Considering camp? Don't overlook health and safety

Implications

What children will do over the summer is a big decision for parents. Some parents need child supervision while they work; others want their child to have fun. Day camps offered through schools, recreation departments, community agencies or private childcare providers may present a range of options. However, it is challenging for parents to find a camp that matches their needs, their budget, and their child’s interests.

Many parents may need to limit day camp options due to practical considerations, such as location, hours and cost. After those essential elements, many parents focus on the type of activities offered at the day camp. Generally, children 6-12 years should be trying many activities and developing a range of interests, rather than focusing in just one area. They can do this in at least a couple of ways. Some days camps are general in nature. Other parents may choose a variety of camps over the course of the summer with each one focusing on a different thing (e.g., soccer, theater, science).

Only half of parents in this Mott Poll were very confident they could tell if a summer camp would be safe and healthy for their child. It can be difficult to find information about camp details, and in many cases camp personnel are not available year-round to answer questions. Many parents appear to use camp accreditation as a marker for safety, assuming that inspections and staff safety training are incorporated into camp accreditation. This may not be true in all cases, particularly when staff are hired late in the year. Moreover, the requirements for accreditation vary from state to state.

In thinking about safety, parents will want to consider both the type of activities and the setting of the camp. For camps involving sports or other physical activities, parents may want to verify that staff have basic first aid training and will have supplies readily available. If activities include swimming, parents should ask whether a certified lifeguard will be present. If campers will be in a remote area such as a lake or forest, parents might ask about the camp’s inclement weather policy and if safe shelter is available near the camp location.

Among parents considering camp, 8% noted a health issue for their child. Parents should talk with the camp director to ensure the camp will be able to meet their child’s health needs. Parents cannot assume health-related information on their child’s camp registration form will be communicated to staff who work directly with campers. At the start of camp, parents may want to meet the staff who will supervise their child, to answer any questions and make sure the staff have the parent’s emergency contact information readily available. If the child has a food or other allergy, parents should ensure that emergency treatment (e.g., Epi-pen) will be available and that staff have been trained in its use.

One in 10 parents cited COVID vaccination or masking policies as essential to their decision about summer camps. For these parents, most preferred mandatory vaccination and masking; such policies may minimize disruptions to camp activities in the event of a COVID outbreak, as well as limit the risk of campers passing COVID to other family members.

Safety and health considerations should be heightened when considering overnight camp. For a child’s first overnight camp experience, parents should assess the child’s readiness to be away from home. Parents may have the child practice with sleepovers at a friend or relative’s home. If their child still seems anxious, parents might arrange for them to talk with a previous camper or family friend who can share their experiences. Parents should check the camp rules and let their child know in advance how and when they will communicate during camp.

Many camps require a health form and/or camp physical. If possible, parents should schedule the camp physical with the child’s usual health care provider. In addition to completing required forms, the provider can ensure the child is up-to-date on vaccines, and ask about the child’s mental health.