Use the news release on finding a summer camp as:

  • Material you can distribute to local media (sample cover email below)
  • Content to upload to your website and/or newsletter
  • Informational flyer for patients/public

Memories of summer camp should be filled with joy, not allergy symptoms

Dear [INSERT REPORTER’S NAME]:

As the weather starts to warm up and the end of the school year is in sight, parents and kids might be making plans for summer camp. