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5 Summer Camp Safety Tips

Written By: Lindsay Charles

The kids are out for summer! As they’re jumping for joy, parents’ stress levels tend to increase. Most parents have to find a reliable and safe place for their children to go while they’re at work. Summer camps are an excellent option that will keep your children active, socialized, and supervised throughout the season. However, fun in the sun can quickly turn sour without some essential summer camp safety rules. Keep your camper(s) happy and healthy, and rest easy with these tips.

SUMMER CAMP SAFETY TIPS

1. Sun and Heat Protection

Preventing sun damage should be a top priority, especially for little campers who are bound to be outdoors for long periods of time. Teach your child about proper sunscreen application (once every 2 hours), and never let them leave the house without a bottle of sunscreen that is at least SPF 15. Avoid the risk of dehydration by ensuring your child has a reusable water bottle with them at all times.

2. Deter the Pests

Hot weather brings pests and bugs, some of which have the potential to carry harmful diseases. Ticks can carry Lyme disease and mosquitos can carry West Nile, so it’s incredibly important to be able to deter disease-carrying insects. Keep your child well dosed in a bug repellent, and check daily for ticks that may be hiding behind their knees, ears, or under their arms.

3. Provide Medical Records

Whether your child is going away to a day camp or sleepaway camp, you want to ensure that their health and safety is a priority. Always provide current medical records to the camp they are attending, and speak with a staff member directly about any concerns or special medical attention your child may need. Make sure that the camp is well aware of any health conditions or allergies, and do not forget to provide them with reliable emergency contact numbers.

4. Understand Water Safety

If you’re planning on sending your child to summer camp, it is an excellent idea to enroll them in swimming lessons and ensure that they are comfortable around the water. The better the swimmer that your child is, the safer they’ll be. Kids should understand general water safety rules and follow them at all times. If you have chosen a reputable summer camp for them to attend, they will also reinforce similar rules, such as wearing a life jacket while out on the water and never running on the pool deck. These small rules can make a huge difference.

5. Discuss the Topics No Parent Wants to Talk About

Despite picking the most prestigious and reputable summer camp available, you still need to inform your child of the potential dangers that surround them at any given time. Many parents are concerned about the risk of sexual abuse when they send their children off to overnight camps. Although this is rare, it never hurts to educate your child on sexual abuse, and what is not appropriate for other people to do. Provide them with skills that can prevent these kinds of situations.

Summer camp is fun, and it will likely be the highlight of the summer for your child. Keep your camper happy and healthy with these summer camp safety tips.

Lindsay Charles

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