7 Questions with Our Chief of Security

Sending your child to camp can be challenging…overwhelming…even traumatic. Add to that concerns about traveling to another country, and it’s natural to have questions about safety and similar issues.
 
To help put your mind at ease, we sat with Ainsworth Aarons, our Chief of Security, to get a feel for his strategies for keeping our guests safe this summer.
 
1. How do you provide security at the camp?
Security will be a combination of well-trained police officers and private security guards. Even if there’s a visit off-campus, every moment will be supervised. We’re leaving nothing to chance.
 
2. What’s your relationship with the police and other security forces on the island?
I’ve spent over 15 years in St. Ann, and have solid, well-established relationships with security teams and police formations all over the Island.
 
3. Is there anything to worry about for a child traveling alone?
YES. Children over age 12 can travel unaccompanied, provided an adult has signed a form of indemnity the day of the flight (the form is at the airport’s check-in desk). Under age 12 the child must be accompanied by someone age 16 or more.
 
But probably the biggest problem we encounter is travelers not actually making the flight. To avoid this, be sure you’re at the terminal two hours ahead for an international flight, and tell the agent when you make the reservations and at check-in that your child is traveling alone. If airline personnel know a child is alone, they can keep an eye on him or her to ensure they get safely to their destination. 
 
4. What can you tell us about the violence we’ve heard about in Jamaica?
Jamaica is paradise in the tropics. Still, it’s not without its share of human involvement, and there are neighborhoods that should be avoided…that’s just common sense. From time to time incidents or reports of incidents are highlighted in the media. We’ve found this does not represent the overwhelming majority of the Jamaican population; people who pride themselves in being part of the beauty, community, and uniqueness of our island.
 
It's important to know that Irie Camp Jamaica is in one of the safest parts of the island. You might also want to remember that, other than in a case of natural disaster, there has never been a cancellation of a cruise or a flight here due to violence. Neither has any hotel been closed as a result of violence.
 
5. The US State Department has issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for those traveling to Jamaica. What does that mean to our guests?
The US Travel advisory is well-intentioned as a way to create awareness. With the recent Nor' Easter, we'd want an advisory if we were in the possible path of the storm. Regardless of the situation, security will always be well coordinated.
 
6. Are there any precautions that families should take before sending their kids to our camp?
A few things come to mind:
1. Ensure your travel documents are up to date. If they’re not, make sure you leave adequate time to deal with the appropriate government agencies. 
2. Remember your passport must have at least 6 months left on it.
3. Be sure your child brings enough medication for their stay, and advise the staff at Irie Camp Jamaica about all medications and allergies.
4. Tell us in advance about your child's physical abilities and if there are any activities they're unable to participate in.
5. Last, but by no means least, be sure your child is healthy enough to be exposed to a whole lot of fun, fun, fun. We’re planning to have a GREAT time this summer, and we want to make sure everyone here gets the most out of every moment they’re with us.
 
7. Does anything keep you awake at night? 
Not a thing; I sleep like a baby! 

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