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What is the history and purpose of Be
Ready Camp?
The Be Ready Camp was established by the
Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (GFBCI) and
the Alabama Department of Homeland Security (ADHS), in conjunction with
the Madison County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and the United
States Space and Rocket Center (USSRC) to teach 6th graders about
disaster preparedness and response. The first Be Ready Camp was
conducted using 6th graders from four schools in Madison County in
September 2006 at the USSRC in Huntsville, Alabama.
The campers learned about topics that ranged from fire safety to light
search and rescue. Be Ready Camp culminated the last evening with a
mock disaster, where the campers worked side by side with first
responders to respond to a simulated plane crash. Using the skills
that they learned during the week, such as medical triage and light
search and rescue, they were able to triage and prioritize disaster
victims and were able to move them out of harm’s way. In addition, the
campers were also able to plan out their response by working together as
a team by efficiently delegating tasks to the suitable person and
maintaining strong communication with each other. The campers graduated
on Be Ready Day, Thursday, September 14, 2006, where Governor Bob Riley
commended them for their efforts during Be Ready Camp, while encouraging
them to take the preparedness message back to their schools and
families.
How long is Be Ready Camp?
Each camp is 5 days and 4 nights, starting on Tuesday and ending on
Saturday. Registration is held the first day of camp between 11:00 am
and 1:30 pm. Delegates should eat lunch before arriving at camp. A
graduation ceremony will be held on Saturday at 9:30 am. Family are
encouraged to attend the graduation ceremony.
What should the Youth Preparedness Delegates wear to Be Ready Camp?
It is best for the participants to dress as comfortably as possible
during the days they are at camp. This typically means shorts or jeans,
tee-shirts, and comfortable tennis shoes. Please bring jeans and close
toed shoes to wear on Friday, the day of the mock disaster. For
Saturday’s graduation ceremony, campers can wear jeans or shorts and
their Be Ready Camp t-shirt, which will be provided.
What do they need to bring with them?
Campers need to bring essential overnight items with them, such as
hygiene items, towels, and washcloths. Bed sheets, blankets, pillows,
and pillowcases are all provided by the Space and Rocket Center. They
will need to bring clothes to sleep in, in addition to their day
clothing. Do not bring anything of high value to the camp; cell
phones, DVD/CD players, MP3 players etc. are not permitted. The
children are also required to supply their own lock.
How will they be housed?
The children will be staying at the Space and Rocket Center’s Space
Habitat in individual rooms of up to seven persons or bays of 20-40
beds. These rooms will be separated by gender, with counselors of the
same gender staying with the campers. Restrooms with access to sinks,
private shower stalls and private toilets will be located in the Space
Habitat and around the entire complex.
How much food will the campers receive?
The Space and Rocket Center will provide the campers with breakfast,
lunch, and dinner everyday. Snacks and drinks outside of meals are
available throughout the complex for purchase. Parents and/or Guardians
who wish to give their child money for snacks are welcomed to do so.
What if my child has a dietary restriction (i.e. Diabetes, etc)?
The Space and Rocket Center is happy to work with parents on ensuring
the child’s dietary restrictions are taken care of, as long as they have
a 4-week prior notification of the child’s needs. If the child needs to
bring their own food due to dietary needs (children are not allowed to
bring their own food except for this case), the Space and Rocket Center
requires them to contact the Food Service Department at least 2 weeks
prior to the start of camp.
To contact the Food Service Department, call (256)-721-7139, or email at
specialdiets@spacecamp.com.
Who will be taking care of my children
for the time they are at Camp?
The Space and Rocket Center employs only the
best qualified and trained counselors to work at the Camps. Before they
are hired, potential counselors are required to pass a very
comprehensive background check and drug screening. While most
counselors are education majors, many others have degrees in business,
science, liberal arts, and engineering. The Space and Rocket Center
thoroughly trains the counselors in dealing with discipline techniques,
behavior characteristics in children, and operation safety. Parents
will have a chance to meet the counselors both at registration and
graduation.
There is also a medical staff on hand 24-hours a day for all medical
purposes, from dispensing medications to emergency situations.
What if my child takes medications?
Children should bring their medications with
them to camp and give them over during registration to the medical
staff. Medications need to be in their original containers with clearly
visible instructions, either from the parent or the prescribing
physician. If the child takes medication that needs injections (i.e.
insulin injections), the syringes to the injections must be provided
with signed, legible instructions from the Physician.
All inquiries may be directed to the Nursing Staff at (256)-721-7162.
How much will this camp cost me?
Be Ready Camp is provided at no cost to
participants, through funding from various of sponsors. Parents are
responsible for their child’s transportation to and from the Space and
Rocket Center in Huntsville, and any money for snacks and soft drinks
the campers will need.
How will I be able to contact my children while at camp?
Since cell phones are not permitted,
the Space and Rocket Center has pay phones for the children to use while
at camp. To contact your children in case of emergency, call
800-63-SPACE (77223) ext. 185 – Camper Services or call Security at
(256)-721-7198.
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