Camp medical planning overview

About 14 million children attend U.S. camps each year. Camps differ widely by type, setting, and medical capability. We advise parents to treat medical planning as a core part of choosing a program. Verify a camp’s medical staffing and credentials before enrollment. Confirm nearest emergency-department (ED) transport times and EMS activation procedures. Check medication and controlled-substance rules. Review required health paperwork and action plans for chronic conditions. Inspect infection-control and outbreak response procedures.

Key Takeaways

Confirm medical staffing and emergency response

Staffing model: Ask whether the camp has an on-site RN or a designated health-care director, and whether there is an on-call physician.
Life-safety training: Look for certified lifeguards and multiple staff trained in CPR/AED. Ensure an accessible AED is on site.
EMS coordination: Verify clear EMS activation steps, identify the nearest ED, and learn typical transport times.

Understand medication and controlled-substance policies

Container and labeling: Provide pharmacy-labeled containers for all medications.
Authorizations: Bring signed medication authorizations and pharmacy instructions.
Self-carry rules: Obtain written self-carry approvals if the camp permits campers to carry inhalers, epinephrine, or other meds.
Storage and dispensing: Confirm documented procedures for secure storage and controlled dispensing.

Submit required documentation ahead of time

Timing: Submit paperwork 2–4 weeks before arrival.
Essential forms: Include a current physical exam, up-to-date immunizations, medication authorization, and pharmacy instructions.
Condition-specific plans: Attach action plans for allergy, asthma, diabetes, and seizure disorders.

Review infection-control and outbreak plans

Hygiene protocols: Confirm hand-hygiene and respiratory etiquette policies.
Cohorting and isolation: Ask about cohorting strategies and designated isolation areas for symptomatic campers.
Cleaning: Check enhanced cleaning schedules and surface-disinfection routines.
Notification: Expect clear parent-notification procedures for exposures and outbreaks.

Prepare for chronic conditions

Pack supplies: Send prescribed supplies such as epinephrine auto-injectors, inhalers and spacers, insulin or glucagon, and seizure rescue medications.
Staff training: Confirm that staff are trained to recognize and respond to the camper’s condition and medications.
Emergency & aftercare plans: Ensure written emergency and aftercare plans accompany the camper.

Next steps for parents

When interviewing camp directors, use the camp’s top medical questions to confirm staffing, medication policies, documentation timing, infection-control measures, and how the camp will support any chronic conditions. Treat these checks as essential to choosing a safe, appropriate program for your child.

What Every Parent Must Know First: Scale, Camp Types, and Why Medical Planning Matters

We, at the Young Explorers Club, treat medical planning as a core part of choosing any camp.

Our baseline figure: approximately 14 million participants attend camps in the United States each year (American Camp Association). That scale matters because camps vary dramatically in size and services.

Camps differ by format and setting — overnight versus day, rural vs urban, high-adventure versus arts or sports-focused — and medical capabilities change with those differences. Parents must confirm a camp’s specific medical setup instead of assuming standard coverage. Ask staff directly about who provides care, where the nearest emergency department is, and how medications and allergies are handled. We recommend you look for the keywords “medical care at camp” and “camp health and safety” on a camp’s website and in written materials before you sign any forms.

Quick checklist for evaluating a camp’s medical setup

On-site medical staff: Ask whether an on-site nurse or physician is present, and if not, what hours medical staff are available.
Emergency proximity: Confirm the proximity and transport time to the nearest emergency department.
Medication policies: Review medication administration policies: who dispenses meds, how they’re stored, and documentation procedures.
Emergency action plans: Request the camp’s emergency action plan for anaphylaxis, asthma attacks, concussions, and heat illness.
Staff training: Verify staff training in CPR, first aid, and medication administration certifications and renewal schedules.
Chronic and special needs: Find out how the camp manages chronic conditions, special diets, and mental-health needs.
Immunizations and infection control: Check immunization requirements and infectious-disease protocols.
Communication: Ask about how you’ll be notified and how the camp documents medical incidents.

I recommend that parents call and ask specific scenario questions rather than rely solely on brochures. We encourage families to download or read our practical guide to your first summer camp for prep tips and sample questions to ask staff.

We emphasize planning to reduce risk and speed care. Camps are generally safe and extremely beneficial for kids, but clear, documented medical plans make the difference when an incident occurs.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 3

Who Provides Medical Care and How Emergencies Are Handled: Staff, Lifeguards, CPR/AED, and Transport

We, at the Young Explorers Club, expect clear medical leadership and written plans at every camp. Camps use a few common staffing models. Some rely on an off-site physician who’s available by phone or on-call. Others station an on-site health-care director — usually a registered nurse (RN) or a paramedic — who manages medications and care. Many programs bring in nurses or visiting clinicians for part of the day or session. Remote or small camps sometimes depend primarily on local emergency medical services (EMS) when clinical staff aren’t present.

I follow accreditation and standard-check practices with parents. Many camps follow voluntary ACA accreditation standards that include health-care expectations, but accreditation isn’t universal. I always verify who’s on duty, their credentials, and who covers nights and weekends.

