Health & Safety

Durham Academy Summer takes the health and safety of all of our campers seriously. We receive up-to-date guidance from Durham Academy’s health director, and we consult with local community experts to ensure that we maintain a safe and secure environment for all of our community members. We look forward to a safe and successful summer!

DA Summer’s Health and Safety team maintains current CPR/AED/First Aid certifications. 

DA Summer will contact families regarding any important health and safety updates, and we are always available via our Health and Safety line (919-428-6208) from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
 

Health Topics


Policies for COVID-19 and Other Infectious Diseases

May 11, 2023, marked the end of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s declaration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. DA Summer will continue to monitor the CDC for any updated guidelines.


Safety Topics

Safety and security at DA Summer is of the utmost importance. DA Summer Security Team Lead Jim Cleary trains employees regarding the proper steps to prevent and navigate a variety of emergency situations.

In the event of an emergency, DA Summer will take the following steps:

  • An email and text message will be sent to all DA Summer employees and families based on information listed in CampBrain. Please make sure the contact information in your profile is current and correct.

  • A pop-up announcement will be published on the homepage of the Durham Academy website (www.da.org).

  • Camp closings, early dismissals or delayed openings will also be announced on DA Summer’s Instagram account (@summeratDA)

  • For delayed openings, camp directors will follow the initial delay announcement with an email further outlining arrival/dismissal times, the day’s schedule and any after-camp care cancellations.

  • You may call or email the DA Summer Office (summer@da.org or 919-357-2433) and choose the appropriate extension with any questions. We will contact you as soon as possible.

Health & Safety Team

Health and Safety Coordinator (Session 1): Jay Dillon

Jay Dillon

Jay Dillon is Durham Academy’s assistant athletic trainer and is originally from Frederick, Maryland. Dillon earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Towson University and a master’s degree in applied health physiology from Salisbury University. He is excited to ensure that this year at DA Summer is a fun and safe one!


Health and Safety Coordinator (Session 2): Pat Ben-Israel

Pat Ben-Israel

Pat Ben-Israel teaches the CPR/AED Red Cross and Babysitting courses at DA Summer. She is originally from Greensboro, and this will be her third year working at DA Summer. She holds a bachelor's degree in Interpersonal Communication and a master's in Physiology from N.C. State University. She is thrilled to help facilitate safe and enriching experiences for campers this summer!


DA Summer Health and Safety Coordinator Assistant: Emerson Levin ’23

Emerson Levin is a rising first-year student at Williams College, where she plans to major in biology and serve as a campus EMT. This will be Levin’s third year working at DA Summer, but she also attended DA Summer as a camper dating back to elementary school! She is looking forward to ensuring all campers have a rewarding, fun and safe camp experience. 


DA Summer Health and Safety Coordinator Assistant: Wesley Morris

Wesley Morris is a junior at Loyola University Chicago is pursuing a degree in nursing. He is originally from Chapel Hill, and this will be his second year working at DA Summer. In his free time, Morris loves to be outdoors and enjoys going fishing. He is excited for a great summer!


DA Summer Security Team Lead: Jim Cleary

Jim Cleary is Durham Academy’s Director of Security and has served in that role since 2019. Cleary joined DA as Assistant Director of Security in 2015. He retired from the Durham Police Department as a sergeant and the majority of his supervisory experience was with the Selective Enforcement Team (SWAT) and internal investigations. Jim is eager to return this summer to secure a safe and happy summer!