Many camps are aware of increasing allergies and provide in-depth safety training for staff. “We take allergies very seriously,” says Shannon Leon, City of Monterey Recreation Manager. “In our online registration, we ask that parents elaborate about their camper’s allergy before camp begins and if needed we ask for additional information from the child’s physician. This information is only shared with the camp administrative team and their camp counselors. Staff is trained in advance with CPR/First Aid/AED and emergency medications like Epi-pens, inhalers and glucagon for children with diabetes.”
Some camps provide nut-free programming to ensure the safety of all children. If you’re considering camp for a child with a food allergy, use these tips and resources to make camp smooth.
Getting Started: Choose the Right Camp
- Assess your comfort level with different types of camps. Is day camp more appropriate or is your child ready for sleep-away camp?
- Do your research. What camps interest your child? Use our summer camp guide at MontereyBayParent.com to narrow your choices.
- Speak with camp directors. Phone calls create a connection to gauge a camp’s willingness and ability to handle your child’s needs. Ask lots of questions to ensure camps meet your safety criteria and comfort level.
- Narrow list to camps that can accommodate your child’s needs.
- Look for a camp that is well prepared and has a fully trained staff. Most camps work hard to be inclusive and offer training to their staff but you’ll only know that by asking questions and trusting your instincts.
Questions to ask
• Do campers bring their own lunch and snacks?
• Is there a safe place to eat, away from allergens?
• Do all kids wash hands before and after eating to avoid cross-contamination?
• Will crafts be using potential allergens—such as bird feeders made with peanut butter or macaroni necklaces? If so, can a substitution be made?
• Who handles medical care at camp? Are they trained to use an epinephrine auto-injector such as an EpiPen?
Additional questions for overnight camps
- If meals are prepared at the camp, ask to see the menu.
- Are allergen-free meals made in a separate area with designated utensils to avoid cross-contamination?
- Can you send food if camp meals aren’t safe for your child?
- Who will carry your child’s medication? Make sure that person knows the correct temperature to store epinephrine. Remind staff that EpiPens shouldn’t be left in the sun or a hot car.
- Will there be field trips? If so, are drivers and leaders trained to handle children with allergies?
- Is there cell phone reception to communicate should an emergency occur?
- How far away is the nearest hospital?
Plan Ahead: Communicate
On camp registration paperwork, include additional information, such as a letter describing the severity of your child’s allergy and/or an allergy action plan. “Even a couple extra sentences help us ensure a smooth, great week of camp,” says Griffith. Find a template at www.foodallergy.org/life-with-food-allergies/food-allergy-anaphylaxis-emergency-care-plan.
Two Weeks Before Camp: Medications
Replace expired medications and ensure there is enough to last through camp, especially since some are held in remote locations.
Review with your child how to self-manage food allergies. The camper should know:
• Safe and unsafe foods
• Ways to avoid exposure to unsafe foods
• Symptoms of allergic reactions
• How to speak up about possible allergic reactions or unsafe food situations.
• How to read a food label.
• How to use an Epi-pen, if necessary.
Make a follow-up phone call to the camp director. Check-in to be sure all staff responsible for your child (even lifeguards, drivers, and cafeteria workers) will be informed of allergies.
When Camp Begins: Follow Through
At drop-off, take a couple of minutes to check in with staff personally. Introduce your child, and yourself and make sure they are aware of all plans. “The more we know, the better off we are,” says Griffith.
Hand staff a packet that includes:
• A recent photo of your child
• Allergy action plan
• Medical documents
• Medications
If your child comes home every day after camp, check in with her to see if the plan went accordingly. How was lunch? Did hand-washing go as planned?
You’ve done your homework and chosen the best camp to prepare for an awesome week. Relax and allow yourself and your child to have fun and enjoy the ride.
Helpful Resources
• Foodallergy.org: An expert website that addresses lots of allergy questions and concerns.
• Spokin: a food allergy app (free on iOS) - Travel tips, safe food lists, shared ideas from people in the allergy community.
• AllergyEats.com: Lists thousands of allergy-safe restaurants nationwide with menus, allergen lists, nutrition information, certifications and more. The website, app, and social media sites help families with food allergies reduce the guesswork and anxiety surrounding dining out with food allergies. (Not related to camp, but still an awesome resource for families with food allergies!)
Cherie Gough is mom to a daughter with celiac disease. She is committed to planning thoroughly and living life fully in the face of dietary restrictions. Find her on IG @cgoughwrites.