Frequently asked questions

How is medication handled at overnight camp? All medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, anti-itch creams, antibiotic ointment, eye drops, vitamins, essential oils, and herbal supplements, etc. must be given to the health supervisor/health lodge upon arrival at camp. All medications must be in their original packaging with the camper’s name, the name of the medication, and the current dosage clearly labeled on the container. It is required for all campers to have a health history form on file so the health supervisors can properly administer a camper’s medication. Medications cannot be dispensed to children without this information, according to state law. Please send a session’s worth (NOT an entire filled bottle) of medication in its original prescription container so the health supervisor can store it safely and securely for the week and return the empty container at the end of camp. For essential oils and herbal supplements to be administered at camp, we need written parental consent to administer, authorization from a prescribing practitioner, and indicated on the permission for medicine administration form, per childcare licensing standards. When siblings are attending a camp program together, ensure that each camper has their own medication. At times, campers may be in different programming or locations and need to be able to access their medication. This includes sunscreen. What counts as medication? The following items are included as medication at camp and need to follow our medication process: prescription medicine, over-the-counter medicine, anti-itch cream, antibiotic ointment, eye drops, cough/throat drops, vitamins, herbal supplements, essential oils, melatonin, and similar. What if my camper’s medication requires a certain temperature storage (i.e. needs to be refrigerated)? Make sure this is clearly indicated on the medicine packaging. Please additionally reach out in advance (ideally the week prior) so we can ensure we have the right items to accommodate this. Can my camper keep their medicine in their belongings or backpack? No. Campers are not permitted to keep medications on their belongings while at camp, with some exceptions outlined below. Per our advising physician, overnight campers over the age of 14 are permitted to carry their own emergency medicine, provided we have: A plan for emergency use documented A signed self-carry contract (available through CampInTouch) which is signed by parents/guardians, licensed health care professional, and the camper. For overnight campers under 14 and all staff-led day camps, staff assist younger campers by carrying the medicine to ensure safe and secure storage and usage. This is accompanied with an emergency use plan. Staff are required to be delegated and trained in medical administration by licensed health care professionals in order to administer medicine. What over-the-counter medicine is available at overnight camp? How is this administered? The following medication is stocked at camp and used (if approved on the camper’s health history form), on an as-needed basis, to manage illness and injury including Tylenol, Benadryl, antibiotic ointment, anti-itch cream, aloe, ibuprofen, EpiPens, etc. Do not bring over-the-counter medication unless it is needed on a regular basis and is documented on the Medication Administration Form and is signed by a parent/guardian and licensed health care professional. No over-the-counter medication is administered at day camp. This also applies to OAC, unless your camper has completed a Medication Administration Form that is signed by a parent/guardian and licensed health care professional. How is medication handled for trips or travel camps? In the case that a camper will be away from camp when medication is routinely required to be dispensed, medication will be kept under the control of staff, inaccessible to campers, and administered by trained, delegated staff. Sometimes my child goes on a “medicine break” in the summer. What does this mean for camp? While we understand that some families may consider taking a "medicine break" during the summer, please do this in consultation with your healthcare provider’s guidance. Stopping or altering medication without medical guidance can sometimes lead to unintended side effects or affect your child's well-being, especially in an unfamiliar setting. If you have concerns or are considering any adjustments to your child's medication, we encourage you to discuss it with your healthcare provider before camp begins. Our goal is to ensure your child has a safe, comfortable, and successful time at camp, and maintaining their medication as prescribed often plays a key role in achieving that. How does camp handle sunscreen and bug spray? Please send sunscreen with your camper to camp and write their first and last name on the bottle. Please also send a sun shirt (any long-sleeve or covering shirt) with your camper. Should your camper forget sunscreen, we have a specific sunscreen with limited additives permitted by our physician for usage, that your camper can use. For day camp we highly recommend, but don’t require, that campers bring bug spray.