Making Sure Your Child is Medically Prepared for Summer Camp

As summer gets closer many parents can't wait for a few months of peace and quiet while their kids the summer at camp. If you don't make sure your child has a recent physical and updated vaccinations you may be in for a long summer. All sleep away summer camps require that each child attending is medically up to date. This is not only for the camps safety but yours as well. As with camp reservations, physicals and vaccinations must be done early or your child may not be able to go to camp. Instead of an activity, fun filled summer your child will be stuck at home most likely watching TV, getting into trouble while you're at work, and possibly getting on your nerves. If you want to make sure the summer is great for you and your child it is best to prepare ahead of time. Here are some tips on getting the paperwork and doctor's visits done early so your child can go to camp and have a fun, safe summer.

Paperwork
Other than the standard camp application there is generally a medical questionnaire that also needs to be filled out. This medical questionnaire is usually accompanied by a request for copies of your child's most recent medical exam and vaccination records. For some camps this paperwork can be almost an inch thick and it always needs to be completed long before your child ever steps foot on camp grounds. This paperwork is absolutely necessary for every child attending camp.

Be prepared to answer questions concerning family history of diseases and conditions, daily prescriptions your child may be taking, and special medical issues your child may have. Camps ask these questions for a specific reason; safety, they're not just prying into your child's medical history. Especially with sleep away camps, the staff needs to know as much as possible about your child's health in order to help them stay healthy and safe all summer long. Generally, this paperwork needs to be filled out and returned to the camp at least 2 months in advance, although it may be sooner for some camps.

Doctor's Appointments
Just as camps fill up quickly so do doctor's offices in the spring time. This is typically the time of year many children, and adults are getting their yearly physical and scheduling a last minute appointment may not be an option. If you know in advance that your child will be attending summer camp you may want to schedule the physical and vaccination appointments mid-winter just to make sure you will have a spot. For older children, sometimes a school physical is enough proof to the camp that your child is healthy. Each camp has different rules so you will want to personally check with the camp and completely read all of the paperwork the camp sends you.

Vaccinations
Every sleep away camp and most day camps require that your child's vaccinations are up to date. This usually means boosters, tetanus, and for teens meningitis shots have all been administered and are up to date. When you go to the doctor, request a copy of the medical exam and vaccination record for each child you are sending to camp. You may also request your doctor's office forward the paperwork via fax if that is the preferred method of the camp. It is also wise to send a second copy with the regular camp paperwork and applications.

Special Needs
If your child needs special medical care it is best to ask your doctor or pediatrician to furnish specific instructions for the camp doctor or nurse. These instructions should be detailed and easy to follow; there should be no room for error, risk of overdose, or mistreatment. The same generally applies to social, emotional, and mental issues your child may have. Summer camp is meant to be fun for every child that attends and without the proper care it could be a miserable summer for your child. If your child needs special attention be sure to have this noted in the medical paperwork.

If you want to be sure your child will be able to attend camp over the summer complete all of the paperwork and send it back on time. Be honest when answering questions to ensure that your child is not only happy and safe over the summer, but healthy as well. When the times comes to leave your child at camp in the hands of others there are several things you may want to do to make sure you are fully prepared.

Make two copies of all paperwork and medical forms. Keep one copy at home and send an extra copy with your child to camp.

Although most camp paperwork includes a medical release form, if it is missing have your doctor draw one up and send a copy with your paperwork and with your child in case of an emergency.

If you're child takes daily prescriptions, needs an inhaler, or even a spare pair of glasses make sure you have enough. Get all prescriptions filled in advance and make sure your child has a spare pair of glasses, or leg braces, or any other special medical need.

Finally, rest assured that camp staff is trained to deal with special medical needs and that your child will have a healthy, safe summer.