I
f you’ve already decided where
your children will be attending
camp this summer, it’s time to
think about how best to prepare
them for a fun, healthy and safe
experience away from home.

A proper camp physical should
From determining what to pack to
obtaining a camp physical, there’s a
lot to consider. And it’s only natural
for both parents and campers to
have some anxiety; especially for
first-timers and those who cope with
chronic health issues. To have the
best and healthiest summer, here
are some key recommendations and
tips. remember to bring a copy of their
include: a review of health history
and immunizations, height and
weight check, thorough physical
exam and a stamp or signature
on exam forms. Parents should
child’s immunization records and a
list of any current medications and
allergies. CHRONIC HEALTH ISSUES
Health conditions like asthma,
diabetes, serious food allergies or
other health concerns should also be
factored into your preparations.

HEALTH POLICIES
AND CAMP PHYSICALS
Ahead of time, contact the camp
Start by taking some time to
review and understand the camp’s
health care policies and practices
well in advance. This information
should be readily available on the
camp’s website or in your camper’s
registration materials. If you can’t
find it, make a list of questions and
call the camp staff to obtain the
answers you need.

Most camps will require a physical
with medical records submitted
several weeks prior to arrival.

It doesn’t take a lot of time to
complete this physical, but don’t
wait until the last minute to
schedule an appointment.

Camp physicals can be obtained
from your child’s pediatrician
or at a walk-in retail clinic like
MinuteClinic. Health care insurance
providers will not cover camp
and sports physicals, so be sure to
inquire about the cost before you
visit. Prices can vary quite a bit.

staff to see how medications
or treatments are handled. It is
important to determine what
care can be expected from the
camp nurse or athletic trainer
(in the case of sports camps) and
what medications your child can
administer on their own. This
could include inhalers for asthma
treatment, insulin injections and
other prescription or over-the-
WHAT TO PACK
Begin early by putting together a
camp packing list. Some of the items
to ensure get packed in their child’s
duffel bag are: hiking boots or
sneakers, slip-resistant water shoes
for showers and pool, lightweight,
long-sleeved shirts and pants for
hikes and activities (to protect
against ticks, poison ivy and the
sun’s rays), antibiotic ointment and
band-aids for cuts and blisters, hand
sanitizer or antiseptic wipes for easy
clean-up, lip balm, and necessary
eye-care items including sun glasses,
goggles for sports or swimming,
extra contact lenses or glasses.

For sun block, you should choose
a broad-spectrum product with
a SPF of at least 30, which blocks
97 percent of UVA and UVB rays
with spray and stick options for
easier application. Insect repellent
(without DEET) are available in
spray or wipe options.

Careful planning and preparation
should help to ensure a safe and
fun camp experience full of great
memories for your child.

counter medications.

If your child has food allergies, then
(Michelle Hockstra is a
speak with the camp nutritionist
mother of two living in
or cook to ensure that menus
Brookeville, MD and a
are tailored to meet their dietary
Family Nurse Practitioner at
requirements. If your child has a
MinuteClinic in Rockville,
peanut allergy or is allergic to insect
Maryland. MinuteClinic
stings, determine whether your
offers camp physicals at
camper can carry his or her own
locations inside select CVS
EpiPen, or how one will be made
pharmacy and Target stores
available. Make sure that camp
throughout the District,
counselors are equipped with an
Maryland and Northern
extra auto-injector on site and are
Virginia). trained to administer care.

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