CCD Crisis Communication & Media Relations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a camp crisis, who should serve as the primary spokesperson when speaking to the media?
- The first staff member available
- A pre-designated, trained spokesperson (Correct answer)
- The most senior counselor on duty
- Any administrator comfortable with cameras
Correct answer: A pre-designated, trained spokesperson
A pre-designated, trained spokesperson ensures consistent, accurate messaging and prevents contradictory statements.
Question 2: What is the 'golden hour' in crisis communication?
- The first hour after sunrise when media are least active
- The critical first hour after a crisis when initial messaging sets the narrative (Correct answer)
- The 60-minute window before law enforcement arrives
- The period when social media posts get the most engagement
Correct answer: The critical first hour after a crisis when initial messaging sets the narrative
The golden hour refers to the critical first hour after a crisis when proactive communication helps shape public perception before rumors spread.
Question 3: A reporter arrives at your camp gate during an ongoing medical emergency. What is the best immediate action?
- Allow them access so they feel trusted
- Direct them to a designated media staging area away from the incident (Correct answer)
- Refuse all contact and lock the gate
- Have a counselor escort them to the scene
Correct answer: Direct them to a designated media staging area away from the incident
A designated media staging area keeps press informed without interfering with emergency operations or violating camper privacy.
Question 4: Which statement best describes the 'no comment' response during a camp crisis?
- It is the safest legal response and should always be used
- It implies guilt or incompetence and should be avoided in favor of bridging statements (Correct answer)
- It satisfies reporters who respect the camp's privacy
- It is acceptable only after consulting the board of directors
Correct answer: It implies guilt or incompetence and should be avoided in favor of bridging statements
'No comment' is perceived negatively by the public and media; bridging to what you can share is more effective.
Question 5: What should a camp crisis communication plan include regarding social media?
- A policy to shut down all camp social accounts during any incident
- Designated monitor roles, approved messaging guidelines, and response protocols (Correct answer)
- A rule that only the owner may post during a crisis
- Instructions to delete negative comments immediately
Correct answer: Designated monitor roles, approved messaging guidelines, and response protocols
A comprehensive social media protocol designates monitors, sets message approval processes, and guides staff on appropriate responses.
Question 6: When notifying parents during a crisis, which communication method is generally prioritized first?
- Camp newsletter
- Direct phone call or text to the parent/guardian (Correct answer)
- Social media post to the camp page
- Email blast to all families
Correct answer: Direct phone call or text to the parent/guardian
Direct phone or text contact ensures parents of directly affected campers receive personal, accurate information before public channels.
Question 7: A staff member posts unauthorized details about a camper injury on their personal social media. What should the director do first?
- Wait to see if it goes viral before acting
- Immediately contact the staff member to remove the post and begin damage control (Correct answer)
- Issue a public rebuttal on the camp's official page
- Contact the media to preempt the story
Correct answer: Immediately contact the staff member to remove the post and begin damage control
Unauthorized disclosure of camper information must be addressed immediately to limit privacy violations and misinformation spread.
CCD Crisis Communication & Media Relations 2
During a camp crisis, who should serve as the primary spokesperson when speaking to the media?