While it is important to us that campers under our care enjoy themselves and learn to be good citizens, Deer Run is about more than just social messages and having a good time.  At Deer Run we base our guidelines for camper health and safety on the strict standards of the New York State Department of Health and the American Camp Association.

This means having a counselor-to-camper ratio of at least 1-to-8 for campers aged 9 years and up, and 1-to-6 for younger campers.  Campers are supervised by adults at all times, 24 hours a day.  In addition to providing close supervision by counselors, campers are guided in the use of the “buddy” system during all activities, both to teach responsibility and in order to have an additional check on the whereabouts of each camper at all times.  During each activity out-of-doors the activity is stopped and a “buddy check” is instituted at least twice during the activity period, and every 15 minutes in the case of swimming.

Our specially constructed swimming pool ranges in depth from 3 feet to 5 feet.  Non-swimmers are never allowed beyond the 3-foot depth, and our trained lifeguards meet strict lifeguarding, first aid and CPR training requirements.  Our camp infirmary is managed by a full-time, on-site Health Director, certified as either a registered nurse or other equivalent health professional, such as EMT.  Hospital services are available nearby, and a camp vehicle is always available for transportation during an emergency. 

All camp buildings are equipped with approved smoke-detection devices and fire extinguishers, and the main lodge is fully sprinklered.  All camp staff are trained in fire rescue and evacuation procedures.  All meals served at Deer Run meet American Dietary Association guidelines for nutrition, and Department of Health standards for food safety, sanitation and freshness are observed at all times.  Deer Run is accredited by the American Camp Association and licensed by the New York State Department of Health.