About 10 million children will be heading off to summer camp this year, and it seems that there is a camp for every interest. With camps ranging in adventure from science to theater to camps that cater to children with particular needs, the summer possibilities are endless. Sending your child off to camp, whether it is for the day or for an entire summer, should be full of fun and excitement. There's no reason to worry about your child's safety, right?
But camps vary in their health-care procedures, and a camp that is suitable for one child may not be suitable for yours. Of course, a camp for children with a specific illness, like diabetes or cancer, will have its own special procedures. But even if your child is well, it is essential that you ask all the important questions and give the camp all the information you can about your child's health before the crafts, swimming or hiking begins.
To help ensure that your child has a summer that is safe and full of smiles, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has published new guidelines for both day and sleep-away camps. Be aware that while these guidelines are applicable to every camp: each camp will need procedures and policies that work for their particular environment, activities and location.
Accidents and Emergencies
There is the potential for an accident at even the most prepared and well organized camp. As such, all camps should have personnel certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) present at all trips and activities, no matter how close the kids are to medical care. Additionally, all lifeguards and waterfront supervisors should be certified in CPR.
As far as emergency information, there is almost no such thing as giving a camp too much. All camps should require children to have had a visit to the doctor within a year of starting camp, and within 6 months if a child has a chronic health condition, such as asthma or diabetes. Be sure to completely fill out medical and camper information forms. Don't be afraid to add information that is not asked, and don't assume your child will relay important information himself, especially in an emergency situation.
"If that paperwork doesn't have a place to include some specific information, the parent should provide it to the camp ahead of time and not rely on the child to communicate it," says Gary Smith, MD, PhD, chairperson of the Committee on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Camps should have protocol established for particular emergency situations. Don't be afraid to ask about a camp's procedure should an accident occur when off site or in the wilderness. Parents or legal guardians should be notified as soon as possible about all medical emergencies. Additionally, written authorization should be provided that permits camp staff to bring a child to a medical center for non-emergency situations (not requiring an ambulance), especially for a sleep-away camp.
Health
Campers with Additional Health Concerns
If your child has an allergy or asthma, be sure that the camp health-personnel know, as well as someone who will be in close proximity with the child at all times. While this information will be in the medical forms, don't assume that all pertinent staff will review all the forms. Children should be trained in the use of EpiPens and inhalers well before camp begins, and this equipment should always be in the child's pocket or bag. If a counselor has to run to a nurse to get this medication, treatment will be delayed. In the case of a younger camper, who cannot self-administer these medications, trained staff should be made aware of the situation.
"I would not assume that a preschooler could inject himself with an EpiPen," says Dr. Smith, "This is an example where a parent really must be assured that the camp has someone who knows how to do it, and they're going to be with the child if an emergency comes up so they can administer it right away."
In the case of behavioral issues, such as attention deficit disorder (ADD), camps should be told if the child takes a daily medication, and counselors should be on the lookout for any behavioral changes. Some parents feel that because camp is less structured than school, it presents an opportunity for a "drug holiday." This practice, while suggested by some doctors, is discouraged by the AAP.
"Children who require medications for their ADD usually function better while on them," says Dr. Smith, "They're able to organize themselves and be less distracted or impulsive. That is a good reason to keep the child on the medication, whether they're in school or not."
Any other specific condition should be discussed with the camp, and all medications, special diets or treatments that a child may need should be detailed in writing by their physician and on file at camp, even if the child is capable of monitoring his or her condition.
Preparing for Emotional Issues
When choosing a camp, think about your child's abilities. If little Joey isn't interested in crochet or finds himself out of the game faster than you can say "dodgeball," camps that specialize in art or sports may not be the best idea. Yes, camp is a wonderful opportunity for children to try new things or learn new skills, but if the emphasis of a camp is your child's weakness or source of hatred, it is likely that tears and unhappy whining will soon occur; a balance of activities is usually best.
Be sure to consider your child's emotional well-being. Homesickness is common, especially in sleep-away camps, but younger kids may also suffer from homesickness at day camp. To prevent this, involve your child in the process of choosing and packing for camp. Discuss homesickness openly, and be positive about the camp experience. If your child hasn't spent a lot of time away from home, it is a good idea to schedule "test runs," where your child stays at a relative's or friend's house before camp begins.
If homesickness does occur, give camp some perspective; eight-weeks of camp will fly by just like dance classes or winter vacation. The AAP stresses that parents should not immediately run to pick up a homesick child, as this may "undermine the child's confidence in his or her own independence."
Let the Fun Begin!
The goal of every camp should be to give a child a safe, enjoyable summer experience. Some of the best memories and life-long friends are made during the few weeks of camp, so health concerns should be the last thing on your child's mind. One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to be confident that a camp is safe and well prepared. The rest—the fun and games—will come naturally.
