Weather Safety

We take weather safety VERY seriously. All sites have storm shelters and we monitor weather conditions carefully. We will notify parents when appropriate, so please do not call camp during a storm. We need to keep our phone lines open, and will be busy taking care of campers.

Weather is unpredictable and camper safety is of primary importance. Because of this, CJH implemented an even stronger system to make sure that campers are safe in the unpredictable weather of the summer camp season in Nebraska.

“We have a great relationship with our local authorities and they are very good at looking out for us and communicating with us regarding storm safety,” says Dave Coker, Executive Director. Carol Joy Holling Camp is also accredited through the American Camp Association, which has strict guidelines on weather related procedures. “Knowing that we can’t control the weather doesn’t stop us from trying to predict it, monitor it, and be extremely proactive in keeping our campers and staff safe in it.”

“In 2009 we added to our weather safety tool kit by implementing a new software program called Weather Defender ,” says Coker.

Weather Defender, developed by software firm SWIFT Weather, is a weather prediction and monitoring system that helps customers forecast, monitor and respond to weather threats. When threats are issued, the software will alert key people at Carol Joy Holling Camp via computer, e-mail, or cell phone. “With this service, we can see what is happening directly at Carol Joy Holling Camp,” says Coker. “We, of course, are watching the local weather station just like the parents, but we also now have very specific information about the weather exactly where we are at and can respond accordingly.”

"We primarily work with emergency professionals and first responders," says This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , President of SWIFT Weather. "By incorporating Weather Defender into their preparedness plans, Carol Joy Holling is setting a new standard for camper and weather safety."

Weather Safety Scenerio

10 a.m.	Lightning and storms predicted for Carol Joy Holling Camp – key staff to monitor and inform camp counselors that they need to be on alert for possible programming changes due to weather.
1 p.m.	Lighting strikes within 20 miles of Carol Joy Holling Camp. Weather Defender alerts key staff and they communicate immediately to lifeguards, high-ropes coordinators and counselors to adjust programming as needed.
2 p.m.	Tornado watch is issued. Key staff are again notified and are monitoring the area situation via local news and area authorities. More importantly, staff are able to monitor, via Weather Defender, exactly what is happening and predicted to happen on the 317 acres that staff and campers are scattered across.
2:15 p.m.	Tornado warning is issued and all campers are immediately directed to the closest shelter (one is located on all six program sites). “By the way,” Bragg says, “it is really cool to watch our staff in action in storm shelters – they are amazing at helping campers stay calm, redirect their energy to fun activities like improvisation skits and talent shows, and comfort those campers who are fearful.”
3 p.m.	The National Weather Service calls off all warnings and the all-clear is given by the key CJH staff. An e-mail or a phone call is then issued to parents of campers letting them know that campers are safe and back to normal programming.

“Weather threats are inevitable here in Nebraska summer months. We feel very strongly that the tools we have in place –Weather Defender and our systems for action – are going to help us make sure campers are safe and parents are reassured,” Coker said.

For more information on summer camp weather safety, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , NLOM Director/Programs, toll free at 1-888-656-6254.

27416 Ranch Road, Ashland, NE 68003 • 1-402-944-2544