Sending your camper away for a week of fun and spiritual growth is incredibly exciting, but we know it can also be a little stressful—especially when unpredictable weather rolls in. At New Life Ranch, the safety of our campers, guests, and staff is always a top priority.
To give you peace of mind, we want to share exactly how we prepare for and handle severe weather events during your camper's stay.
Rigorous Staff Training
Preparedness starts long before the summer begins. Every year, our full-time ministry staff undergoes comprehensive training on our Emergency Action Plan (EAP). When our summer staff arrives in May, they go through the exact same procedures, participating in hands-on, scenario-based drills. By the time campers arrive, our team is fully equipped to keep everyone safe.
Here is a look at our specific protocols for the most common weather situations we face:
Lightning and Severe Storms
Did you know that lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a storm? Because storms can move quickly, we don't take any chances.
- Continuous Monitoring: We use a professional monitoring service that keeps us constantly updated on lightning activity in our area.
- Immediate Action: If lightning is detected within our safety zone, all outdoor activities stop immediately, and everyone is moved to suitable indoor cover.
- The "All-Clear": We do not resume outdoor activities until 15 minutes have passed since the last reported lightning strike in our zone.
Tornadoes
When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the terminology and moving quickly is crucial. Our staff is trained to closely monitor the weather whenever conditions are favorable for severe storms (a Tornado Watch).
If the situation escalates to a Tornado Warning (meaning a tornado has been sighted or indicated on radar), we immediately activate our emergency plan:
- Fast Notification: Our emergency notification system allows us to alert the entire camp extremely fast.
- Designated Shelters: After accounting for all campers and staff, everyone moves calmly and quickly to designated shelters located around the camp.
- Clear Directions: Shelter locations are posted inside every single cabin, so summer staff always know exactly where to go.
- Staying Put: No one leaves the shelters until camp leadership gives the official all-clear.
Flooding & Creek Safety
Because we are blessed with beautiful waterfront property at both Flint Valley and Frontier Cove, water safety is a major part of our EAP.
- Tracking Water Levels: We closely monitor USGS water gauges and rely on our weather alert system to notify us of any flood possibilities.
- Safe Cabins: You can rest easy knowing that all of our cabins, at both sites, are located completely outside of historic flood zones.
- Waterfront Closures: In the event of a flood warning, we immediately close all waterfront activities and move everyone away from flood zones.
- Post-Flood Inspections: Once the water recedes, our leadership and recreation teams perform a full safety inspection. We check for debris, safe water levels, and water clarity before any waterfront activities reopen.
Staying Connected
If severe weather does strike while your child is at camp, we want you to stay informed. During tornado or flood warnings, we will post current status updates to our social media channels.
We hope understanding our Emergency Action Plan helps you feel confident and prepared as you pack those bags for camp. We are looking forward to another fantastic, fun, and safe summer at New Life Ranch!
