Sending a child with severe allergies to summer camp can feel overwhelming. New foods, outdoor activities and distance from home is a lot for any parent to navigate.
“Summer camps can be wonderful for kids, but they require extra preparation for families managing severe allergies,” says Dr. Mariam Hanna, a paediatric allergist. “With the right conversations and planning, most children can participate fully and safely.”
One way parents can feel more confident before camp begins is to ask some questions:
• Are staff trained to recognize and respond to an allergic reaction? Staff should recognize symptoms such as hives, vomiting, swelling and difficulty breathing, and know how to respond quickly.
• Where is emergency medication kept, and who can access it? Epinephrine should be easy to access at all times. Knowing whether staff are trained on the device your child carries and can access it quickly is critical. Some manufacturers, such as EpiPen have free trainer auto-injectors available on their websites.
• How does the camp manage meals and snacks safely? Ask about cross-contamination procedures, how the kitchen handles allergy requests and who supervises mealtime.
• What happens if my child has a reaction? Ask what steps staff take if your child reports symptoms, how quickly epinephrine, such as in an EpiPen, is administered if needed and when parents are contacted.
Encourage your child to say “I have an allergy” when offered food, to speak up if they feel unwell and tell an adult right away.
“Even young campers can learn to recognize when something isn’t right and to always ask an adult for help,” says Dr. Hanna. “That confidence can make a real difference.”
— News Canada & Food Allergy Canada
