Help Your Child Thrive This Summer: Learn How to Spot 9 Signs of a Negative Sport or Camp Environment by Guest Post U.S. Center for SafeSport May 4, 2026 | 1 minute, 7 seconds read U.S. Center for SafeSport Check out more U.S. Center for SafeSport video content on the U.S. Center for SafeSport SportsEngine Play Channel Every child deserves the chance to explore, play, and learn in an environment that prioritizes well-being and encourages growth as they practice a new skill or enjoy their favorite sport. But growth can only happen if these environments are supportive and safe. As you prepare for your child’s upcoming summer camp or sports season, take a moment to pause and survey the environment they’ll be entering. By paying attention to the warning signs of potentially unsafe sport, camp, or other active environments, parents and guardians of youth athletes can help cultivate sport atmospheres where athletes can thrive. Signs to Be Aware Of Abuse prevention strategies usually involve understanding positive attributes of a sporting environment. But just as a positive sport environment can help prevent abuse and misconduct, a negative setting can open the door to it. While exploring the following list, remember that unsafe or negative environments can have lasting effects, which filter down to athletes and affect how they are treated—and how they treat each other. When adults in the lives of athletes prioritize positive, supportive team values, you demonstrate that abuse or misconduct will not be tolerated. Read the full article at U.S. Center for SafeSport > About The U.S. Center for SafeSport The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an independent nonprofit organization responsible for responding to and preventing emotional, physical, and sexual misconduct and abuse in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. The Center also serves as an educational resource for sports organizations at all levels, from recreational sports organizations to professional leagues. Learn more > Read the full article at U.S. Center for SafeSport > tags in this article Safety U.S. Center for SafeSport