drug detection tests www.drugdetectiontests.com

Protecting Kids with Drug Testing at Camp

Article by Art Jones

Every summer, children flock to camp, where they spend hours honing their skills for a school sport's team, practicing drills for band routines or testing science experiments. Horse riding, arts and crafts, swimming, music and other recreational programs teach children skills and build teamwork while exposing campers to a variety of educational experiences. Camp attendance increases a child's skills, confidence, community and social circle. Sometimes camp can also expose kids to negative influences.

Designed to protect campers from abusive and dangerous situations, administrators ban dangerous activities or paraphernalia such as drugs, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, and bullies. Administrators and staff choose to enforce the drug-free zone by implementing drug testing. A simple marijuana test confronts campers who choose to use drugs. Many camps outline their specific policies toward drugs and drug screening in the enrollment forms. Here, they clarify when the testing takes place, parent notification guidelines, and the repercussions of a positive test. Parents agree to the testing before enrolling their child, and campers understand the drug-free policies and requirements before arriving.

While camps prohibit alcohol and illegal drugs of any kind on the premises, children of all backgrounds attend camp together and share their habits and preferences with their fellow campers. Kids who wish to use drugs will find ways to smuggle illegal substances onto the campus. They pack it in their suitcases or receive drugs from visitors. Additionally, seasoned and respected counselors may provide campers with a variety of substances for recreational use.

When a counselor or staff person suspects drug use, they administer a test that detects marijuana, opiates, cocaine, or a combination of these illegal substances. Children give a sample of urine into a sterile specimen cup, and the staff member dips the panel test stick into the sample. In as little as two minutes, the panel stick indicates the presence or absence of substances.

Random tests also allow staff to intervene in the life of the child who experiments with illegal substances. For safety and health reasons, established boundaries at social centers help kids make wise choices and stay safe. Camp provides memories and lessons that influence and shape a child for life. Drug screening at camp ensures a safe environment in which each child and staff member participate. Kids make friends, learn new skills, and enjoy activities in the great outdoors with caregivers who protect and care for them. Administrators ensure the safety and health of each camper and provide life changing experiences to the children in their care.