Keeping Your Kids Safe at Summer Camp (and Your Sanity Intact!)

Special thanks to MinuteClinic for sponsoring this important conversation about summer camp safety.

I do not have fond memories of summer camp, but only because I didn’t have the chance to participate in one during my childhood.  Not that my childhood wasn’t filled with other fun activities, but heading off to summer camp was something I always dreamed of.  Particularly after seeing “The Parent Trap” movie.  (Of course I also wanted a twin sister I could switch places with, but that’s another story…)  

When my children began requesting to attend various summer camp programs in our region, I jumped at the chance to fulfill their dreams with this exciting opportunity to connect with nature and fill their summer with amazing memories.

Then, reality sunk in.

They would certainly be connecting with nature in all sorts of fun and interesting ways like this:

But they would also be doing things like this:

and this:

Suddenly my heart pounded when I imagined all the things that could go wrong.  You know, like broken bones, arrows in their knees, malaria from mosquitoes and perhaps, zombie invasions.

And I wouldn’t be there to protect them.

Keeping your kids safe at summer camp is a little bit scary of a proposition!  Short of chaperoning and shadowing them through camp (an idea they totally frowned upon,) I confessed my fears to other camper moms, friends, family, and even strangers (seriously, anyone who would listen and advise,) and came up with a six step plan to keep them healthy, safe and hopefully problem-free during summer camp.

1. Dialogue – From the moment we signed the paperwork and put down a camp deposit to the time they left on the bus, I kept a running conversation about camp with my children.  I expressed my concerns and asked them about their concerns, too.  Surprisingly, they had plenty and I was able to help them come up with a game plan to address things like what to do if someone was mean to them and how to survive a week without video games.

They in turn assured me they would not go off exploring away from the group, would immediately alert the camp counselor of a zombie attack and would make every effort to follow the safety guidelines and not break any bones.

2. Examine – Most summer camps require a basic physical, but I also wanted more assurance that my children were fully immunized against vicious mosquito attacks and in tip-top shape to fend off germs from a hundred other campers.  Even if the camp didn’t require it, it’s of the utmost importance to make certain my guys are healthy and safe to participate in all the camp activities.

It’s tough getting a last-minute comprehensive exam appointment, though, let alone finding one that doesn’t drain your summer budget.  MinuteClinic offers no appointment service for camp and sports physicals designed to determine if your child is able to safely participate in typical camp activities.  They also offer camp safety and education tips.

Right now, MinuteClinic is offering camp and sports physicals for just $39 for a limited time (that’s $20 off!)

3. Supply – Prior to sending my children off to camp, I make certain they have all of the supplies the camp requires, but also include extras that I feel are helpful in keeping them safe and well like sunscreen, flashlights, healthy snacks, bug repellents, extra socks and clothes, rain gear and so on.  I try to send all small items and not go overboard or send things they won’t use, but it helps your peace of mind to know they will have essentials close at hand.

Always check with the camp personnel to ensure that the extra items are acceptable.  We did have one camp that preferred that the children did not bring cell phones or flashlights.

4. Teach – It’s one thing to hand your child a tube of sunscreen, quite another to have them actually understand it’s importance and how to use it.  Weeks before camp, we begin going over the basics of the items they’ll be taking, when and how to use them and why they are important tools to have.  I still cannot control whether the boys will use any of the items we pack for them, but so far, they have managed to survive three summers of summer camps without coming home with sunburn, thanks in good part to their understanding of how to apply it correctly.

5. Question – Make certain you know the summer camp’s safety practices and policies and do not be afraid to ask questions.  Does the camp monitor visitors?  What safety checks are completed on equipment?  How are camp counselors selected and trained?  How does the camp deal with illnesses or injuries?  Do they have a standard policy on bullying?  All of these questions and more are important to ask.  If you see any “red flags” that cause you concern, that summer camp situation may not be suitable for your children and it could be time to seek out alternatives.

6. Pray – Once you’ve done everything humanly possible, I believe it doesn’t hurt to ask your higher power for a little extra support in watching over your precious children!

Now to come up with a plan to help me get through empty house syndrome…

Disclosure: I have received promotional consideration from MinuteClinic.