Camper safety, security, and health are our top priority. Cougar Quest Camp takes place in Pullman, WA, on the campus of Washington State University. Campers will find the campus has an easy-going pace with an eclectic college-town atmosphere. Pullman is characterized by a low crime rate and diversity of people and activities. Campers are supervised at all times by our carefully selected and screened staff, starting at check-in on Sunday through pick-up Friday afternoon. We use the "buddy system" to ensure that even campers who have to step out of the classroom for a bathroom break are not left alone. Campers are not allowed to "roam" the campus on their own at any time. At night we have "nightwatch" staff that keep watch at the residence hall to ensure no one wanders around or out of the building.

You are entrusting us with your child's security and well-being. Our rigid standards for hiring qualified staff and training them were established to ensure every camper enjoys a safe, fun, and educationally sound experience. All our staff -including instructors of workshops, workshop volunteers, "nightwatch" who ensure camper safety at night, and counselors - are required to complete and pass a comprehensive background check prior to employment. Counselors are chosen from the finest WSU students and are required to have a minimum of two years at college and be in good academic standing.

All counselors chosen have a passion for enriching the lives of young people and an enthusiasm for working with them. Because of the popularity of Cougar Quest each year we interview hundreds of WSU students and carefully hand-pick a select team of students who are incredibly

Once employed, and before they ever meet a camper, staff members receive extensive training. Before camp begins counselors are put through a rigorous week-long training program at WSU by the camp directors. Once campers arrive counselors are still closely monitored and evaluated by the camp directors. We encourage parents to meet the counselors and other camp staff at check-in and at the Cougar Quest opening ceremonies on Sunday.

Campers will be housed in a residence hall on campus with camp supervisory staff and counselors, who are on-site 24 hours-a-day when camp is in session to ensure camper safety. The residence halls used for Cougar Quest are self-contained and remain locked 24 hours-a-day, restricting access from outside. Because of this, campers will check-out a room key to their assigned room. Cougar Quest residence halls are not shared with other summer programs. Boys and girls will be housed on separate floors with counselors of the same gender. There are rooms in residence halls specifically for those with disabilities, so please let Cougar Quest know if you have a disability so we can make sufficient accomodations. Nightwatch staff are positioned at the stairwells of each floor in the residence hall at night to ensure the safety of campers.

Cougar Quest camp does have an on-site nurse during regular business hours for any minor injuries or medical needs. The Health and Wellness Center on campus is also available for any other injuries during business hours. Campers requiring more serious aid or aid during non-business hours are taken to the Pullman Regional Hospital's emergency room. Parents and guardians are notified immediately of any serious injury, illness, or other circumstance. All expenses will be billed to the campers' medical plan and/or the parents/guardian.

All medications for campers (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbals) may be turned into the camp nurse during check-in on Sunday.The nurse and the student will work out a dispening system and any additional medical needs or notes for the student may be conveyed to the nurse at that time. It is the camper's responsibility to follow prescribed dispensing directions as given by the parent/guardian or the prescribing physician. Medications must be in their original containers with labels and instructions in English. Prescription medications should be listed on the camper's medical form.

All participants are subject to continuous supervision and must remain with their counselor and/or supervising attendant at all times. Campers are not allowed to leave Cougar Quest camp at any time and for any reason without consulting a camp director. Campers are also required to honor the Camper Code of Conduct that they must sign to attend camp (this form is part of the required forms packet). This code includes, but is not limited to:

• Treating others with respect.

• Understanding that harassment of any kind will not be tolorated.

• Respecting the camp facilities and equipment.

• Not using foul language or gestures.

• Not engaging in risky activities that put yourself or others in danger.

• Observing the curfew hours.

• Following the rules and regulations of the camp.

Camp staff are trained to handle camper disciplinary issues with firm but kind, confidentiality. Issues will be dealt with quickly and efficiently. Any serious issues that arise due to a camper continually failing to abide by the camp rules will result in a camp director notifying the parent/guardian and asking to assist in helping the camper make more positive choices. Some behaviors - outlined in the Camper Code of Conduct - are considered very serious and will result in immediate expulsion from camp. These include, but are not limited to:

• Use, possession, or distribution of weapons, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or any other illegal product.

• Verbal or physical abuse of any kind, including hitting, kicking, biting, or pushing.

• Threats to harm oneself or others.

Cougar Quest reserves the right to dismiss anyone for any violation of regulations. Campers asked to leave will not receive a refund, and the parent/guardian of the camper is responsible for arranging and paying for transportation for their camper to leave camp.