To ensure quick and accurate information flow during emergencies, Camp Cullen uses:

• Weather Monitoring
  • NOAA weather radios are stationed in key locations around camp (offices, cabins, director residence, staff on duty).
• UHF Two‑Way Radios
  • Staff announce emergencies using the phrase “ALERT” and the EAP name.
• All‑Camp Public Address (PA) announcements can be activated through any two‑way radio if immediate notification is required.
• Cell Phones
  • Used for direct communication with leadership when more detail is needed.

Keeping track of every camper at all times is central to our safety plan.

How Accountability Works

• Each camper is assigned to specific set of counselors and leadership staff.
• Rosters are kept in multiple secure locations (cabins, program office, main office, health center).

Camper counts occur:

• Before movement
• Upon arrival to emergency locations
• During extended incidents
• After relocation

If a Child Cannot Be Accounted For

• Leadership is alerted immediately.
• Nearby areas are checked.
• If not resolved within 10 minutes, the Missing Person EAP is activated and 911 is notified

Fire or Smoke

• Pull the nearest alarm and call 911.
• Evacuate to the designated assembly area.
• Staff conduct full accountability checks.

Hostile or Dangerous Situation

• Our priority is protection and supervision.
• Avoid danger when safe exits exist.
• Secure indoors (locked doors, lights off, quiet).
• Account for all campers.
• Call 911 when safe.

Major Accident / Injury

• 911 is called immediately.
• Emergency supplies (AED, oxygen, first aid) are brought to the scene.
• The area is cleared for EMS response.

Missing Person

• Staff gather all individuals at the dining hall.
• Search teams sweep key areas (villages, pool, waterfront).
• If not found within 10 minutes → 911 is contacted.

Weather Emergencies

• Thunder / Lightning
  • Outdoor activities stop for 30 minutes after thunder.
  • Campers are moved to safe indoor or covered areas.
• Severe Weather / Tornado‑Type Threat
  • “Shelter‑in‑Place” is activated.
  • Campers stay in interior rooms away from windows.
• Flooding (unlikely based on geography)
  • Follow designated routes (indicated by blue solar powered lights and a map in each cabin) to elevated muster locations
  • Directors guide evacuation as needed.

Utilities Emergency

Examples: gas leak, chemical spill, power outage, water loss

• Staff contact Maintenance or After‑Hours Emergency Maintenance.
• Gas leaks require immediate evacuation without using electronics.
• Further instructions are given by leadership.

Transportation Accident

• 911 is called; campers are evacuated to a safe area.
• First aid is provided.
• Parents are notified.

Wildlife or Animal Concerns

• If at the Waterfront, activities pause for 30 minutes after a confirmed animal sighting.
• Immediate‑danger animals are isolated; Facilities staff and/or animal control may be contacted.

Primary assembly areas include:

• Outdoor: Dining Hall Parking Lot, Top of camp/Allen Center
• Indoor: Dining Hall, Allen Center

For extreme elevation needs follow designated routes to the Allen Center muster location

• If camp must evacuate the property: The off‑site assembly area is Trinity High School (500 E Caroline St, Trinity, TX 75862).

During evacuation:

• Staff lead campers to the safe location.
• Headcounts are completed and verified before departure AND after arrival.
• Only emergency personnel can authorize re‑entry.

Roles in Evacuations and Emergencies:

• Specific roles are defined in the extended EAP narrative.
• Primary response includes that of the Executive Director, Sr. Program Director, Program Directors, Business Director, Camp Nurses, and Summer Staff

Camp Cullen follows a structured communication plan in accordance with Texas youth camp requirements.

When Parents Are Notified:

You will be contacted if any of the following occur:

• A serious medical incident
• EMS, fire, or police involvement
• Evacuation, shelter‑in‑place, or lockdown
• Missing camper
• Weather events affecting operations
• Any emergency that disrupts camp schedules

How Notifications Typically Happen

1. Direct Phone Call For: medical emergencies, hospital transport, missing camper.
2. Mass Notification (email, text, phone) For: weather events, camp‑wide actions, general safety updates.
3. Email Follow‑Ups For: post‑incident updates and summaries.

Message Standards:

All communications are:

• Calm, factual, and clear
• Free of speculation
• Aligned with emergency responders

• Keep contact information on UltraCamp accounts updated.
  • Ensure authorized pickup lists are accurate.
• Review safety expectations with your child in a calm way.
• Follow any instructions during emergencies (especially during shelter‑in‑place or delayed pickup situations).

More details on the Emergency Action Plan are available upon request. For questions, contact Camp Cullen leadership.

Our counselors and camp leaders are the heart of Camp Cullen. Each staff member undergoes:

2-3 Extensive Staff Education Weeks: We cover youth development, behavior management, first aid/CPR certifications, emergency procedures, lifequarding and high ropes certifications, and more

Background Checks: All staff are thoroughly vetted through national background checks, the National Sex Offender Registry and multiple reference screenings

Water Safety: All aquatic activities are supervised by certified lifeguards, and everyone wears a life jacket during boating and waterfront activities.

Camper Supervision: We maintain low, American Camping Association recommended, camper-to-stat ratios to ensure personalized attention and close supervision at all times.

Our state-of-the-art Camp Health Center is staffed by, at minimum, two licensed medical professionals. Because the Camp Health Center has attached private rooms, our nurses and physicians are are available around the clock to respond to camper needs.

Cabin Location: All cabins are positioned well above flood risk zones, providing peace of mind and uninterrupted programming even during heavy rains. The closest camper cabin to the lake is nearly ¼ of a mile away from the water.

Lake Characteristics: Camp Cullen sits on a Northern section of Lake Livingston which is formed by the damming of the Trinity River. The river itself is south of Camp Cullen, meaning our waterfront is not a part of the actively flowing river. The south side of our property does touch the actively flowing Trinity River, however that property area is not generally used for camp and is over a mile away from the nearest camper cabin. Learn more about Lake Livingston, our camp location and low flood risk HERE.

WiFi Access: Every cabin and building on our campus is equipped with reliable WiFi.

YMCA Camp Cullen is proudly accredited by the American Camp Association, a distinction that reflects our adherence to over 300 rigorous health, safety, and program quality standards. From emergency preparedness to staff training and camper supervision. ACA accreditation ensures that we meet and often exceed industry best practices.

While there is an annual accreditation process, because of a long standing history of ACA accreditation at Camp Cullen, we are on a 5-year (rather than 3-year) in-person visit cycle, most recently was just last summer (2025). We are proud to say that we are accredited at 100%.