Your child’s safety is our highest priority. Our camp follows the standards set by the American Camp Association (ACA), ensuring a structured, well-supervised, and secure environment where campers can learn, grow, and have fun.
All staff members undergo a thorough hiring process, including background checks, interviews, and reference verification. Before camp begins, staff complete extensive training that covers:
Child development and age-appropriate supervision
Emergency procedures and crisis response
Bullying prevention and positive behavior management
First aid and CPR certification
Our team is committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and respectful environment for every camper.
Our supervision motto is "A camper is never alone at camp, and staff are never alone with a camper."
Campers are supervised at all times by trained staff. We maintain a camper-to-staff ratio of 1:5 to ensure each child receives appropriate attention, guidance, and care.
Staff are assigned to specific groups and remain with their campers throughout the day and evening. Supervision is continuous during activities, transitions, meals, and free time.
For overnight camp programs, additional supervision measures are in place:
Staff are present in cabins and designated areas throughout the night
Campers are assigned to age-appropriate cabin groups with consistent staff supervision
Regular bed checks and nighttime supervision rounds are conducted
Staff are trained to respond to homesickness, nighttime needs, and emergencies
Clear protocols are in place for contacting leadership staff during overnight hours
Our camp facilities are regularly inspected and maintained to meet ACA safety standards. This includes:
Routine safety checks of equipment and activity areas
Clearly marked emergency exits and evacuation plans
Age-appropriate equipment for all activities
We have detailed emergency action plans for a variety of situations, including severe weather, medical emergencies, and security concerns. Staff regularly review and practice these procedures to ensure a quick and effective response.
The health, safety, and well-being of every camper is our highest priority. Our trained staff, medical team, and clear safety procedures ensure that campers are supported physically, emotionally, and medically throughout their time at camp.
A trained medical professional is always on site
Campers’ medical information is securely maintained and reviewed
Medications are stored and administered safely according to guidelines
Clear protocols are in place for illness, injury, and emergencies
Parents will be notified promptly in the event of any health concerns.
A licensed camp nurse is on-site to provide routine care, administer medications, and respond to illness or injury. The nurse works in coordination with our consulting physician to support camper health needs. A doctor’s office is located approximately twenty minutes from camp. In the event of an emergency, we use Newton Medical Center, which is also about twenty minutes away.
At check-in, all campers are screened for signs of contagious illness or conditions as required by law. The nurse will review each child’s health form and may ask for clarification. This is also a good opportunity for parents to meet the health care staff and discuss any special concerns, medical needs, or recent illnesses.
For the safety of all campers:
Your child’s health form must include instructions for administering any necessary medications. Our medical staff can administer over-the-counter products with parent permission and instructions. Medication that does not meet these requirements cannot be accepted or administered.
Parents are welcome to contact the nurse with any questions about their child’s health care or medication needs
Homesickness is a normal part of being away from home, especially for younger and first-time campers. Our staff are trained to help campers build coping skills, confidence, and independence as they adjust to camp life. With encouragement and support, most campers quickly feel comfortable and proud of their growth. We encourage parents to remain positive and supportive, allowing their child the opportunity to succeed.
All camp staff are trained in CPR, First Aid, and the use of an AED in accordance with Red Cross guidelines. Lifeguards are Red Cross certified and participate in regular drills to maintain strong and focused response skills.
Staff complete pre-season training in emergency procedures, and camper safety so they are prepared to respond quickly and appropriately to injuries, illness, or unexpected situations.
We take food allergies and dietary restrictions seriously. Please include detailed and up-to-date information on your child’s health form so our staff and kitchen team can plan accordingly. The health staff and counselors are informed of campers with allergies and are trained to recognize and respond to allergic reactions. Camp Linwood MacDonald is a nut-free facility.
Campers are encouraged to drink water frequently throughout the day, especially during warm weather and active periods. Staff schedule regular water breaks, monitor campers for signs of overheating, and adjust activities when necessary to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
Camp is an outdoor environment, so sun safety is part of our daily routine; we recommend that all campers arrive with sunscreen. Staff remind campers to reapply throughout the day, particularly before swimming and extended outdoor activities. Hats and refillable water bottles are strongly encouraged.
Because camp includes hiking and nature activities, staff remind campers to use insect repellent and assist with tick checks after time in wooded areas. Sending labeled insect repellent with your child is strongly recommended.
We believe that a meaningful camp experience allows campers to be fully present, build independence, and develop strong social connections. To support this, we maintain a structured communication policy for both campers and parents.
Campers are not permitted to bring or use personal technology during camp. This includes:
Phone calls between campers and parents are not permitted during the camp session, except for emergency. This policy helps minimize distractions, reduce homesickness triggers, and encourage campers to engage fully in camp activities and relationships.
Parents may send emails to campers through our designated email system.
This one-way communication system allows parents to share encouragement and updates while maintaining a focused, unplugged camp environment for campers.
All emails for campers can be sent to:
Email:linwoodmacdonald@newarkymca.org
Please include Camper's first and last name in the subject line or greeting
Campers are encouraged to stay connected with family and friends through traditional mail.
Camp does not provide envelops or postage, parents are encouraged to send the needed items in their camper's luggage.
Care packages are permitted, however, please refrain from sending candy, food, or any item on or band item list. See packing list.
Please allow sufficient mailing time when sending letters to ensure timely delivery.
Address all mail as follows:
In the event of an urgent situation, parents should contact the camp directly. Camp leadership will facilitate communication as appropriate.
Phone: (973) 948-7090
Email:linwoodmacdonald@newarkymca.org
Limiting direct digital communication allows campers to:
We understand that being away from home is a significant step. Our communication policies are designed to balance connection with family while fostering a positive and growth-oriented camp experience.
If you have any questions about our communication policies, please feel free to contact our camp office for more information.
Minor issues are treated on site. For more serious situations:
We maintain low staff-to-camper ratio of 1:5 to ensure close supervision, personalized attention, and quick response to any situation. We are not setup for 1 on 1 care.
Technology is not allowed at camp. Our goal is to create an environment where children can fully engage with activities, build friendships, and develop independence without the distractions of screens and social media.
No. Campers remain on-site at all times unless participating in a supervised, pre-approved off-site activity with staff.
Campers participate together in many activities, including meals, swim, and campfire. Cabins are assigned by age and gender, though siblings who are close in age and gender may bunk together. Campers can also choose different activities than their siblings based on their interests.
Our general policy is that we "Play in the Rain!", so pack rain jackets. However, in the case of lightening or extreme weather, camp has emergency shelter locations and staff are trained in response protocols specific to our camp.
