The health, safety and well-being of every camper is at the heart of everything we do. Camp Ronald McDonald is committed to creating a safe, welcoming and medically supervised environment where campers can participate fully and experience all that Camp has to offer.
Accreditation and Foundational Safety Practices:
Camp’s on-site healthcare center, known as The Med Shed, is designed to meet the medical needs of children with cancer while at Camp. It includes an examination room, rest and sleeping areas, a medication dispensary and the Catheter Care Cabin, giving our medical team dedicated space and equipment to provide care throughout each session.
If a camper needs additional medical support, transportation can be quickly arranged to Loma Linda University Medical Center or their home hospital.
All campers complete a health history and medication form and must have a Medical Examination Form completed by their primary care physician before attending Camp. Our medical team carefully reviews each camper’s information in advance so we can prepare the equipment, medications and support needed for their individual care.
Health information is kept private and shared only with the medical and Camp team members who need it to safely support each camper.
Campers should bring all medications and catheter care supplies needed for their stay, with medications in their original containers and any additional care instructions included. At check-in, a Camp staff member or nurse will review and collect medications and confirm administration instructions with the family.
Camp nurses manage and dispense medications throughout the session according to each camper’s care instructions.
Staff: Our year-round Camp staff bring more than 30 years of combined experience in camp management and programming, with specialized expertise in serving children with cancer and their families. Their leadership has helped inform oncology and specialized camp programs around the world.
Volunteers: Every volunteer counselor completes a comprehensive interview and screening process, including education, employment and reference verification, National Sex Offender Registry clearance and a criminal background check. With 65% of counselors returning each year, campers are supported by an experienced and dedicated community that understands the unique needs of Camp.
Every volunteer counselor completes a minimum of two days of training before working with campers. Training prepares counselors to support children with cancer and their families while creating a safe, positive and engaging Camp experience.
Topics include youth development, camper supervision, establishing cabin and Camp expectations, active listening, positive role modeling, responding to challenging behaviors, health and wellness, and emergency procedures.
