Summer camp means fun for kids and parents want that for their children as well. But for parents safety is a top concern. The staff at Camp Live Oak understands and offers these tips to assure the health and safety of your children while attending summer camp.

Understanding the Importance of Health and Safety at Summer Camp

For parents of campers, safety and health concerns are often the biggest priority when sending a child to summer sleep-away camp. To ensure the camp staff can meet parents’ and children’s needs, camps require children’s complete physical, mental, and emotional health history. In addition, special medical issues or concerns should be communicated to the camp staff – including medications (prescribed and over the counter), dietary restrictions, allergies and any other concerns. Once you have provided the information, a member of the camp counseling staff should reach out to you to discuss these concerns prior to your child attending camp.

At Camp Live Oak, we provide a number of opportunities to help you, as parents or guardians feel secure in your camper’s safety and success as they attend summer camp. You will be provided a parent handbook filled with useful information including everything from general information to polices and procedures as well as lists for what your child should bring and what should stay home during camp.

Special Circumstances for Campers to Ensure Safety

• In some cases, special medical forms are required for campers. These may include a Certificate of Good Health (HRS Form 3040) and Florida Certificate of Immunization signed by the camper’s physician and including a TB test (HRS Form 680) prior to the start of camp.
• An Emergency Release Form is required for all campers prior to the start of camp.
• If your child has allergies, whether related to food, the environment, or other allergies, please inform the camp staff so the needed arrangements can be made to give your child a healthy and fun camp experience without the exposure to allergens.
• If your child requires medication, complete the Authorization for Medication Form and turn it into the camp staff prior to camp. Medication will be turned in to the camp’s onsite director on the first day of camp. For safety reasons, all medication must be in the original packaging with instructions for your child clearly printed on the label. The camp cannot administer medical with the Authorization for Medication Form.
• The camp staff hopes your child will want to participate in every activity, but should your child need to avoid certain activities due to limitations of any kind, please notify the camp staff via written request so the situation can be handled appropriately and not cause your child any discomfort or distress.
• The camp staff is well-equipped to handle cuts, abrasions, scratches, insect bites, including administering needed medications. All the Camp Live Oak Staff members are CPR and First Aid Certified. On top of that many Camp Live Oak staffers are certified in specialized areas. Should a serious injury or medical emergency occur at Camp Live Oak, local emergency medical services are nearby.
• When attending day camp, please contact the camp staff if your child will be absent for any reason. Additionally, if your child will be coming to camp late or need to be released early from day camp please notify the on-site Director. If your child is attending day camp, please keep them home if they appear sick – listless, pale, achy, fever, etc. It is better to err on the side of caution than to expose others.

At Camp Live Oak, safety is number one and the goal is for every camper to have a safe and fun camp experience.