Cabin Counselor Manual 2013 Final - Interlochen Center for the Arts

Fire
In the event that fire occurs while campers are in the cabins, campers should locate their shoes and exit the cabin. If
there are two staff members present, one should lead the campers and the other is last to exit. In the event that there are
not two staff members available, a camper who understands the exit routine should lead the campers out. The staff
member in the rear is responsible for taking a head count and turning off the lights upon exiting. Each division has a
specific meeting place where all cabins will meet and account for all campers.
If a fire occurs:
1. Don’t Panic
2. Dial 911
3. Report exact location and nature of fire, e.g., “brush fire behind Cabin 16, High School Boys.”
4. Switchboard will notify Security (depending on time of day) and it will be handled from there.
Camp Directors’ and Counselors’ Responsibilities
1. Orient all campers to Fire Prevention Measures.
2. Locate electric switch box in cabins and be sure campers know how to turn off the switch in case of fire.
3. Locate all exits, cabins or shelters, and explain Evacuation Plans.
4. Locate fire extinguishers at each cabin and make sure they are filled. Assign responsibilities and explain use in
case of fire in cabin or wooded areas nearby.
5. Instruct all campers on reporting a fire.
6. Conduct Fire Drills.
In the event of a fire, all counselors should locate all of their campers as soon as possible.
Lost Swimmer Procedure
Interlochen administers one to two planned drills per year. All procedures should be considered real and that a life is at
risk. In the event that a lost swimmer is suspected the following procedure will take place:
• The air horn is sounded with three repeated blasts and the water is cleared – however, everyone (campers and
staff) will remain on the beach.
• Phone calls will be placed to:
o 911
o Stone waterfront – 5320
o Headquarters
o Divisional Director
• Runners are sent throughout the division to gather remaining campers and staff
• Everyone who reports to help with the LSP, and those who are already on the waterfront, must have their ID to
participate.
The waterfront director organizes shallow and deep-water searches – possibly asking people from the waterfront to help.
Swimmer’s Itch
Not unlike many inland lakes, Green Lake and Duck Lake sometimes cause a condition known as Swimmer’s Itch. This is
not unlike a mosquito bite and does not affect all individuals all of the time. Be sure to read the Camper Student
Handbook on this topic.
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