6 Ways to Keep Your Kids Safe at Camp

What type of camp is your child attending this summer? Whether it’s a day camp or an overnight sleep-away camp, make sure the camp is up to your standards. Here are 6 ways you can help to create a safe summer camp environment for your child:

1. Does the Camp Background Check?

Most reputable companies use background checks to keep themselves and their customers safe. Ask your child’s camp if they run background checks on the counselors and volunteers that work daily with your child. If the summer camp does not run background checks on their employees, consider finding one that does.

2. Accredited Camps

Does the camp have provisions in place for children with special needs? Ask if the camp counselors know how to properly care for children with special needs or certain requirements for daily activities. Going to a camp that is accredited through an association, like the American Camp Association, is a good way to verify that the camp your child attends is up to date with your state’s general standards and practices.

3. Use that Sunscreen!

Using sunscreen whenever you or your child are in the sun is the best way to prevent damage from harmful UV rays. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using 30 SPF sunscreen because it can block about 97% of UV Rays. Remember that even on cloudy days about 80% of UV Rays can still penetrate the skin.

4. Drink Water!

The amount of water a child should drink is different depending on their age and activity level. When the activity level of a child increases, their water intake should as well. This increase will keep them adequately hydrated and will decrease the chance of dehydration or heat stroke.

5. Does Your Child Know How to Swim?

Whether your child knows how to swim laps in a pool or can only swim with water wings, make sure the summer camp and any parents whose home they visit know how well they can swim.

6. Food Allergies

Food allergies send someone to the ER every 3 minutes. Keep an EpiPen in your child’s backpack to prevent anaphylaxis. Make sure your summer camp and the camp counselors know any potential allergies to help prevent contamination with other food that could cause a reaction.

Did you know your homeowners or renters insurance policy may cover liability for you and your children away from home? If you want to discuss this or have any questions about your policy, call your knowledgeable Hometown Independent Agent at 1-800-568- SAVE (7283) or email us at: service@hometowninsurance.com.

Resources for Summer Camps:

Long Island Camp Resource Guide      Camps for Children with Disabilities