Top 10 Safety Tips for Summer Camp 2016:

June 9, 2016

Preparing in advance to Camps, or the new school year with a physical exam by a Pediatrician helps prepare for a safe and healthy experience for your child. Here are 10 tips to help prepare for Summer Camp:

Before choosing a camp, make an assessment of your child’s skills, interests and well-being. Be aware of preadmission medical requirements for campers and which health services are available at camp, especially if your child suffers from any medical condition or has any allergies.
Schedule a physical exam with a Pediatrician. A physical exam will help address your child’s overall health, prepare her/him for an array of activities and provide tips and tools for a healthy camp experience. Address if the summer camp requires a specific form to be completed by your child’s Pediatrician.
If your child has special needs, like allergies to food or medicine, make sure that they are clearly marked on the camp application and physical form. If long term management is required for a significant medical condition (seizures, allergies, asthma, diabetes, ADHD) a medical clearance should be obtained with a complete management plan, including specific medications, any special diet, physical limitations or special medical devices.
Before starting camp, make sure your child is up to date with all immunizations. For people travelling internationally as part of a camp program, the CDC should be contacted regarding additional immunization requirements or health concerns that may be associated to their destination.
Be Proactive. Find out how you will be notified if your child becomes ill and what the procedures are for caring for your child. Encourage a relationship with your child’s pediatrician.
To decrease the chance of homesickness, which is very common among campers, there are some recommendations that have been found helpful:
1. Involve your child in the process of choosing and getting ready for camp.
2. Discuss homesickness with a positive approach, and don’t show any concerns or personal doubts in front of them.
3. Make arrangements for play dates, practice trips and time away from home with friends or relatives.
Stress the importance of staying hydrated. Children shouldn’t wait until they feel thirsty to drink water. Encourage your kids to drink plenty of non-carbonated, sugar-free fluids throughout the day.
Pack protection. Ensure that your packing check list includes insect repellent and sunscreen, as well as light-weight, light-colored clothes for hot days and blankets/sleeping bags and warm clothes for cool nights.
Encourage safe physical activity. Help prevent injury by promoting the use of protective gear, such as helmets and life jackets (make sure the camp will provide them). Tell your kids not to swim alone and to be aware of their age physical limits.
Teach your child to avoid wild animals. Animals can carry diseases, such as rabies. Advise your child to enjoy them from a distance in their natural surroundings.

Lizaida Medina Candelaria, MD FAAP

Dr. Medina is a Board Certified Pediatrician and an active member of the AAP and Palm Beach Pediatric Society. Her office, at SuperKids Pediatrics is located in Palm Beach Gardens.

Phone: 561-619-2460 / info@skpediatrics / www.skpediatrics.com / www.facebook.com / 9121 North Military Trail Ste 102, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410