After the fatal flood in Camp Mystic, the summer camps in Colorado balance the risk and reward

While forest fires are burning in Colorado, summer camp directors like Jeff Cheley are aware of the threat that a natural disaster could mean a fire or flood for campers. This applies in particular after the flooding of the fall in Camp Mystic in Texas, in which 27 consultants and camper were killed in the beginning of this month. The deaths had a profound influence on Cheley, who headed Cheley Colorado Camps in Estes Park, a camp, a camp, founded more than a century ago.

“It was heartbreaking,” said Jeff Cheley about the news of the deaths of July 4. “The camping community is a very narrow group of people. We have many friends who in camps in the visits [Texas] Hill Country, so many of our families knew people who were affected … and I couldn't imagine what they experienced. “

Critics said there were several mistakes that led to death, including the location of huts in flood zones, the bad mobile phone service in the region and delayed evacuation orders despite a flood warning from the national weather service.

Jeff Cheley said that he could not talk about whether Camp Mystic officers were adequately prepared or not.

“I was not there and I don't really know her topography or emergency plans,” said Cheley. “I know that they were very experienced directors.”

However, critics point out that Mystic was not accredited by the American Camp Association, which requires specific security and emergency measures, while many summer camps, including Cheley Colorado Camps, are accredited by ACA. Cheley Camps is also licensed as a child supervisor in Colorado, which also has emergency requirements.

“So I think that if parents look at camps, there would definitely be something I would ask:” Are you accredited by the ACA? Are you licensed by childcare licensing? “, Said Cheley.

The ACA gave an explanation of the type of its accreditation process in view of the deaths in Camp Mystic.

“Accreditation is a voluntary process that is separated from the state licensing and agreed to meet the national standards of ACA for health, security and risk management. Accreditation is a detailed review and a visit on site of trained ACA experts,” said Henry Dehart, Interim President and CEO of ACA.

Cheley said that his family's camp has been exposed to serious threats in the past, especially from the Big Thompson Flood in July 1976, in which 144 people were killed. Nobody in the warehouse died in the flood, but the camp had to evacuate units near the river. Cheley said he was young at that time, but his father kept a video about the incident.

“I can tell you when a motorhome comes back [who] Was here for the summer '76, that's the first thing you share, ”said Cheley.

He said the lack of highly developed communication technology at this time was probably a reason for the dozens of deaths.

Cheley said that the camp had enforced floods and fire hazards in the past. In 2003 Cheley Camps Camper had to evacuate from her main property to other properties due to a nearby fire. And in 2013 the floods met the area while a school group attended, and they had to move some employees, but despite some considerable land damage, there were no injuries or damage in the warehouse.

Cheley said his camp had a multi -layered warning system in the disaster strikes and the camp through an experienced management team, including himself and his sister, who have worked there since the late 90s.

“We have professionals and work with other camp directors and talk about it [these issues.]””

Cheley said his camp also scenarios with employees in the on-and-off season and complete an emergency with the campers.

“We do a fire brigade exercise within 24 hours, when all campers are here,” said Cheley.

He said the campers know that they would have to gather in a certain area and they are only released when everyone is taken into account.

“We can somehow talk about it.” Here we would meet.

Cheley hopes what happened in Camp Mystic, does not discourage the parents from sending their children to the camp. He said it was always inherent risks in the upbringing of children, but he believes that the rewards of the summer camp predominate far beyond the risks.

“Most of the camps are in wilderness areas. This makes camping a wonderful experience. There are some risks associated with it, be it floods or forest fires or other natural disasters.”

He said camper hit people from all over the country, they learn to build up community and do difficult things.

“I think there is [a] A higher risk that a child will play in the basement Xbox all day, ”said Cheley.“ Children in the camp [are] Only grounded. They just seem more comfortable in their skin. “Cheleeey said.