Prepping Your Camper: What to Know Before Leaving for Camp

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By Stephanie Reynolds, D.O.
Going to camp for some kids can be anxiety-ridden and for others it’s a walk in the park. Here are a few tips for preparing your child for camp.
First, it’s important to assess your child’s level of comfort –emotionally, mentally and physically – of going away to camp and then what needs to be done to be prepared.
Ready or Not? Discuss with your child if he is ready for day camp vs. camps with overnight facilities, or “sleepaway” camps.
You both have to be honest with yourselves before signing up and not just hope it’ll be OK when camp day comes along.
Otherwise your child can wind up homesick in the nurse’s office with the proverbial tummyache.
Physician’s Exam. Make the pediatrician’s appointment now for your child’s physical. Most camps require medical forms and you want to get the physical and current vaccinations done before the school year ends.
All required immunizations should be administered at least three months before they leave for camp. Sometimes a rash or fever can develop after a vaccination, and you don’t want that to happen when the child is at camp.
Medications. Make sure there is no problem with medications. You want to ensure that the camp has a way to store medicine appropriately and there is someone competent to administer that medication. You’ll also want to send your child with extra medications.
Make sure you pack Benadryl cream for bug bites – especially for sleepaway camp, and that the camp is OK with any over-the-counter (OTC) medications your child needs, i.e., Tylenol, ibuprofen and cortisone creams.
Some camps will require a note instructing where the medication should be stored and how to be dispensed; that may require your child to go to the nurse’s office when she needs Tylenol.
Each camp has its own parameters; they may require doctors’ instructions or just a parents’ note will do.
Food Allergies. If your child has one, make sure there’s a safe place for her to eat and she’s not at risk to exposure. Most camps are very cognizant of allergies nowadays and will have a cabin or table that is peanut-free.
First Aid.You’ll want to send a small first-aid kit if your child goes to sleepaway camp. You can include cotton balls, sun block – 50 SPF or higher – cold cream, antibacterial cream and Band-Aids, so they don’t have to go to the nurse’s office every time they need a Band-Aid. If your child tends to get swimmer’s ear, make sure they have drops for water in the ear.
Staff. Ask if all camp counselors are certified in first aid and basic CPR, and are not just kids looking for summer jobs. Do they have medical experience, have taken the American Red Cross first aid course, which is usually the standard for camp counselors?
Emergency Contacts. Make sure the camp – whether it’s a day camp or an overnight one – has all up-to-date contact numbers, especially parents’ cell numbers. Nobody uses the home phone anymore so cell phone numbers for parents and an emergency contact is crucial. And make sure that the camp knows that if there is an emergency, those numbers travel with the child to the doctor or hospital.
All of this can lead to happy, enriching – and safe – summer camp experience.

Kid’s Life 2016