The Ultimate Guide to Summer & Sports Camp Liability Waivers

Summer camps and sports programs are all about fun, growth, and new experiences. But if you’re the one running the show, you know it’s also about keeping things safe, organized, and legally sound. That’s where having a solid summer camp liability waiver comes in. Whether you're leading a soccer camp for teens or hosting a family weekend at your campground, a waiver isn’t just a legal form. It's a foundational part of your business.

Let’s break down what a camp waiver really does, what should be in it, and how to make it work better for you and your campers.

Why Waivers Matter More Than Ever

Camps today come with a wide range of activities - kayaking, rock climbing, zip-lining, contact sports, the list goes on. Each of those carries some level of risk. A sports camp liability waiver protects your organization by ensuring participants (and their parents or guardians) understand and accept those risks before they ever arrive on site.

But waivers aren’t just about protection. A well-designed summer camp waiver also sets the tone. It shows that you're professional, organized, and care about safety. And if it's easy to sign, branded to your camp, and mobile-friendly? Even better. It makes a great first impression.

What to Include in Your Camp Waiver

Here’s what every good sports camp liability waiver or summer program waiver should include:

Assumption of risk: Clearly outline the types of activities campers will be involved in and the inherent risks associated with them.
Release of liability: State that the participant (or their legal guardian) agrees not to hold your organization liable for accidents or injuries.
Medical consent: In case of emergency, can you seek medical treatment on their behalf? This clause helps you act fast when it matters most.
Behavior policies: Especially for youth programs, setting behavioral expectations is key.
Photo and video release: Want to share camp photos on social media or your website? Make sure you have permission.

And don’t forget: your campground waiver or camp liability form should be easy to read, easy to sign, and easy to store. No one wants to manage stacks of paper in the middle of August heat.

Go Digital: It’s a Game-Changer

If you’re still printing waivers and chasing down signatures with clipboards, there’s a better way. With digital waiver tools like WaiverSign, you can send your waivers ahead of time, collect signatures from any device, and store everything securely in the cloud.

Even better, you can bundle multiple documents (like a medical release and a camp waiver) into one seamless signing flow. Parents only have to fill out basic info once, and you get everything you need in one go. Talk about a win-win.

Explore how other education programs and youth organizations are using WaiverSign for camps and schools.

Don’t Miss the Marketing Opportunity

Here’s something a lot of camps overlook. The info you collect on your waiver can actually help you grow your program.

Every signed summer camp liability waiver gives you valuable data, names, emails, phone numbers, that you can use (with permission) to send post-camp thank yous, request reviews, share next year’s registration dates, or promote new sessions.

Want to dig into the details of crafting a strong sports camp liability waiver? Check out our sports waiver template and tips designed specifically for active programs like yours.