Summer Camp Checklist for Kids With Allergies

What allergy risks can be found at camp?
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Outdoor, seasonal, and environmental allergies

Outdoor allergies are usually caused by seasonal changes, often associated with the blooming cycle of certain trees, weeds, and grasses.

Environmental allergies are caused by allergens specific to your location, either indoors or outdoors. These may include:

●    Mold

●    Animal allergies

●    Dust mites

●    Bee stings

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More than 60 million people in the United States alone have some type of allergy. The type and severity of allergy symptoms vary from person to person. Common environmental and outdoor allergy symptoms include:

●    Stuffy/runny nose

●    Sneezing

●    Itchy, watery eyes

●    Dark circles under eyes

●    Rashes

●    Coughing/Wheezing

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Food allergies

A true food allergy is an immunologic reaction to a food protein. Food allergy symptoms can range from minor to life-threatening, and may include:

●    Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction that can restrict the airway)

●    Mouth itching

●    Hives

●    Swelling of the lips or mouth or other parts of the body

●    Nausea, vomiting, or delayed diarrhea

●    Asthma symptoms, such as wheezing or shortness of breath

Eight biggest food allergies that are responsible for nearly 90% of food allergies:

●    Peanuts

●    Soybean

●    Tree Nuts

●    Fish

●    Shellfish

●    Wheat

●    Egg

●    Milk 

Even when they are not life-threatening, allergy symptoms can make parents worry, and take the fun out of a child’s camp experience.

Finding the right spring or summer camp:

As allergy awareness continues to grow, so does accessibility for your children. There are now food allergy-friendly camps, peanut-free allergy camps, etc. These summer camps are specialized in providing a fun, interactive camp without the worry of food allergies. Try searching up summer camps near you to find an allergy-free camp.

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How to protect your child from food and outdoor allergies at summer camp

Be proactive rather than reactive. Print out these allergy cards that can be handed to your camp counselors!

What to bring to camp for children with allergies and asthma:

●    Daily allergy medicine or antihistamines in case of a flare-up

●    Rescue inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector

●    Hypoallergenic bedding and pillows

●    Bug spray

●    Closed-toe shoe

●    Emergency Care Plan

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What to review with your child before they leave for camp:

Make sure your child is prepared to manage their allergies. Depending on their age, they should know:

●    When and how often to take allergy medication, and the proper dosage

●    How to avoid exposure to allergens whenever possible (for example, avoid wearing bright clothing or fragrances that can attract stinging insects and checking all food labels)

●    Which activities are safe or unsafe for outdoor allergies (for example, avoiding sitting close to campfires if smoke is an asthma trigger)

●    Their outdoor allergy symptoms

●    How and when to tell an adult about a possible allergic reaction

●    How to use an epinephrine auto-injector

●   How to recognize allergy symptoms

If your child is very young, you may have to coordinate with the camp staff to make sure they understand food and outdoor allergy safety.

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Communicate with camp counselors about your child’s allergies

Once you have found a potential camp for your child to attend, contact the administration to ask any questions you may have. This may include:

●    Who is the primary healthcare person on staff? Who covers for that person if they are unavailable?

●    How does the camp communicate and monitor allergy information? Does it work for your child’s needs?

●    Is the camp close to an emergency room or other medical treatment center?

●    What is the camp protocol in an emergency?

●    How do they handle the possibility of cross-contamination?
 

Provide the camp with any necessary medical forms and emergency contact information. Include your child’s allergies, usual allergy symptoms, and medications.

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Start building up your child’s allergy resistance.

Even before you choose a camp for your child, you can help them build up long-term resistance to allergens with immunotherapy in the form of allergy drops or shots.

Allergy shots can be used against allergies like molds, pollen, dust, and animal dander in children aged 5 years or older. Treatment generally takes between 3-5 years for long-term relief, so the sooner you start your child on immunotherapy, the better.

Allergy drops, also known as sublingual immunotherapy, can be taken at home by patients as young as 4 months old. Clinical studies have proven allergy drops to be an effective alternative to allergy shots. Allergy drops are easier for many patients and have been found to have fewer adverse reactions compared with allergy shots.

Even when they are not life-threatening, allergy symptoms can make parents worry, and take the fun out of a child’s camp experience. Book an appointment today to get started on treatment! 

Parents need to know that as long as they take the right precautions, send their child to camp with the right equipment, and educate their child and those around them about their condition, they are going to be fine. In actuality, their child should be having the time of their lives. After all, aren’t they at summer camp to have fun and learn something new?

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