At Camp Jeanne d’Arc, we take tick safety seriously. After all, we live in the woods, walk through wooded paths, and take hikes through forests. We share this beautiful wilderness with many, many creatures, including ticks. While we embrace our time living alongside wildlife, we also take lots of precautions to keep our campers safe.
Note: ticks at camp have not been an issue of concern at CJDA. But we believe that knowledge gives campers the power to take care of their bodies, so we talk about it … a lot!
Awareness is Key
At Camp Jeanne d’Arc, our philosophy is that awareness is key to tick safety. And to be more aware, we are going to talk about it! And sing about it! Each night, after campfire, we come together for goodnight circle (see photo) and sing our tick awareness jingle:
Ticks are bad, ticks are gross,
Check behind your ears,
And between your toes.
You gotta be tick smart,
And stay tick safe,
You gotta check for ticks, when? Everyday!
No ticks, no ticks, no ticks, no ticks, no ticks!
Silly songs aside, tick awareness is something we train our counselors on before campers arrive to Camp and throughout the season. Special precautions are taken on overnight campouts and hikes through the Adirondack trails. Understanding the risks of being out in nature is something our campers will take with them beyond their camp years (odds are they will sing this jingle to their own kids!).
Signage for Safety!
The best time to check for ticks is in the shower and on the toilet. At Camp Jeanne d’Arc we have laminated signs in each shower to remind campers to check their bodies for ticks including what ticks look like and where ticks like to hide. During camper orientation, counselors show the campers where the signs are located and explain that ‘tick checks’ should be a part of their shower and bathroom routines. Our infirmity also posts signage to remind campers about the risks of ticks at camp.
Our signs also give campers direction for what to do if they spot a tick … tell someone! We encourage campers to tell counselors right away if they notice anything on their bodies – this includes ticks, rashes, bumps, other insect bites, etc. And our counselors have clear instructions for what to relay to the medical personnel at Camp!
Just One Way We Foster Independence
So why do we talk about ticks so much if ticks aren’t a recurring issue at Camp? Because learning about the risks of being in the wilderness and how to take care of our bodies is one way we build independent, strong girls. It is so important for girls and women to understand risks of being in nature (re ticks at camp), learn to take care of themselves and protect from risks, and how to address issues if/when they arise.
Ready to Thrive in the Wilderness
In the end, our focus on tick awareness at Camp Jeanne d’Arc isn’t just about minimizing a risk; it’s a foundational element of our mission to raise independent, strong girls. Every nightly jingle and shower sign is a reminder that they are capable and that we trust them to take care of themselves. This is how we ensure our campers leave Camp Jeanne d’Arc as smart, aware, and prepared young women, ready to thrive both in the beautiful wilderness and in life beyond camp.