Why Safety Matters
At Camp La Junta, your son’s safety and well-being are our highest priorities. We are committed to maintaining exceptional standards in health, supervision, training, facilities, and emergency planning.
Our focus on safety has been shaped over many years including a serious incident in May 2010, when a counselor was reported for inappropriate behavior. Since then, we have continually strengthened our policies, supervision systems, and staff training to ensure protection and care for every camper.
What We Do to Ensure Your Child’s Safety
Camp La Junta works with industry safety experts and maintains robust policies and practices that include:
- American Camp Association Accreditation: ACA reviews over 300 quality standards in areas including health care, risk management, staff training, emergency procedures, and supervision.
- State Licensing & Inspection: We receive annual inspections as part of our Texas DSHS licensing with a history of exemplary scores.
- Rigorous Staff Vetting: Every staff member is interviewed, reference-checked, screened, and trained in safety, supervision, and camper interaction standards.
- Clear Behavior Expectations: On Opening Night and throughout camp, directors communicate with campers and staff about safety, appropriate behavior, and how to report concerns.
- Open-Concept Facility Design: Buildings and cabins are designed to reduce hidden areas and promote visibility.
- Anti-Bullying and Safety Education: Staff training includes prevention and intervention skills; campers receive guidance on behaving safely and respectfully.
Enhanced Safety After the July 4 Flood Event
Before daylight on July 4, the Guadalupe River rose rapidly and swept through Camp La Junta during the 2025 Central Texas floods. Every camper, counselor, and staff member returned home safely thanks to quick action by our team and coordination with local responders.
In response, we’ve strengthened our emergency readiness and camp infrastructure:
Facilities & Flood Protection
- Rebuilding and upgrading camper cabins with elevated finished floor levels above the 500-year floodplain for long-term protection.
- No campers will sleep in buildings or on slabs that have been affected by flood waters.
- Dining Hall and kitchen are being rebuilt in their permitted day-use location.
Monitoring & Alerts
- Independent camp river monitoring systems will trigger automatic alerts if water levels rise with automatic sirens and flashing lights will alert the entire camp without delay.
- Partnering with the Upper Guadalupe River Authority (UGRA) for real-time river monitoring adds an extra layer of safety.
- Mesonet System: Camp La Junta has partnered with The National Wind Institute at Texas Tech University to build a mesonet system on the top of our hill to monitor real-time weather conditions, including wind, temperature, rainfall, and lightning, providing advanced weather warning.
Emergency Communication & Leadership
- A dedicated Safety Coordinator oversees emergency systems, drills, training, and communication with local responders.
- Camp wide emergency systems including PA, intercoms, radios, fiber internet with satellite backup, and generator support ensure reliable communication during any situation.
Training & Preparedness
- Staff participate in expanded safety training and regular in-season drills.
- Campers receive age-appropriate safety guidance focused on confidence and calm response.
- Trauma-informed care training equips staff to support campers emotionally as well as physically.
Our Commitment to Safety Standards
Camp La Junta fully supports and is preparing to meet 100% of the requirements of the Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act.
What This Means for Your Family
Your son’s safety is at the center of every decision we make, from day-to-day supervision to long-term facility planning. Our procedures, staff training, and ongoing improvements are designed to protect campers while preserving the fun, character-building experience La Junta has offered for generations.