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Kids

OUR COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY

KEEPING YOUR CHILD SAFE

We are excited to have your children spend time in our programs, whether at Camp, School Age Child Care, or the Exeter Area YMCA. We are committed to ensuring that every child has a safe, fun, and positive experience.

 

Child safety and protection are our number one priority. Our goal is to help educate both parents and children about how to stay safe from abuse in any environment, using the skills and knowledge reinforced through our programs. Our team is trained in comprehensive and innovative child-safety practices to help ensure your children are safe while in our care. We deeply value the trust you place in us as parents and guardians, and we do not take that responsibility for granted.

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In April 2025, the Southern District YMCA was awarded Praesidium Accreditation by Praesidium, a leader in abuse risk management. This prestigious accreditation publicly demonstrates that our organization has worked to meet the highest industry standards in abuse prevention​​​​​​​

Accreditation

To achieve accreditation, the SDYMCA underwent a rigorous process to implement Praesidium’s Accreditation Standards across eight key operational areas: policies, screening and selection, training, monitoring and supervision, consumer participation, internal feedback systems, responding, and administrative practices.

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Praesidium then verified the SDYMCA’s successful implementation of these standards. The SDYMCA is accredited for three years and, during this time, will continue to uphold strong organizational values and rigorous safety practices that demonstrate its commitment to protecting those in its care from abuse.

​We urge you to talk to your children regularly about their experiences at our Y, camp, and our programs. Ask them about their counselors, instructors, and other staff. If, as a result, there is ever a concern regarding the safety and protection of your child, please notify us immediately. If you would like to report a concern anonymously, you can use the SDYMCA Reporting Page. Otherwise, you can reach out to your Camp Director, School Age Child Care Director, or Membership Director, or the CEO. Throughout the year, we will be offering educational opportunities regarding child safety, and we encourage you to join us. Together, we can keep our children safe.

KNOW, SEE, RESPOND

Know see respond

OUR COMMITMENT TO HIRING

  • We believe that our greatest asset is our staff members, and nothing requires more effort than finding the correct fit to help deliver our mission

  • We follow best practices for screening, hiring, and onboarding staff members. Potential staff complete applications and then undergo interviews with year-round staff members

  • Before candidates are hired, we complete reference checks and verify previous employment. Candidates then undergo an in-depth background check, which consists of a Criminal Background Check, a check of the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW), and a Central Registry Check from the state of NH

 

OUR COMMITMENT TO TRAINING

  • ​​Staff members undergo an in-depth 50+ hour training program before summer camp

  • Our general training program is quite extensive, including camp structure & culture, emergency procedures, operating procedures, ages and stages of youth development, abuse prevention, and so much more

  • In addition to our general training program, Camp staff receive department-specific training. This is broad and includes the following:

  • Water Safety Instructors (WSI) for Waterfront Directors

  • American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification for guards at Camp Lincoln and Camp Greenway.

  • US Archery Instructor Training

  • Small Crafts Boating Training

  • Transportation training, including behind-the-wheel training for anyone operating a vehicle.

  • Serve Safe Certification & Training for our Food Service Staff

  • Specific training for staff overseeing specialized activities such as Ropes Course, Mountain Biking, or the Pottery Program.

 

For more information for you or your children, please visit these websites for additional resources:

  • 5 Days of Action:  This page has a variety of resources for parents, from online safety to talking with your children. It also links to specific resources in your state.

Video Resources for Parents/Guardians are provided by Praesidium, Inc.​

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Child Protection Services

The Division for Children, Youth and Family's (DCYF) Child Protection Bureau works to protect children from abuse and neglect. 

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Intake​

  • A toll-free number: 800-894-5533 (in-state only), or 603-271-6562 (in or out of state), is staffed 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays.

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