How to Keep Your Child Safe at Camp

When choosing a summer camp, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends thinking about your child’s age, their personality and their interests so that you enroll them in a program that’s enjoyable for them.

The AAP also suggests that you choose a camp that’s accredited by the American Camp Association to ensure it’s a safe and nurturing environment. You’ll also want to consider asking camp staff members about:

• The child-to-staff ratio
• How they handle minor injuries and illnesses
• Their experience with special needs children if that’s something your child requires
• Any swimming requirements
• Other requests for campers, such as vaccines and physicals

Because you likely will not be at camp with your child, here are some ways to prepare them for their time away.

Talk about the activities your child will be doing, and be prepared for any safety requirements. Some examples:

• If your child’s camp offers swimming or other activities around water, consider completing swim lessons before camp if your child is not a strong swimmer. If you are not able to complete lessons, talk to camp leadership about supervising your child around water. Our top tip? Campers should always be within eye’s reach around water.
• If your child will be riding anything with wheels or playing sports, ask camp staff about helmet use. Whether it be riding a bike, playing football or trying rock climbing, children should always wear a properly fitting helmet that is appropriate for each activity.
• If your child will be outdoors most of the day, be sure to pack essential outdoor safety supplies, such as a water bottle, sunscreen and bug spray.

Additional summer camp safety tips:

• Read and discuss camp rules and policies with your child before heading to camp. Ask them if there is anything they don’t understand.
• Talk to camp leadership about any special needs or specific accommodations your child will require while at camp.
• Avoid making any significant changes in medication or routines before camp. And send all medications to camp with your child, ensuring they have enough to cover the time they’ll be away.
• Pack (and have a plan for) rescue medications. If your child has allergies or conditions that require rescue medication, such as asthma or seizures, be sure to pack their medication and talk with camp staff about an action plan. For example, make sure camp staff know where your child’s EpiPen® or inhaler is and how to use it.
• Teach your child about body safety and establishing safe boundaries. Assure them that it’s OK to stick to boundaries and speak up if they are uncomfortable.
• Have your child identify safe adults they would feel comfortable talking to if you cannot be reached.

It’s OK to feel nervous about your child getting sick at camp. After all, we know that illnesses, like COVID-19, can quickly spread when we’re in close contact with others. The good news? Since the start of the pandemic, many camps have adopted stricter screening, cleaning and disinfecting protocols and other safety measures to help prevent the spread of germs.

If you’re concerned about your child getting sick at camp, here are some questions you can ask camp leadership:

• Are there any vaccination requirements for campers, camp staff and volunteers?
• What sort of screening policies are in place for campers before we head to camp?
• Will my child be screened for any illnesses while at camp?
• What kind of sanitation and disinfecting policies are in place?
• Will my child have access to handwashing stations or hand sanitizer throughout the day?

If your child has an injury or is showing signs of illness, call your doctor or visit an urgent care center. If your child has a life-threatening injury or illness, is having trouble breathing or is unconscious, call 911 and/or visit an emergency department immediately.