Fitness
attendance, your provider should create special instructions based on your child’s health and needs.
Speaking with the camp director or visiting the camp will give you an idea of the accommodations offered. Remember to ask about the medical staff and avail- ability of a camp physician or a nurse practitioner. Your child will require all medical information describing her needs, plus medications and equipment. If she self-manages her medical condition at home, she will also be responsible at camp, but the medical provider will moni- tor her status. If a specifi c medical needs camp seems like the right step, consider searching for a camp through your child’s specialists or national chapters represent- ing the disease, such as the American Diabetes Association or the American Lung Association. Local hospitals are also helpful in obtaining resources. It’s important to make sure that your child is healthy and in good physical con- dition to attend the type of camp chosen. Most summer camps require a camp physical during the spring before attend- ing camp. By having a camp physical performed by your child’s provider, you can be assured that she is healthy enough to attend and participate in activities while away from home. At the clinic visit, your provider will
examine all body systems and answer any questions that you or she may have before going to camp. If your child has asthma, it’s important that she remember all daily medications plus a rescue inhaler that may be needed. Being in the woods can trigger allergies or asthma attacks, so your child should be prepared to alert the staff if she feels sick. If she has any environmental allergies, research the area to fi nd out if you should send any treat-
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Kids develop character traits and build memories when placed in a natural environment that encourages play, activities and conversation
ment. Your child’s provider can review the what-ifs of allergy control while at camp. At the camp physical, don’t forget to ask about ticks and bug bite treatment. Your provider will also discuss sunscreen, which your child will need if involved in outdoor activities.
Choosing the best summer camp for
your child will guarantee a positive, mem- orable experience. Kids need to release the pressure from day-to-day life and es- cape the repetition of classroom learning. By attending summer camp, they develop character traits and build memories. They are placed in a natural environment that encourages play, outside activities and conversation. Whichever camp you choose for your child will provide a safe place to learn and think independently.
Becca Looney, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC, has been a pediatric registered nurse since 2006, and a nurse practitioner since 2012. Her passion is to eliminate childhood obesity by getting children to live a healthier lifestyle.
www.readysetgrowmag.com
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