Water safety and lifeguard coverage must be explicit. Pools and waterfronts should have certified lifeguards and written water supervision policies that follow recognized standards (American Red Cross/USLA). Confirm certification dates and ask to see current credentials (lifeguard certification). We treat that verification as non-negotiable.

Emergency response essentials are practical and simple. Camps should keep at least one accessible AED and have multiple staff trained in CPR and AED use (CPR/AED certified staff). Written emergency plans are required. Teams need to know the time to the nearest emergency department and typical transport times for remote sites. Parents should always ask how EMS is activated and who calls them. Staff training should include anaphylaxis, asthma management, seizure response, and water rescue.

Questions I tell parents to ask

Below are the specific items I recommend you confirm before enrollment:

Who is the primary clinical lead on-site and what are their credentials?
Is the camp accredited (ACA accreditation) and do they follow those health standards?
Are lifeguards certified and do they follow American Red Cross/USLA policies (lifeguard certification)?
Are multiple staff CPR/AED certified and is an AED accessible (CPR/AED certified staff)?
Do staff have training for anaphylaxis, asthma, seizures, and water rescue?
What’s the nearest emergency department and the typical transport time? How is EMS activated (emergency medical services (EMS))?
Can I review the written emergency and water supervision plans?

I also point parents to practical preparation tips in our camp experience guide so they arrive with the right questions and documentation.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 5

Required Documentation, Medication Rules, Controlled Substances, and Insurance

We, at the Young Explorers Club, require complete health paperwork well before arrival. Submit forms 2–4 weeks ahead and confirm the camp has received them.

Typical required documents and timing

Below are the standard items we ask families to provide before arrival:

Current physical exam: often a physical exam within 12 months.
Immunization records: up-to-date immunization records.
Medication authorization form and pharmacy instructions: a signed medication authorization and clear pharmacy directions.
Action plans: allergy/anaphylaxis action plan, asthma action plan, diabetes management plan, seizure plan if applicable.
Insurance and emergency contacts: insurance information, emergency contact forms, and parental consent for routine care and emergencies.
Camp- or state-specific authorizations: including written self-carry permissions if needed.

Keep copies and upload forms to the camp portal if one exists. If this is your child’s first time with us, review our Your first summer camp guidance to avoid last-minute scrambling.

Medication administration rules and controlled substances

We only accept medications in original pharmacy-labeled containers that match the camper’s name and dosing instructions. Over-the-counter meds should also be labeled and accompanied by a signed medication authorization. Many camps require a parent signature and, for some prescriptions, a clinician’s signature as well.

Controlled substances at camp need extra attention. Stimulants for ADHD and other controlled meds often have special handling requirements. Camps may:

Require additional documentation or a prescribing-provider signature.
Restrict administration to the health staff or the camp nurse only.
Refuse to store certain controlled drugs on site based on state law.

Always get the camp’s controlled-substance policy in writing and share any prescriber notes that clarify dose and timing. For inhalers and epinephrine, self-carry rules vary by camp and state. If you want your child to self-carry, obtain explicit written authorization signed by both the parent and the prescribing clinician, and supply an action plan that outlines when and how to use the medication.

Insurance, billing, and consent

Confirm your health insurance covers care for injuries or illnesses away from home and ask how the camp will handle emergency billing. Provide a clear copy of the insurance card, policy and group numbers, and a preferred provider phone number. Ask whether the camp carries a secondary accident policy and how that policy coordinates with your primary insurance.

Document parental consent for routine care and emergencies in advance. That paperwork should specify:

Who may authorize urgent treatments if parents are unreachable.
Whether the camp may transport the camper for emergency care and how any ambulance or ER bills will be handled.
Contact protocols for non-emergent medical needs.

Get written confirmation from the camp health staff that they received all forms, medications, and authorization signatures before arrival.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 7

Vaccinations, Infection Control, and Outbreak Response Policies

We, at the Young Explorers Club, expect campers to have up-to-date routine childhood immunizations on file. Camps commonly ask for MMR and varicella records. Some programs or local rules may also require seasonal influenza or COVID-19 shots. Parents should confirm exact requirements, submission deadlines, and acceptable medical or religious exemptions with the camp health office.

Camps can still see communicable disease events. Gastrointestinal outbreaks such as norovirus and respiratory clusters like influenza or COVID-19 have occurred in group settings. I recommend asking how the camp monitors for symptoms and how quickly they escalate a response.

Prevention practices and outbreak triggers

Below are common strategies camps use to prevent and contain spread. Ask whether these are standard at your child’s site and how strictly staff enforce them:

Hand hygiene stations and supervised handwashing.
Cohorting by cabin or activity group to limit contacts.
Isolation area for symptomatic campers and staff.
Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of dining halls, bunks, and communal surfaces.
Pre-arrival screening or testing when required by local policy.

Ask to see this verbatim in the camp’s written plan: “If two or more campers share acute GI symptoms within 48 hours, the camp will initiate outbreak response (cleaning/disinfection, cohort separation, parent notification).”

