Sleep-away Camp with Food Allergies: Just Do It!

With the summer quickly approaching, many parents of food allergic children ask if it is safe for their child to attend a sleep-away camp. The answer is "yes"...if you do the necessary homework. Here are a few steps to follow in order to ensure a safe and happy camp experience for your child.

1. Look online or ask friends about camps that have had experience with food allergic children. Call the camp and speak with the director of the camp as well as the meal coordinator. Are they willing to develop a Food Allergy Action Plan with you? Can you review the menu ingredients with the kitchen and determine which foods will be safe for your child? Do you need to supply the camp with any foods to substitute for the forbidden foods in your child's diet?
2. Make sure the camp has a doctor and/or nurse (RN) on the camp premises at all times. How far away is the nearest hospital? Are the counselors trained in treating allergic emergencies?
3. Parents of bunk mates will often send "goodies" during the summer or come armed with special treats on Visitor's Day. Request the names and addresses of the other campers that will be in the same cabin. Advise the camp staff that you would like to write to the parents of the other campers in the cabin requesting that certain ingredients (within reason) be avoided when the treats arrive to be shared.
4. Speak with your child's allergist and develop a written action plan to be followed by the camp staff in the event of accidental ingestion. Supply the camp with appropriate quantities of medications, both in your child's cabin and in the infirmary. In some cases, medications should be with or near the child at all times.
5. As always, reinforce with your child the importance of asking questions and not taking chances!

Take Home Tip: It is safe for children with food allergies to attend sleep-away camp if the right steps are taken to ensure a summer free of allergies.