Playing games, building friendships and possibly eating one too many s’mores is what summer camp is all about. If your kid has allergies, the idea of summer camp may feel a little worrisome, but it doesn’t have to be.
Let’s look at a few ways you can prepare your child to jump right into Camp Blue Ridge or Wapo without setting off their allergies.
1. Inform the Camp
Camps request healthcare information about your child when you sign them up. List medical conditions, such as asthma or allergies, to help the camp keep your child safe while in their care. Make sure you list any allergies (e.g., certain foods, medications, stinging insects, pollens, etc.) and note their severity.
If your child has asthma, environmental allergens common at camps, such as pollen and dust, may exacerbate their condition. Make sure they bring their inhaler and that their camp is aware of the possibility of an asthma attack.
2. Pack an EpiPen
If your child has severe enough allergies to require an EpiPen shot after exposure, a reaction common with food or insect allergies, make sure they pack an EpiPen in their luggage and that their camp is trained to use one. Georgia allows camps with trained staff to administer an EpiPen injection in the event of anaphylaxis—a life-threatening allergic reaction.[1] Double-check with your child’s camp that they are able to use the EpiPen in case of an emergency.
3. Pack Extra Medication
If your child takes daily allergy medication, pack enough to last them through their entire stay at camp, plus a little extra in case they lose any.
4. Teach Your Child To Recognize Food Allergens
If your child has a severe peanut, lactose, gluten or other food allergy, teach them to read nutrition labels to minimize their risk of ingesting the substance. Their camp should be aware of their food allergies and prepare a separate meal for them. You should also remind your child that it is never safe to share food with other kids.
5. Pack Long Sleeves
Long sleeves and pants will reduce your child’s risk of allergic skin reactions like hives. Pack plenty of moisture-wicking, lightweight clothing.
For more guidance on keeping allergies at bay this camp season, reach out to our experts at ENT of Georgia North today.
[1] Georgia General Assembly. (2016). Senate Bill 126 (As passed). https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20152016/154024