Health & Safety
Safety Practices and Supervision at AstroCamp
At AstroCamp, the safety and well-being of our campers is our highest priority. All classes and activities are led by trained instructors who specialize in their program areas, ensuring campers are supervised, supported, and following proper safety guidelines at all times. Campers receive instruction on how to use safety equipment correctly and are always monitored during adventure and science activities.
Our instructors are certified in CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Administration. All water activities are supervised by certified Lifeguards. Staff also carry two-way radios for constant communication with the office and camp leadership team.
If a camper becomes ill or requires medical attention, we follow established EMS procedures. A pharmacy and clinic are located in the nearby town of Idyllwild, and local paramedics respond directly to camp for emergencies. Typical EMS response time to our San Jacinto Mountains facility is 6–10 minutes. Families looking for a complete overview of cabins, supervision, schedules, and preparing for camp can explore our Parent Guide.
Beyond medical care, AstroCamp maintains comprehensive emergency preparedness.
We are American Camp Association ACA-accredited and held to the highest standards of safety and risk management. Detailed emergency plans are in place for natural disasters, fire, power outages, and earthquakes. Both staff and students/campers participate in regular safety and emergency drills, ensuring everyone knows how to respond quickly and calmly. Our facilities are well-equipped with backup power sources and ample food supplies, allowing us to care for participants even in the event of extended disruptions.
During summer camp, a registered nurse and an EMT live on site to manage camper medications and support medical needs 24 hours a day.
For school trips, chaperones may utilize our centrally located self-serve First Aid room where they can find basic medical supplies (i.e. adhesive bandages, ice packs) and over-the-counter medication. The attending school chaperones are responsible for administering all prescription and over-the-counter medication. AstroCamp staff are not permitted to administer any medication.
Guided Discoveries requires campers and staff to be FULLY immunized (using state guidelines for school) before camp begins.
California State Immunization Requirements
-
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, Tdap, or Td) — 5 doses
(4 doses OK if one was given on or after 4th birthday. 3 doses OK if one was given on or after 7th birthday.)
For 7th-12th graders, at least 1 dose of pertussis-containing vaccine is required on or after 7th birthday.
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, Tdap, or Td) — 5 doses
-
- Polio (OPV or IPV) — 4 doses
(3 doses OK if one was given on or after 4th birthday)
- Polio (OPV or IPV) — 4 doses
-
- Hepatitis B — 3 doses
(not required for 7th grade entry)
- Hepatitis B — 3 doses
-
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) — 2 doses
(Both given on or after 1st birthday)
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) — 2 doses
-
- Varicella (Chickenpox) — 2 doses
-
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, Tdap, or Td) — 5 doses
(4 doses OK if one was given on or after 4th birthday. 3 doses OK if one was given on or after 7th birthday.)
For 7th-12th graders, at least 1 dose of pertussis-containing vaccine is required on or after 7th birthday.
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, Tdap, or Td) — 5 doses
-
- Polio (OPV or IPV) — 4 doses
(3 doses OK if one was given on or after 4th birthday)
- Polio (OPV or IPV) — 4 doses
-
- Hepatitis B — 3 doses
(not required for 7th grade entry)
- Hepatitis B — 3 doses
-
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) — 2 doses
(Both given on or after 1st birthday)
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) — 2 doses
-
- Varicella (Chickenpox) — 2 doses
Exemptions
-
- Medical Exemptions – Guided Discoveries will only accept medical exemptions for required vaccines if provided with proper documentation from a licensed and qualified physician.
-
- Personal and religious exemptions will not be accepted.
We encourage you to contact our team with any questions:
School Program: [email protected]
Summer Program: [email protected]
ACA-Accredited Summer Camp
AstroCamp is proud to be an ACA-accredited Southern California overnight camp, which means our health and safety practices meet or exceed the rigorous standards set by the American Camp Association (ACA). Every Guided Discoveries program, including AstroCamp, completes a comprehensive review and reaccreditation process every five years to ensure we are following the highest standards in staff training, emergency procedures, supervision, facilities, and program safety.
