Safety at Summer Camp
February 23rd, 2010 by Jeff Lorenz, under Travel and Leisure. No Comments
Millions of children go to Summer Youth Camps. Yet before you even commit to find that perfect place for your child experts suggest you make sure it is safe.
Recent guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the ACA (American Camp Association.) suggest parents be aware of their camps health and safety policies. Dr. Walton, is lead author of the paper and official policy statements.
The new policy statement for the first time advises parents to thoroughly assess whether a camp is right for their child’s mental, emotional and physical well-being, as well as their interests and skills.
Walton says, “camps should provide parents with a complete picture of what their programs involve”. Look at the total package and be sure it is safe an healthy for your child.
Prevention of homesickness begins long before camp starts. Parents and doctors alike need to be involved.
Parents should also avoid making pre-arranged plans with their children about picking them up if they get homesick. This only gets kids thinking about the way out of camp. Only should parents discuss camp positively, avoid expressing doubts about a child’s ability to avoid homesickness.
The American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines say the pediatricians need to be involved with camps in their local have up to date protocols and help as medical backups for camp health personnel.
The guideline recommends that parents teach their children how to use rescue inhalers or EpiPens, before the kids go to camp. Parents need talk with camp directors about conditions that might require children to use their devices.
Delay in not having these items handy can have real health consequences for the child.
The new guideline does not give detailed recommendations for camps that serve only children with special medical circumstances, such as cancer, physical disabilities, blindness, deafness or diabetes. But it recommends that camps work with local pediatricians and health professionals to assess children’s fitness to take part in such camps, and establish programs specific to them.
Finding the Right Summer Camp for your you is no easy task, Si, visit a FREE resource Summer Camp Advice at Summer Camp
Swift Nature Camp is a Minnesota Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. Our focus is to blend traditional outdoors summer camp activities with that of a Science At Summer Camps that promotes an appreciation for nature.
