Disclosure: A special thanks to CVS/MinuteClinic for sponsoring this post. Even though this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own.
While my kids aren’t quite old enough for camp yet, next summer they will be and they’re very interested in going to a summer camp.
As parents, we all want our children to be safe and while we aren’t with them during summer camp there are things you can do and teach them to help keep them safe while they are away.
CVS and the MinuteClinic are here to help.. and here to Prepare Your Camper!
Send Them Off With Confidence:
Stay in Touch
Ask if the camp offers ways to connect with your camper, such as email or by phone.
You may also want to ask about wireless access if your child has a mobile device. Additionally, give them an easy way to reach you. Try self-addressed, stamped postcards that are ready to go whenever they want to write home.
Talk to Your Child
Let your children know that it’s okay to be worried, a little nervous, or to miss home
at first. Be encouraging and remind them that this will be an adventure and home
will be there when they return.
Pack Something Familiar
If they’re ever feeling homesick, a trinket from home can be comforting – whether
it’s a photo, blanket, stuffed animal or their favorite toy.
Have Them Log Their Trip
Encourage your children to preserve camp memories. Disposable cameras and
journals are great mediums for them to share their experiences with friends and
family, and to relive their adventure.
Pack for camp
You will want to be sure to check with the camp in case they provide a list of recommended items to pack. In addition to the sneakers, towel, swimsuit, etc… here are additional items to pack:
- Camp physical forms since it is important to be sure that they are in good health before their trip,
- Sun protection, including broad spectrum sunscreen for UVA and UVB rays, lip balm with SPF, and 100% UV protection sunglasses.
- Asmall first aid kit: bandages, antiseptic, poison ivy cream, and insect and bug bite relief cream.
- A flashlight with a spare set of batteries.
- Any medications – be sure to include dosage & instructions.
- If your child has allergies you’ll definitely want to pack his allergy medications if your child needs them, including over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Be Prepared for those Summer Ailments
Spotting Poison Ivy: Poison ivy has three pointed leaves that grow as a bush or vine. The leaves change color with seasons:
- Reddish in spring
- Green in summer
- Yellow, orage, or red in fall
Spotting Poison Oak: Poison oak has three leaves shaped in lobes resembling those of an oak tree. Poison oak grows in low shrubs as long vines.
- Cover up with closed shoes, socks, long pants, long sleeves, and gloves. Wash any clothing that comes in contact with poisonous plants as soon as possible.
- If you are exposed, wash your skin with soap and water, or rubbing alcohol immediately. Though the time frame varies, a rash often develops after 10 minutes.
- Scrub under your nails. Poison ivy and oak oil can spread to other areas of the body if oil is beneath the nail.
- If there is a chance that a pet has been exposed, give them a thorough bath. Wear rubber gloves while bathing your pets to protect yourself.
- Routinely wash sports equipment, gardening tools, and other outdoor items with soap and water. Oil from poison ivy and other poisonous plants can remain potent for as long as 5 years.
Bites and Stings
MinuteClinic can provide a proper assessment, clean the site of the sting to prevent infection, and recommend the proper treatment to help with itching and swelling.
Use insect repellent safely:
- Never spray directly on your face. Spray your hands and rub them carefully over your face while avoiding eyes and mouth. Use sparingly around the ears.
- Never use repellents on woulds or irritated skin.
- Wash skin after coming indoors.
- Avoid products with more than 50% DEET.
- Minimize use of insect repellent if you are pregnant or nursing.
Sunburn: Sunburns can range in severity from mild redness to painful blisters & swelling. It may also be accompanied by serious conditions such as heatstroke, dehydration, or skin infection.
Here are prevention tips:
- Use the shadow rule to measure UV exposure: a shadow that is longer than you means that UV exposure is low; a shadow that is shorter than you means UV exposure is high.
- Wear protective clothing, including a hat with a brim 4″ or wider, sunglasses with 100% UV protection, loose fitting, tightly woven clothing that covers the arms and legs, or clothing made with sun protective fabrics.
- Use a higher SPF when you are near water, at higher elevations or tropical climates. Sunscreen effectiveness is affected by the wind, humidity, and altitude.
- Know the lingo: opt for broad spectrum sunscreen which protects against UVA/UVB rays
- Wearing a t-shirt in the water does not protect your skin unless sunscreen has also been applied underneath.
- If you have dry skin, use lotion or cream sunscreen. For oily skin, or if you are in primarily dusty or sandy area, use a gel, which dries without leaving a film.
See more at http://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic