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As you most likely are
aware, the Department of Homeland Security
has raised the security alert in this country
in response to the uncovering of alleged
threats against planes traveling from the
UK to the USA. This has impacted airports
around the country. Anyone traveling through
US airports will encounter changes in screening,
longer wait times, and limitations for
carry-on luggage.
Currently, there is information
on the Transportation
Safety Administration (TSA) web site that
includes excellent "frequently
asked questions" help.
As always, camp directors are responding
to the needs of their campers and families.
While these changes may slow down travel
time for campers, we place
the safety of campers first and welcome
the safety precautions taken by the flight
industry in order to ensure the safety
of all passengers.
In order to help transportation move as
smoothly as possible and to ensure the
safe return home of campers and staff—with
as little stress as possible, camps throughout
the nation are making changes.
According to ACA President Ann Sheets,
"I recommend that all of you need
to reassure your campers that everything
is being done for their safety, including
some different precautions and different
packing. At the same time, it might be
a good practice for you to touch base with
parents, assuring them that we are aware
of their concerns and will abide by all
regulations, no matter what they are. We
can't stress enough to families and campers
that our primary goal is to return campers
to their families with as little disruption
as possible."
Suggestions from ACA camp directors currently
dealing with the increased security include
- check all campers' flights through
airports for delays or cancellations.
- contact parents to provide information
and to answer any questions regarding
changes in airline security.
- plan to allow more time for check in
and security—arriving as much as
three to four hours ahead of flight times.
- reassure campers and parents that these
precautions ensure their safety.
- help campers correctly pack their bags
to meet new regulations, including the
ban of liquids such as bottled water
in carry-on bags.
- or encourage campers not to take carry-on
luggage in order to bypass potentially
stressful luggage searches.
ACA recommends that all camps strictly
follow TSA's packing guidelines,
including labeling bags from both the inside
and outside.
Sharon Kosch, ACA national chair for ACA’s
Public Policy Committee shares:
- International staff placement agencies
are in contact with their camps and staff
.
- They advise staff to get to airports
four hours early for international flights.
- They recommend that camps encourage
international staff to stay in contact
with their placement agencies for alerts
or updates on return flights and/or watch
the agency Web sites for information.
- The agencies are prepared to deal with
each situation on a case by case basis,
if necessary.
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