There’s no doubt that one of the best parts of a child’s summer vacation is heading off to a summer camp. It’s a great way to learn new skills, meet new friends, and spend the abundance of free time summer vacation provides. Even parents can enjoy a few days of rest while their children are at summer camp!
Although summer camp season is an enjoyable experience for each member of the family, health and safety should always come first. It can be difficult for parents to not worry about their children’s well-being, especially since they aren’t around to check-up on their kids. This is why it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with a trusted pediatrics practice in Littleton, such as Focus on Kids Pediatrics, prior to sending your children off to summer camp.
Your child’s pediatrician can help you prepare your child for summer camp and understand the important relationship between fun and safety. This is especially important if this will be the first time your child will be attending summer camp. Here are two ways your child’s pediatrician can help:
Update Your Child’s Immunization
Many camps tend to have a number of kids in one room. Having so many children in such close proximity to one another can facilitate the spread of sicknesses. This is especially true for highly infectious illnesses such as chickenpox. Your child’s pediatrician can help update your child’s immunization records, helping your child avoid contracting and bringing home preventable diseases.
Physical Examination
Summer camps, regardless of their theme, will often promote physical wellness among their campers. Your child’s pediatrician can conduct a physical examination to see if your child is fit enough for certain activities. You may want to bring the summer camp’s brochure of advertised activities with you to help your pediatrician make accurate assessments. This is especially important if your child has been diagnosed with asthma and other such conditions.
When you first think about it, fun and safety may seem like contradictory ideas. However, it’s easier to maximize fun and create fantastic memories when you know you are in a safe environment. Don’t forget to see your child’s pediatrician before you send your kid off to summer camp.
SOURCES:
8 Tips for a Healthy and Happy Summer Camp Experience, bbb.org
Summer Camp Health Tips for Parents, news.health.com