We have added this section to outline some of the most common questions that parents ask.  More information is available in our parent handbook and we also submit an even more detailed and expansive program of procedures to the state of Massachusetts which can be made available to you upon request. It is important to us that you know and feel comfortable with how we operate, how employees are screened/trained and how we prepare to handle various situations should they ever arise.  Some of our employees are parents themselves and enroll their children for numerous weeks in the program.  Likewise, they entrust the safety of their child to the MLDC and have a vested interest in making sure that we take every measure possible to ensure the safety of the campers.

It is our firm belief that campers should not only have a fun time at camp, but they should have a fun, safe time while at camp.

What is the camper to counselor ratio?

The ratios designated by the American Camping Association are anywhere between 6:1 or 10:1.  At the MLDC, ratios are approximately 5:1 (4:1 in Mini-Marcus) and those ratios are calculated relative to adults. Many programs calculate them based on someone who is as young as 14. In our program, you can always rest assured that your child is with someone who is at least over the age of 18.

How do you define the physical boundaries of the camp so that children do not get lost?

On the first day all campers are given a full tour of the grounds so that we can familiarize them with the environment.  During that time, they are educated about the camp perimeter. 

I have strong concerns about water safety.  What measures have you taken to ensure the safety of my child in that regard?

This is an area where a camp can never do too much, however we are about as close as one can come.  With regard to the swimming portion of our program, we utilize multiple head counts, certified lifeguards, WSI trained instructors, designated lookout personnel and a formal "buddy" system.  Additionally, all campers are swim-tested and categorized if they choose to swim outside of the shallow zones.

For boating, all campers use personal, flotation devices and instruction is first given on dry land prior to entering the water.  All equipment is checked on a regular basis and lookouts are positioned on shore and in watercraft to specifically monitor boating activities.

Our water safety is much more involved than the preceding overview, however it is meant as a glimpse into some of the regimented procedures and installed redundencies that we use to protect our campers.  Feel free to ask us about any of them if you have questions.

Please tell me the procedures for transporting my child to horseback or to another offsite location.

The MLDC is the only camp in the area that owns its own buses. We also hire our own drivers and perform our own CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and SORI (Sexual Offender Record Information) background checks. 

The counselors escort campers to the bus and initiate headcounts both before and after arrival.  Wristbands are checked and campers are escorted by the counselors to the designated areas from the bus.

What screening procedures do you have for your employees?

All counselors/employees must submit to CORI/SORI background checks, health exams as well as fill out an MLDC employment application.  References are checked and formal interviews are conducted with each applicant.  We do not accept applications from international applicants due to limited background information.

Is there an on-site nurse or health administrator?

Absolutely.  In fact, another local camp will occasionally send their campers to our facility when they need extra assistance.