We advise parents to request the camp’s written outbreak response plan and its communication protocol. Confirm how and when parents will be notified during outbreaks, who makes decisions about closures or testing, and what steps the camp takes before sending a child home. For practical parent-facing advice about expectations and communication, consult our guidance on a great camp experience.

Chronic Conditions and What to Pack: Allergies, Asthma, Diabetes, Seizures, ADHD (Checklist Included)

We, at the Young Explorers Club, prioritize clear plans for campers with chronic conditions. Food allergy affects roughly 8% of children (about 1 in 13 children) (CDC). Asthma impacts about 6 million U.S. children (CDC). ADHD diagnosis sits near 9–10% of children (CDC). Those numbers show how common these issues are and why camps must be prepared.

Food allergy and anaphylaxis

Epinephrine is the first-line treatment. Camps commonly require an allergy action plan and often ask for two epinephrine auto-injectors. We recommend an allergy ID (medical bracelet or card) and advance dining accommodations so staff can prevent exposure. Make sure the action plan lists triggers, typical reactions, and what to do if exposure occurs.

Asthma

Pack a short-acting beta-agonist inhaler and a spacer if your child uses one. Provide an asthma action plan that states baseline control, medication steps for worsening symptoms, and emergency thresholds. Confirm staff know how to recognize breathing distress and how to help with inhaler/spacer use.

Diabetes

Bring an individualized diabetes management plan plus all supplies for insulin delivery, glucose monitoring, and carbohydrate treatment. Include insulin, glucose meter/strips, and a glucagon emergency kit. Discuss refrigeration needs for insulin and who will manage dosing during activities. Camps should assign trained staff or medical personnel to support blood-glucose checks and insulin administration.

Seizures

Camps should accept a written seizure plan and stock rescue medication protocols. Rescue meds may include rectal diazepam or intranasal/buccal midazolam as prescribed. Confirm which formulation the camp will administer and that staff are trained to use it immediately if a prolonged seizure occurs.

ADHD and behavioral health medications

Check the camp’s policy on controlled substances. Bring medications in pharmacy-labeled containers and include prescribing-provider documentation if the camp requires it. Clarify whether meds are locked and dispensed by staff or allowed as self-carry under supervision.

What to confirm with the camp for each condition

Ask about the following before camp:

Staff training in relevant emergency protocols.
Medication storage (locked medical cabinet versus self-carry rules).
Whether the camp expects extra emergency supplies on site.
Who will administer meds, and how dosing records are kept.
Overnight or off-site trip plans for medical needs.
If refrigeration, sharps disposal, or special meal prep is needed, get that confirmed in writing.

Packing checklist (bring these items as written)

Prescription medications in pharmacy-labeled containers (name, dose, schedule).
EpiPen® or other epinephrine auto-injector (2 devices recommended for known food allergy/anaphylaxis).
Short-acting beta-agonist inhaler and spacer if needed.
Insulin, glucose meter/strips, and glucagon emergency kit.
Seizure rescue medication if applicable (rectal diazepam or intranasal/buccal midazolam as prescribed).
OTC basics if camp permits: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antihistamine (dose instructions from parent/MD), topical antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, blister care.
Copies of medical forms, action plans, allergy list, and emergency contacts.

We also recommend reviewing our summer packing list before camp so you don’t miss small but essential items; see our summer packing list for a quick refresher. Finally, keep originals and photocopies of all prescriptions and plans in your carry-on when traveling to camp, and save electronic copies for quick access by camp leadership.

Common Injuries, Mental/Behavioral Health, Aftercare, and Top Questions to Ask the Camp

We, at the young explorers club, see a predictable set of injuries at summer camps. Sprains, abrasions, fractures, and insect bites or stings are the most common. Serious injuries and fatalities are rare, but they still require clear planning.

I keep prevention straightforward and practical.

Require helmets for biking and climbing.
Enforce proper staff-to-camper ratios to ensure supervision.
Run concise safety briefings before every activity.
Conduct thorough risk assessments for any adventure programming and adjust activities by age and skill.

Counselors should be trained to support homesickness and basic emotional needs. We train staff to recognize early signs of anxiety, withdrawal, and behavioral escalation so issues get addressed before they worsen. Children with existing mental health diagnoses need an individualized behavioral health plan and pre-arranged communication between parents and the camp’s health staff. Camps should have clear escalation procedures and a plan for medical transport if a psychiatric crisis becomes severe.

Aftercare follows a predictable flow. On-site first aid comes first. We notify parents for anything beyond simple treatment. If an emergency requires higher care, we arrange transport to an emergency department. Every significant incident gets documented; parents should receive a written incident report, copies of treatment records, and a return-to-camp clearance if the camp requires one.

I remind parents to confirm insurance and consent details before drop-off. Verify the camp’s billing procedures for emergency care and keep copies of signed consent forms. Ask how the camp stores and shares medical records so you understand their privacy practices.