IRVINE, Calif. – UC Irvine's Director of Camps & Commuity Outreach Amanda Davis and Director of Camps Program Development Gerald Parham became certified Praesidium Guardians.
 
UC Irvine hosted a Certified Praesidium Guardian workshop in January 2018 to formalize an abuse prevention framework for youth camps. In efforts to provide a safe camp environment, Davis and Parham were two of four UCI employees to become certified abuse prevention experts.
 
UCI offers year-round opportunities for youth programs, camps and experiences across campus and recognizes the importance of these opportunities to have a positive impact on each child's personal growth and development as well as the importance of safety and risk management as part of these experiences.

"UC Irvine Sports Camps strives to provide campers with training and skill development in a fun, safe, and inclusive learning environment," said Davis. "The Praesidium Guardian workshop, project, and now certification gave Athletics an opportunity to further our knowledge on youth protection and opened doors to a network of people who all strive to create a safer environment for everyone who joins us for each of our camps. I can't thank Praesidium and UC Irvine enough for the opportunity to be part of the select few chosen to take part in this program."
 
As part of this collaborative effort, Davis and Parham helped to navigate campus culture to create formal bylaws, define the organization's roles and responsibilities, outline membership, and integrate systems to ensure UCI camps continue to create a culture of safety for all youth camps.

"Our Summer Youth Camps have always strived to make a positive difference in the growth and development of our campers in a safe, inclusive and fun environment. This additional Praesidium Certification adds a significant value, to an already robust program, that has always had, as part of our foundation, the safety and welfare of all of our camp participants." said Parham. 
 
Davis and Parham are two of 46 certified Praesidium Guardians in higher education.