Camp Fire San Diego (Camp CaHiTo) maintains high health and safety standards through American Camp Association (ACA) Accreditation, which requires meeting over 300 rigorous industry standards.

According to their official policies, the camp implements the following precautions:

Medical Safety

• On-Call Medical Staff: During summer, at least one Registered Nurse (RN) is on call, and a health aid is on duty.

• Medication Management: All medications must be turned in during check-in and are administered exclusively by health center staff. Campers are only permitted to carry rescue inhalers, EpiPens, or diabetic supplies.

• Proximity to Care: The camp is located within five minutes of Scripps Mercy Hospital and is equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on-site.

• Health Alerts: If a camper is exposed to a communicable disease (like Chickenpox, Strep, or Head Lice), the camp follows San Diego Health Department protocols for immediate parent notification.

Staff Screening & Training

• Rigorous Hiring: The camp reviews over 300 applicants to hire 60 staff members. Every hire undergoes a face-to-face interview and a minimum of two reference checks.

• Background Checks: All staff must pass an FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check, a Child Protective Services (CPS) check, and a National Sex-offender Registry screening.

• Certifications: All staff are trained and certified in First Aid and CPR. Specialized activities like archery and climbing require specialists with additional training.

• Supervision Ratios:

  • Little Stars (Ages 3–5): 2 staff members per 12 campers.

  • Traditional/Specialty (Ages 6–13): 2 staff members per 16 campers.

Activity & Facility Safety

• Pool Safety: At least one Red Cross-certified lifeguard is on duty whenever the pool is open. Campers must pass a “swim check” and wear color-coded wristbands to indicate their swimming ability.

• Secure Facility: A staff member monitors the entrance gate and phones from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. An on-site caretaker lives on the property to monitor the facility 24/7.

• Communication: The camp uses a PA system for immediate staff alerts and has a comprehensive internal system for rapid parent communication during emergencies.

• Strict Policies: To prevent distractions and ensure security, Camp CaHiTo is a “Cell Phone-Free Zone” for campers.

Personal Safety Requirements

• Footwear: Closed-toed shoes and socks are required at all times (no sandals or flip-flops) to prevent injury in the natural terrain.

• Sun Protection: Parents are asked to pre-apply sunscreen, and campers must bring a hat and a labeled water bottle for hydration.