How to Get Your Child Ready for Summer Camp

Summer is officially here which means more fun in the sun, hangouts with friends and family, and exciting new adventures!

Is your child headed off to camp soon? Check the tasks below off your to-do list to help your camper have a safe and healthy summer!

Summer Camp Checklist

Pack early – Prepare your child’s items for camp early and make sure they have outdoor essentials such as hats to block the sun, bug spray, waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and campsite-friendly shoes and clothing. You may also want to check with their campsite to determine if they need to bring any special equipment or gear.

Talk through fears – Just like the first day at a brand new school, if this is your child’s first time at camp they may be nervous about the unknown. Whether your child is worried about making new friends, becoming homesick, trying new activities, or learning their way around, you can let them know those nerves are completely normal and coach them through their fears!

Contact list – At an early age it’s helpful to teach your child the important phone numbers they need to know if an emergency arises. It’s also recommended to prepare your child’s camp with a contact list of emergency contacts if needed. To help prevent accidents please review our top summer safety tips for kids here to make sure your child’s summer is off to a great (and safe) start! 

Practice independence – Relying on your kids to take care of themselves without reminders from you doesn’t have to be scary! Talk with them ahead of time about the responsibilities they might be expected to carry out on their own, i.e. hygiene routines and staying organized in their new (temporary) home away from home.

Camp physical – Last but not least, you’ll want to make sure their overall health is in good standing before sending them off. While away at camp, children may encounter new elements that aren’t in their daily environment, which could trigger allergic reactions or illnesses that may put them at risk.  which in some circumstances can impact their health. A camp physical provides your child with a screening to look for any medical conditions that would make them ineligible to partake in normal camping tasks. For greater peace of mind, it’s a great safety measure to get your pediatrician's stamp of approval first!

Does your child need a pediatrician in Plano or Frisco, TX?

Schedule a camp physical with Village Pediatrics by clicking here or reach out to your preferred location below:  

• Village Pediatrics in Plano: Text or call (214) 473-2200  
• Village Pediatrics in Frisco: Text (972) 525-7381