Most schools are done for summer and parents are finalizing plans to send their kids to summer camp.
There are more than 14,000 camps in the U.S., including specialty summer programs that focus on sports, technology, arts or basic back-to-nature outdoor skills. The range of activities is broad, but you child’s health and safety are the top priorities.
More than 2,400 camps in the U.S. are accredited by the American Camp Association [1]. Accredited camps follow more than 300 health and safety guidelines, including germ prevention, sun protection, and sports and water safety practices. The camps are monitored to ensure that the facility is safe, proper safety gear is being used and staff members are trained and certified in their area of specialty at the camp.
“Research the camp thoroughly; ask questions; read reviews, and talk to other parents whose child has attended the camp,” says Francisco A. Medina, M.D. [2], chief medical director of Pediatric Services at Homestead Hospital [3].
Infographic by Irina de Souza