Sunny Ensures a Safe Environment for Every Child

When it comes to summer camp, two key things are on the minds of parents everywhere—safety and fun. At Camp Sunny (our Gainesville summer camp), we’re dedicated to providing the best of both worlds. In fact, our mission is to provide fun, safe, athletic activities during the summer, teaching important life skills and ensuring campers always feel welcome and encouraged.  To support this mission,  we work hard to create an environment where children can make lifelong memories, learn new skills, and forge friendships, all while being cared for in one of the safest settings imaginable. 

At Sun Country Sports, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s at the core of everything we do. We understand the importance of providing a protective space where kids can thrive, and our carefully designed safety measures reflect this commitment. 

Here are the top 10 ways that Camp Sunny prioritizes safety and fun for every camper:

  1. Licensure & Accreditation: Sun Country’s Camp Sunny program is proud to maintain national accreditation through the Council on Accreditation, underscoring our commitment to excellence in every aspect of our program, from our engaging activities to our dedicated staff. Camp Sunny Jr. and school year camps are licensed through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), License #: C08AL0013. This requires our team to be certified by DCF, ensuring that all staff members are equipped with top-tier training in child safety and care. 
  2. CPR & First Aid Readiness: Every staff member at Camp Sunny is CPR and First Aid certified, providing them with skills and readiness should they ever have to respond to medical emergencies.
  3. Low Child-to-Staff Ratios: To give personalized attention to every child and ensure we maintain top-quality care, we maintain a low child-to-staff ratio (a 1:12 ratio for school age and a 1:8 ratio for ages 2.5-5), allowing for active supervision at all times. Not only can this help prevent accidents, but low ratios also support stronger relationships and better skill development, especially at our Specialty Camps (Gymnastics, Cheer and Tumbling, Dance, Ninja, Rock Wall, and Swim). 
  4. Secure Facility with 24/7 Surveillance: We maintain a secure facility that is monitored around the clock with surveillance cameras both inside and out, keeping all entrances and perimeters secure. Parents have access to live camera steaming during the times that programs are actively running throughout the day.
  5. Comprehensive Staff Background Checks: Every single staff member undergoes rigorous background checks before stepping into their roles to guarantee the highest levels of trustworthiness and reliability. Tip: If you’re searching for a Gainesville summer camp, be sure to ask about staff background checks and other camp program credentials.
  6. Emergency Preparedness Plans: We take safety drills seriously. Our team conducts regular emergency and fire drills so everyone knows the protocols and can act swiftly if needed. 
  7. Personalized Allergy and Medical Care Plans: We collect allergy and medical information on every camper and prepare individualized care plans where necessary, ensuring their health needs are met. 
  8. Strict Sign-In/Sign-Out Procedures: Accountability is vital, which is why we enforce thorough sign-in and sign-out protocols to make sure children are only released to authorized individuals. 
  9. Safety Inspections: From playgrounds to sports equipment, our facilities undergo regular and extensive safety inspections to ensure everything is well-maintained and secure.  Not only does our Facilities Manager provide these routine safety checks, but so do Department Leaders who are very familiar with how campers use the equipment and can spot potential safety hazards in order to prevent them. This is especially important since Camp Sunny is Gainesville’s most active summer camp—click here to learn about all of the awesome activities campers get to participate in every day!
  10. Certified Lifeguards at All Swim Activities: Swimming is always an exciting part of the day, but we don’t take water safety lightly. Certified lifeguards supervise every swim activity to give your child a safe and fun experience in the water. Additionally, all campers must pass a swim test that is supervised by the lifeguard in order to swim without a life jacket and in the deeper end of the pool. 

With systems like these in place, Camp Sunny becomes a haven of safety, allowing parents to feel reassured while their children enjoy worry-free summer days. Additionally, we know that communication with parents is key to ensuring a safe and positive experience at camp. We provide regular updates, share important information via texts and email newsletters, and welcome any questions or concerns from parents throughout the entire camp season.  

Register Now to Create Unforgettable Summer Memories at Sun Country Sports Summer Camp in Gainesville – Sign Up Today!

We believe every child deserves a summer filled with joy, adventure, and above all—safety. With robust safety protocols, a caring and professionally-trained team, and a culture of trust, we’re committed to providing an environment where your child can flourish.

Have questions about our safety measures? Don’t hesitate to reach out (text or call us at (352) 331-8773) to see for yourself why so many families trust Camp Sunny as their Gainesville summer camp. Secure your child’s spot today and give them a summer they’ll never forget!