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Plan for Your Transportation Program Now
The transportation of campers continues to be a topic of concern to
all camps. During the American Camp Association (ACA) National Conference
in Chicago, many members of the insurance industry joined together
for a roundtable to discuss emerging issues. At this point in time,
insurance companies have identified a trend concerning accidents and
the age of drivers. Camps can expect to see increased minimum age (twenty-one
to twenty-five) and maximum age (sixty-nine) limit requirements. There
are excellent resources available to camps to aid in the development
of your transportation program. A new resource from OSHA, Guidelines
for Employers to Reduce Motor Vehicle Crashes, is a terrific addition
to the literature. It is available for free at: www.osha.gov.
Wage Laws
Minimum wage laws are primarily state (not federal government) issues,
and they often are intertwined with overtime issues. ACA has continued
to educate camps about these complex issues. It is important you refresh
yourself about the laws and requirements in your state. For a quick review
of your state, ask these questions:
- Does your state have its own minimum wage laws or does it
accept the federal law (FLSA)?
- Is there a state exemption from minimum wage and/or overtime
for seasonal or recreational workers? What is the exemption and who
is it for?
- Does your state have exemptions for the following individuals
working in camp?
- Students
- Program Counselors or Program Specialists
- Professionals (e.g., nurses)
- What is the base rate you must pay? (e.g., forty hours
at minimum wage, etc.)
- Do room and board allocations count toward the minimum
wage requirement? What is the maximum amount allowed for room and
board?
- How does the state count on-duty hours — specifically
in regards to sleeping and mealtimes?
- What is the definition of functional staff in your state
and are there differences in wage and hour provisions related to
those positions?
- What kind of recording documentation system or time card
is required by the state to verify hours worked and hours paid?
- What type of information pertaining to minimum wage
is required to be posted and accessible to employees in
your state?
Originally published in the 2006 Spring issue
of The CampLine.
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