CHAPTER 10
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL PREPARATION
A page from any camp’s health center log reveals the wide range of physical and medical issues that occur at overnight camps every day. Take this example, from a traditional boys’ camp:
With the possible exception of a few camps with a narrow artistic or academic focus, every overnight camp involves intense physical activity. For that reason, your child’s physical health is important. Proper physical and medical preparation is the key to staying healthy at camp. In this chapter, we’ll tell you how to physically and medically prepare your child for a fun and healthy stay at overnight camp. You’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about hygiene, allergies, asthma, and medication-free periods (“drug holidays”). The chapter concludes with tips for teaching your child about safe and unsafe touch.
START WITH THE CAMP HEALTH FORM
Any reputable camp will require a health form that details each camper’s medical history. Your report on the camp’s health form must be thorough and accurate. Pay special attention to the emergency contacts and immunization sections. In the unlikely event of a serious injury or illness that requires emergency care, camp doctors and nurses will refer immediately to your child’s health form. You must also sign the form to give your consent to the camp’s health care staff to treat your child. The camp may return the form to you if it is unsigned.
Completing the health form usually requires getting a thorough physical exam from a family doctor or nurse practitioner. A physical exam helps determine whether there are some activities, places, or conditions at camp that might be unhealthy for your child. At the physical exam, the doctor can also refill any prescriptions for medications that your child might need while at camp, such as allergy medication or asthma inhalers. Remember: Bring the health form with you to the physical exam, and be sure the doctor or nurse signs it.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL PREPARATION
A page from any camp’s health center log reveals the wide range of physical and medical issues that occur at overnight camps every day. Take this example, from a traditional boys’ camp:
0700h—Andy Cruger. Patient complains of mild abdominal pain. Says he had trouble sleeping last night after eating approx. 17 toasted marshmallows. Gave 2 tablespoons antacid and asked him to take it easy at breakfast. Told to return if pain persists or worsens.
0830h—Kent Bigelow. Patient presents with superficial cuts and abrasions on both palms. Reports he tripped and fell while running out of dining hall. Cleaned and bandaged wounds. Will return for dressing change before bedtime.
0835h—Mike Mackey. Patient presents with puncture wound in left sole. Reports he stepped on a nail while stacking wood. Medical records indicate current tetanus immunization. Cleaned and dressed wound. Will check this afternoon.
0950h—Stuart Burns. Patient presents with worsening headache. No reported injuries. Possible overexposure to sun? Administered 500mg Tylenol with a 12oz glass of water. Advised patient to stay hydrated and in the shade until lunch.
1015h—Thad Tisall. Patient presents with moderate wheezing. Apparently he lost his Proventil inhaler while playing soccer. Patient has history of mild asthma. Administered Proventil immediately and symptoms remitted. Given new inhaler to carry around camp.
0835h—Mike Mackey. Patient presents with puncture wound in left sole. Reports he stepped on a nail while stacking wood. Medical records indicate current tetanus immunization. Cleaned and dressed wound. Will check this afternoon.
0950h—Stuart Burns. Patient presents with worsening headache. No reported injuries. Possible overexposure to sun? Administered 500mg Tylenol with a 12oz glass of water. Advised patient to stay hydrated and in the shade until lunch.
1015h—Thad Tisall. Patient presents with moderate wheezing. Apparently he lost his Proventil inhaler while playing soccer. Patient has history of mild asthma. Administered Proventil immediately and symptoms remitted. Given new inhaler to carry around camp.
With the possible exception of a few camps with a narrow artistic or academic focus, every overnight camp involves intense physical activity. For that reason, your child’s physical health is important. Proper physical and medical preparation is the key to staying healthy at camp. In this chapter, we’ll tell you how to physically and medically prepare your child for a fun and healthy stay at overnight camp. You’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about hygiene, allergies, asthma, and medication-free periods (“drug holidays”). The chapter concludes with tips for teaching your child about safe and unsafe touch.
START WITH THE CAMP HEALTH FORM
Any reputable camp will require a health form that details each camper’s medical history. Your report on the camp’s health form must be thorough and accurate. Pay special attention to the emergency contacts and immunization sections. In the unlikely event of a serious injury or illness that requires emergency care, camp doctors and nurses will refer immediately to your child’s health form. You must also sign the form to give your consent to the camp’s health care staff to treat your child. The camp may return the form to you if it is unsigned.
Completing the health form usually requires getting a thorough physical exam from a family doctor or nurse practitioner. A physical exam helps determine whether there are some activities, places, or conditions at camp that might be unhealthy for your child. At the physical exam, the doctor can also refill any prescriptions for medications that your child might need while at camp, such as allergy medication or asthma inhalers. Remember: Bring the health form with you to the physical exam, and be sure the doctor or nurse signs it.
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