Keeping Your Kids at Summer Camp

Summer is here in full bloom and for many families, that means it’s time for summer camp. The summer camp experience can be fabulous creating lifelong memories, but only if your child is safe and healthy.

Most camps are safe and the dangers are low, but there are risks. A study published in Pediatrics magazine documented the risks. The study found that there were two illnesses for every injury, so it is much more likely that your child will get sick at camp than injured. Yet the rate of illness and injuries is low. For every 1,000 camp days, where one camper spending one day at camp counts as 1 camp day, there was only 1.15 illnesses or injuries. Among the injuries, the most common were cuts, scrapes and scratches.

What can you as a parent do to keep your child safe at summer camp?

Before Enrolling in Camp

· Verify that the camp is accredited by the American Camp Association.

· Visit the camp to make sure your child will be comfortable.

· Verify that staff have training in CPR and first aid.

· Make sure your child has a checkup and that all vaccinations are up to date.

· Give the camp leaders a list of emergency contacts.

· If your child is ill, keep them at home to reduce the spread of illness to other campers.

Packing for Camp

The camp should provide guidelines on what to bring to camp, but you should make sure these items go with your child to camp:

· Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater

· Head coverings

· Reusable water bottle

Talking to Your Child

Throughout the process of selecting a camp and preparing our child for camp, you should discuss issues of safety and good health practices. Here are some of the topics you may want to address:

· Discuss with your child the importance of remaining hydrated with non-carbonated, sugar-free fluids throughout the day.

· Ask that they avoid wild animals, and that they report any run-ins they may have with creatures in the wilderness.

· Talk about ways to avoid the spread of head lice through head-to-head contact.

· Show your kids how to apply sunscreen properly and talk about how frequently this should be done.

· Stress the importance of “sneezing in their sleeve” and washing their hands properly.

· Prepare your campers for a safe and fun-filled camp experience.

Summer camp can be a great experience. Taking some reasonable precautions can help ensure it is a safe and healthy summer for your child.

We offer these tips not as legal advice, but general guidance for parents. The Schlitt Law Firm is a personal injury and medical malpractice firm located in Huntington New York and helping clients throughout the New York metropolitan area.