Whether it's summer camp at your child's daycare, a day camp or special enrichment session such as art camp or sports camp, or a longer, resident-camp outing, counselors/staff should have safety training in first-aid/CPR and also be thoroughly familiar with the facility's protocol in case of a medical emergency. Even better, parents should receive a copy of those guidelines or have access to them through a posting on the website or on a bulletin board at the facility.
Parents sending campers to special sessions that may include field trips, outdoor outings, and other physically active or challenging activities should ask directly whether personnel are up-to-date on and knowledgeable about certain health conditions, such as Lyme Disease, West Nile Virus, Ozone Alert Days, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, signs of dehydration, overheating, sunburn, respiratory distress, asthma, and other conditions that can occur during rigorous activities.
Parents should ask about the following summer camp safety areas areas before sending their youngster off to camp:
- What is the counselor-to-child ratio? Kids trying something new or going on a field trip may need closer watch. Parents should feel comfortable with the number of adults watching a certain group of kids. Also ask who will be driving kids on field trips and how kids are restrained in the vehicles, and make sure you're comfortable with the answer.
- What safety training does staff receive? Do counselors receive first-aid/CPR training? Is an in-house medical protocol training so that all members know their role and what to do (and what not to do) in the event of a sudden illness or medical emergency? Is a first-aid kit brought to events? Does a trained medical professional attend in conjunction with the event?
- Do the camp organizers have a crisis management plan in place? Have they designated certain medical facilities or hospitals in the event of an emergency? How do they plan to inform parents of any changes of plans or health concerns? What criteria do organizers use in determining whether a child simply feels a little under the weather or a parent needs to be called to bring a child home?
- Have they requested updated information and multiple contact options so you can be reached in the event of an emergency? Are emergency contact numbers brought with organizers on field trips so the numbers are easily obtainable? Some parents forget to update their records any time a phone number or cell contact changes, leaving providers unable to reach a parent in the event of an emergency. Be sure your latest information has been properly recorded. Child care facilities and camp organizers should be extra conscientious and ask parents to double-check their information to ensure it is current and correct.
- Have organizers been alerted about any medical conditions/special needs of kids? Even if a child has participated in a particular camp previously or has attended a day care on an ongoing basis, additional staff is often hired for special camp programs or summer activities. New personnel may not be familiar with your child and any special needs or medical conditions, so parents need to make sure that they don't take any changes and explain the details again. If possible, find out the particular counselor/staff member who will be overseeing/responsible for your child and make an effort to have a one-on-one conversation with that person about your child's special needs or conditions.
- Ask how medications are transported and whether staff knows how to use things such as inhalers or auto-injectors. If your child requires medication during the day, be sure it is clearly and properly label and that written directions are provided. Don't assume that you can simply "tell" a staff member in passing and that the information will be clearly understood and remembered later.
- Ask for an emergency contact number that you can reach someone at in case a need arises with you, and you need to contact your camper. However, don't plan to call "just to check" on your child. Most camps do not accept calls from parents except in the event of a true emergency; and kids typically do better when they don't receive that call from a parent that reminds them they are away from home.
More camp questions for parents to consider continue on the next page.
