Summer Camp Safety Tips for Children

Thinking about signing up your child for summer camp this year? Summer camp is a great opportunity for your child to make new friends, try new activities, learn new skills, develop independence and resilience, and have fun during their break. There are so many different types of camps to choose from that it can be hard to find the right one for your child. When it comes to making a selection, there are a few factors that you'll want to keep in mind and safety precautions to follow to ensure that your child has a positive experience. 

Choose a Camp Aligned with Your Child's Interests and Needs

Before looking into camps, think about your child’s personality, interests, and comfort level. Does your kid love sports, science, or the arts? Do they prefer a camp that's more centered on social activities? Would they prefer to stay at a camp overnight or a day camp close to home? Start by asking your child these questions to make them feel included in the decision. It's also important to think about their needs as well. For example, if your child has allergies, medical conditions, developmental differences, or disabilities, you'll want to check that the summer camp can accommodate those needs and that the camp's environment is suitable for your child. It's helpful to get camp referrals from other families who can share about their child's past experiences. 

Check the Camp’s Accreditation and Policies

Look for camps that are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), which sets high standards for health, safety, and programming. While accreditation isn't required, it shows the camp follows best practices, especially in staff training and emergency procedures. It's best to choose summer camps that have staff members trained in CPR, first aid, child development, and behavior management, and provide background checks on their employees. We also recommend choosing a summer camp that has a nurse or medical professional on site who can provide immediate care when a child is sick or injured.

Water Safety for Kids at Summer Camp

Many summer camps have pools and offer swimming lessons. Some camps may be near a lake or another body of water, where there are opportunities for boating and other water activities. It's important to consider water safety when choosing a camp to prevent your child from being at risk for drowning accidents. Verify that the camp has certified lifeguards and provides properly fitted lifejackets for children. Remind your child of the basic water safety rules, including wearing a lifejacket, staying in designated swimming areas only, and listening to lifeguards. Make sure that the summer camp has a supervisor near any body of water and that if there is a pool, it is fenced or inaccessible to children when there isn't an adult supervisor present. 

If your child is unable to swim or is a beginner swimmer, it's good to let the camp staff know in advance (and take lessons in advance, if possible). 

Preparing Your Child for Summer Camp

Once you've selected a camp for your child, you'll want to prepare them before they start. Talk to them about what they can expect, including their new daily routine, meals, and activities. If your child is nervous, it can help to let them bring a favorite item like a toy or book to camp. If your child has any health needs, like taking medication or managing asthma, inform the camp staff and review instructions with your child. Teach your child important summer safety tips like wearing sunscreen, using an insect repellent, and staying hydrated. For more summer safety tips, visit our blog here.

As a reminder, it's important that your child is up-to-date with their immunizations, especially before attending summer camp. To schedule your child's well visit or if you have any questions about summer camp, call our office.