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By Melissa Tennen, HealthAtoZ writer
Ten million children visit summer camps each year. To ensure that a camp is safe, here's what you'll need to ask before packing up your child's bags:
What exactly will my child be doing?
A child who is allergic to horses probably shouldn't be going horseback riding. If there's going to be scuba diving, counselors should know that your child has asthma. It's important that counselors are aware of such conditions ahead of time.
Drowning is the second leading injury-related killer of children ages 1 to 14. Choose a camp that requires children to wear life vests for water activities.
What will my child be eating?
If your child has a food allergy, has diabetes or is on a special diet, give written instructions from your child's doctor to camp counselors.
If your child has an allergy, make sure that both your child and camp counselors know how to use injectable epinephrine. Let counselors know how to avoid allergic reactions and what to do if your child has one.
What if my child has a condition like diabetes?
Find out who will give your child his medications. Talk to his doctor and work out a plan. Review the plan with counselors to make sure they understand how to care for your child, how to reach you at all times and what to do in an emergency.
What kinds of health risks should I be aware of?
Especially in the Northeast, ticks can be a major problem and can transmit Lyme disease. Make sure your child knows what ticks are and tells the counselors if she is bitten or develops a bull's-eye rash - a telltale sign of Lyme disease. Show your child what poison ivy, poison oak and other poisonous plants look like and warn her to stay away from them.
How do I know if the camp can help my child in an emergency?
Make sure you choose a camp with counselors certified in CPR. You may be asked to sign a release statement allowing counselors to provide emergency treatment while they try to reach you. Find out the distance to the nearest hospital. Ask what kind of medical help the camp has and if they have arrangements with dentists and doctors.
What happens if my child gets homesick?
Experts say it's best not to pick up a homesick child from camp. If your child calls, tell him you're glad to hear from him, but that you want him to stick it out because he's going to have a really great time.
Get your child ready for camp by telling her that it's going to be fun and that she'll make new friends. Say it's OK if she misses you, but emphasize the fun she'll have.
What kind of information do counselors need from me?
They should have all your phone numbers - cell, work and home. Give counselors your child's full medical history, including any operations, injuries, immunizations, mental health issues, major illnesses or any other problems you can think of.
Does my child need to get a physical exam before going?
Your child's last physical should be within the previous year. If he has a health problem, his last physical should be within the previous six months.
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External Sources
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American Academy of Pediatrics
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American Camp Association
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National Safe Kids Campaign
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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