It's exciting to send your child off to summer camp; for parents whose children have allergies or special diets, it may also be a source of apprehension. To prepare for your child's well-being and safety, proper preparation and communication is vital in ensuring your child has a great experience. From choosing the right camp to labeling your child's things, every step is taken in the protection of your camper. Here is a guide on how to confidently handle all the allergies and dietary needs.

Choosing the Right Camp for Your Child

The first step to managing allergies and special diets at camp is the selection of a camp that can address your child's needs. Research camps that are known for being allergy-friendly, or that have special meal plans. Also look for those with staff trained for, and onsite medical personnel familiar with, dietary restrictions and allergic reactions. Reading reviews or talking to other parents can also be a great way to get insight into the camp's management of such issues.

Communicating with Camp Staff

Once you’ve chosen a camp, it’s critical to have open and detailed communication with the staff. Schedule a meeting or phone call to discuss your child’s specific needs. Provide them with a list of foods or allergens to avoid, and clarify the severity of the allergy. Also include the medications she will need and advise that staff are trained in administration should this be necessary. Share any additional medical documentation, such as an allergy action plan, to ensure they have a clear protocol to follow. The more they are aware of, the better equipped they can be.

Pack an Emergency Kit

Bring an emergency kit for each camper with allergies or special diets; include all prescribed medications  and written instructions on how to administer them in case of need. If your child has dietary restrictions, pack some non-perishable snacks or substitutes that he or she can have as a backup in case the menu changes. Be sure to use kids labels for those items to avoid mix-ups.

Teaching Your Child About Self-Advocacy

Empower your child to be able to look after themselves while at camp with teaching about symptoms of allergic reactions-to say something if they are poorly. Likewise, very importantly, children need to ask about ingredients or how something has been prepared if they are unsure of a meal. While the staff will be monitoring their safety at camp, confidence in their management by the children is also very much essential.

A Nourishing Meal Plan

If your child has dietary restrictions, be certain the camp's meal plan can provide nourishing options. Request a sample menu with your child and discuss his or her comfort level. If the camp kitchen prepares special meals, confirm steps are taken to prevent cross-contamination. Those camps having an area dedicated as allergy-free or providing an area to prepare only the allergen-free meals are ideal.

Follow-up Before and During Camp

Follow up with the camp before your child's arrival to make sure all the plans are in place. If allowed, send updates during the session so that your child is coping well and the staff are following the pre-arranged plans. Many camps also send letters or photographs which reassure you:.

However, with some preparation, children who have allergies or special diets can also enjoy themselves as much at camp as all the others. It is a question of selection, proper communication, and equipping your child with the necessary aids for them to have not only a safe but enriching summer, like all campers should experience.