Should a camper become ill or injured at camp, the camp first-aider will administer first aid. If it is deemed necessary, this may include a visit to a local doctor’s office or emergency room after hours.
If a camper requires a long rest period for recovery or she cannot remain at camp, she will be sent home. Parents/guardians are responsible for arranging pickup in a timely manner.
If a camper’s illness or injury is severe, she will be given emergency care at the scene and be transported to the hospital emergency room.
When a camper becomes ill or injured, parents/guardians will be notified of the camper’s condition. In life-threatening situations, treatment will begin before notification.
If your camper is exhibiting symptoms of a contagious illness such as influenza you will be asked to come get your camper immediately.
Homesickness
Being homesick is a completely natural experience and is experienced by all campers on some level. Learning to cope with homesickness is a great life skill to learn, and we are well-equipped to help them through this at camp! Camp volunteers receive guidance on how to help campers cope with homesickness.
You can help your camper cope with homesickness by:
- Discussing it with her prior to camp. Encourage her to talk to camp staff about how she is feeling and what she is thinking about camp—both the good and the bad. Role-play at home so she will find it easier to talk about her feelings.
- Making her aware of what camp life is like: deep woods, sounds of nature, bugs, platform tents, latrines, outdoor cooking, making new friends, learning new skills, rainy days, sunny days, hot days, bugs and, most of all, fun times.
- Encouraging her to bring something familiar from home, such as a favorite stuffed animal, a favorite book or new paperback she has wanted to read, a photo album, or stationery to write letters.
- Please do not tell your camper that she can call you or you will pick her up if she becomes homesick. Calling home is often contraindicative and makes the situation worse. Handling homesickness is vital to her development and to learning coping skills. Tell her that you believe in her and know she can do it!
