Childcare on board

[shelby]

Ok, i am in the teaching profession and there are been SO many stories in education, communities, coaching recently of child abuse. What are the qualifications and background checks done on the people on these ships that we are supposed to leave our kids with? Its kindof like walking into a new town and just leaving your child with the first stranger you come across.....

[Cruise Specialist]

According to the Carnival brochure about Camp Carnival, All children are supervised by counselors who are college educated in a related field, have professional child care experience or both. You do not have to worry, your children will be just fine. These counselors are highly trained, most are in their 20's (young at heart) and love working with the children. My daughter has always gone to the programs offered on the ships and loves every minute of it. If you are concerned, the best thing to do is GO on the first night to the kids program, check the childrens facilities out and meet the counselors. I am sure you will be impressed with what you see and feel confortable leaving your children with them.

I don't remember what your childrens ages are but here are some of the activites listed in the brochure:

TODDLERS: (2-5) Finger painting, Outdoor fun, Movie night, Pizza pig out, Candy Bingo, Story Time, Cookie Decorating, Face Painting, Breakfast with your Youth Staff, Mini Farewell Party, Circle games, T-Shirt painting, slumber party, Play-Doh time, Candy Art, Sand Art and many more activities.

JUINORS: (6-8) Pirate Hunt, Talent Show, Pizza Pig-out, Olympics, Outdoor Fun and Games, Indoor Beach Party, Play Station 2, Game Boy Fun, Coketail Party, Ice Cream eating Contest, and many more activities.

INTERMEDIATE (9-11) Come have breakfast, Swimmin Under the Stars, Karaoke, Show Time, Meet the Entertainment backstage, Jewelry Making, Board Games, Scavenger Hunts, Talent Show, Ping Pong, and many more activities.

There are many more activities for the older kids. As you can see you will not just be handing your children over for someone to "watch" they will be active throughout the entire time they are at the camp. Do not be surprised if they decide they want to spend all their time at Camp Carnival instead of with you.

[shelby]

I would feel better if they had background checks.

[swimmersonboard]

I am not sure what the cruise lines use as their standards when hiring but I would think it would be quite high. They are so much in the public eye and would be SOOO Much in the PUBLIC Media should something negative happen. I don't think there was ever a time in Camp Carnival when my kids were only with one counselor. There was always more than one and quite a few kids so that serves as some accountability. Parents can come and go as they want and a counselor never knows when a parent might decide to come and pick up a child so they know an adult could appear at any moment. The doors were always left with the top half open any time I came by too.
Just to make you feel a little better and to maybe bear something that is personal. I was sexually abused by a babysitter growing up and I am Really sensitive about where I leave my kids and with whom. I felt very at ease with Camp Carnival and with all the counselors, and I am Very picky about who I let them stay with!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NancyN]

Hi Shelby,
As a former teacher myself I totally understand how you feel. Since this question is on the General Chat forum, I am not sure if you are asking in general or have a specific cruise line in mind. But, I can tell you that on Royal Caribbean youth staff members hold a four-yr. degree in Education, Recreation or a related field from an accredited college or university. All are certified in CPR, have extensive background in working with large groups of children and have from 3-5 years experience working in a team situation. Thorough background checks are done an every staff member, so relax - on RC the kids are in excellent hands.
Nancy

[shelby]

Thanks for your comforting posts. Swimmers on board.: I too was in a similar situation as a child so you are looking at it the same way I do and that helps.
I didn't even let my kids go to my neices wedding because they would be spending the day with a complete stranger during the "no-children" reception.
I'm sure it will be ok and I'll most likely send my daughter with one of her older brothers as a watch dog.

Thanks for the input.

[swimmersonboard]

They will be fine. You pay good money for cruises and personally it is the most fun I have EVER had with my kids on vacation. It will be okay, just get excited now and ENJOY when you get there!!