Key Takeaways
- Summer camps have a legal duty to provide adequate supervision, safe equipment, and properly trained staff — and they can be held liable when they fail.
- Most camps require parents to sign liability waivers, but these waivers generally cannot protect the camp from claims involving gross negligence or willful misconduct under Colorado law.
- Before enrolling your child, ask about staff-to-camper ratios, emergency protocols, background checks on employees, and the camp’s insurance coverage.
Who is Liable if Your Child is Injured at Summer Camp?
Summer camp is the highlight of the season for many kids. The chance to be away from home, meet new friends and have new experiences is a part of childhood that few will forget. But, camp activities are not risk free and injuries happen. Most camp injuries are mild, and with a little first aid, kids are right back into the daily routine.
However, significant injuries can occur if the camp does not follow safety protocols or employs unqualified professionals. It is important to know that signing a liability waiver does not automatically clear the camp of responsibility.
Summer camps are responsible for providing safe activities and counselors who are trained to supervise.
If they do not adhere to these responsibilities, they may be responsible for injuries to children.
Each situation is unique, and you need a qualified attorney to assess the nature of the injury to determine whether it falls outside the scope of the waiver. In many cases, the camp can be held liable.
Important
Liability waivers that camps ask parents to sign do not shield the camp from all legal responsibility. In Colorado, waivers cannot protect against claims involving gross negligence, willful misconduct, or violations of safety regulations. If your child was injured due to inadequate supervision or unsafe conditions, a waiver may not prevent you from pursuing a claim.
How to Keep Your Child Safe at Summer Camp
For parents, the first step to summer camp safety is to be proactive and research the summer camp before enrolling your child. Camps in Colorado are required to meet standards set by the state government, including carrying liability insurance, providing access to medical personnel, having camp directors onsite, and providing appropriate supervision.
Is the camp accredited?
Look for an accreditation from the American Camp Association (ACA). The ACA is the only nationally recognized accreditation for camps in the United States, and each member camp undergoes a peer review process. These accredited camps follow safety protocols that are more rigorous than what is required by the state. ACA accreditation is an added layer of protection for your child.
Summer Camp Safety Questions to Ask
Before sending your child to camp, ask some important questions:
- Is the camp accredited by the ACA?
- What background checks do you perform for employees?
- What is the counselor-to-camper ratio?
- Are the counselors certified in CPR and basic first aid?
- What safety instruction do campers receive before participating in activities?
- What types of safety equipment are provided? Examples include helmets for biking and life preservers for boating.
- What medical personnel are available for sickness or injury?
- What is the emergency plan if a camper needs to visit an emergency room?
Let us Review Your Case
If your child is injured at summer camp, contact us as quickly as possible. We are ready to meet with you for a no-cost consultation to determine the best way to pursue damages for your family. Our attorneys are available in person, on the phone or via Zoom. If you are unable to communicate with us in those ways, we will come to you at your home or hospital.
Contact Cave Law today for your free consultation and let us take care of all the details.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue a summer camp if my child is injured in Colorado?
Yes, if the camp was negligent. Even if you signed a liability waiver, Colorado law does not allow waivers to shield camps from gross negligence or willful misconduct. If your child was injured due to inadequate supervision, defective equipment, untrained staff, or unsafe conditions, you may have a valid claim.
What should I do if my child is injured at camp?
Get immediate medical attention, photograph any injuries, request the camp’s incident report, ask for contact information of witnesses and staff involved, and preserve all camp documents including enrollment forms and waivers. Contact a personal injury attorney before accepting any settlement or signing additional paperwork from the camp.
What questions should I ask before choosing a summer camp?
Ask about staff-to-camper ratios, emergency protocols, staff training and certifications (CPR, first aid), background check policies, insurance coverage, and how incidents are documented and reported to parents. A reputable camp will answer these questions openly.
Does a signed waiver prevent me from filing a camp injury claim?
Not necessarily. Colorado courts evaluate waivers based on specific criteria including clarity, conspicuousness, and the nature of the claim. Waivers generally cannot cover gross negligence, intentional harm, or situations where the camp violated safety regulations. An attorney can review the waiver and advise whether your claim can proceed.
