Top 5 Summer Camp Safety Tips
Kids see summer camp as fun but for parents safety is a key concern. If you're going to send your kids away for a whole month or even if it's just during the day, you don't want to spend it worrying.
It doesn't have to be stressful finding a camp that takes your child's safety as seriously as you do.
Most camps combine fun and safety to make sure your kid has a great summer experience. Just check in before you say goodbye to make sure yours if one of them. Here are some summer camp tips for parents:
1. Give Them Emergency Contacts. This is an easy one and most camps will ask anyway. But make sure they have a way to contact you, any other parent or guardian for the child, and at least one non-related backup contact. That way even if you can't get to the phone, someone else can.
2. Check the Accreditation. The American Camp Association is the accrediting board for sleep-away and day camps across the county. Knowing the camp is accredited takes the guesswork out of determining quality. It's not a necessity but it can help ease the decision process.
3. Know Staff Training. Does the staff know First Aid and CPR? Does that include the counselors who will be with your child all day? If the answer is yes, you know there will be someone who can help if anything goes wrong.
4. Include Allergy Instructions. If your child has serious allergies make sure both the camp nurse and their counselor know about the allergies. Include multiple doses of medication and/or EpiPens so that there will always be one ready.
5. Give the Facilities a Once Over. The camp bunks and buildings should be in good condition before you wave goodbye. Rustic cabins are a plus but splintery boards are not.
Follow these tips and you'll be able to rest easy knowing your child is safe at summer camp. Then kick back, relax, and enjoy some time to yourself.
Related Resources:
- Summer Camp Safety: Essential Questions Parents Should Ask (The Huffington Post)
- Children Injured in a Series of Boston Accidents (Boston Personal Injury News)
- What is Child and Dependent Care Credit? (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)