Camp

With summer vacations spanning months, many teenagers choose to attend camps. Camps often cater to specific interests of the teen; it is common for camps to specialize in sports, music, academics, and various forms of the arts. And many camps provide a mixture of experiences. They may be single sex or coed, overnight or day; they may be religious or non-sectarian. They may last only a few days or the entire summer. As there are a plethora of camps to choose from, one should do extensive research to limit the field. In addition to the above criteria, consider the location of the camp, its size, its reputation, and how long it has been in business. On the Internet, there is a multitude of ways to find the camp of one’s dreams. Recommendations from friends and previous campers are also good leads.

Ideally, the adolescent and his or her parents should visit the camps the summer before enrolling. This way, the entire family is able to see how the camp is run and if the environment is an appropriate fit. It is particularly important to survey what health care services are provided on site and those provided in close proximity. Camps that are accredited by the American Camping Association must follow certain guidelines that ensure proper health care services.

There are multiple health concerns when attending summer camps—and these concerns may become more significant when a teen is away from home for an extended period. Before leaving, most teenagers will need to have a physical and submit a medical history to the camp director. During the physical, the teen should discuss the upcoming experience with his or her health care provider and anticipate potential health issues. Is the teen allergic to certain medicines or foods? Does the teen have a special diet? The camp should be aware of these issues well before the summer begins. The camp may be able to order a type of milk that is lactose-free or a special brand of cereal.

When teens leave home, they should be prepared to address concerns they may face at camp. Obviously, the particular environment of the camp presents different requirements. Teens should bring sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and should be encouraged to wear it during the day. As campers are often outside for much of the day, burns and long-term sun damage are significant hazards. In addition, for many camps, it is important for teens to have an abundant supply of insect repellant. Calamine and aloe lotions are also useful to treat the skin post-injury. Insects, flies, bees, and wasp bites in addition to poison ivy are common in camps set in wooded environs. If a teen has a particular allergy to any bug or plant, he should be able to address the problem at hand. The health care staff at camp should know about such allergies also.

At camp, it is important for the camper to follow proper outdoor and water safety precautions. Sturdy sneakers are usually a must, and since teens are often walking after dark, a powerful flashlight is necessary too. And no matter the swimming proficiency, campers should never swim alone.

The food served at camp may initially present problems to the teen’s digestive system. Constipation and diarrhea are common; but if the situation continues for an extended period of time, the teen should be sure to contact medical help. And as campers spend significant amounts of time in the presence of others, minor contagious illnesses such as the common cold are not unusual.

The camp should be notified if a teenager regularly takes certain medicines. Camps often do not allow campers to oversee their own medication, even if the youth usually self-medicates (for example: usage of an inhaler in asthma treatment). In addition, if the teen has medicines that are only used in specific circumstances, such as a nebulizer or epipen, there should be supplies available if needed.

If the teenager is attending an overnight camp, do not be surprised if his or her first impression is one of homesickness. Homesickness may be sparked by almost anything. And the parent may be alerted if the camper sends a worrisome postcard or calls home distraught. Encourage the teenager to talk with his or her counselor and with other campers. If kids are having problems with other campers, encourage the teen to talk with people in positions of authority. Camps are expensive, and it is important to ensure your child is having the most positive, productive experience possible. With time, most kids adjust and have memorable and fun-filled times.

Teenagers may also be employed at camps. After many years as a camper, teens often decide to return to a certain camp as a paid employee. The possible jobs vary—from serving as CITs (counselors in training) or counselors to working in a service capacity (e.g. a cook). Positions in camps are wonderful opportunities for teens to explore leadership potential in a fun environment.

There are several alternatives to traditional summer camps. Some teenagers choose to go on “adventure trips.” These sorts of experiences are primarily oriented toward teenagers and to their specific interests—bike trips and language immersion and community service are some examples. These experiences differ from traditional camps in that they are often not set in one locus. They may travel around France for five weeks or do public health projects in Latin America. Some are also pre-college programs that include taking courses at a university’s summer school. Be sure to conduct significant research on the group organizing the program. How many years have they been in business? Check their references. It is important to research what type of supervision is provided and examine the itinerary carefully. If the teen is going to a developing nation, certain vaccines may be required before traveling.

Camps and camp-like experiences are wonderful ways for teens to develop apart from parental supervision. Proper research and preparation will ensure an enjoyable and healthy summer.

Related topics:

Allergies, Animal bites, athletic equipment, heat stroke, poison ivy, oak and sumac, separation anxiety, sleepovers, sun safety, water safety, wilderness safety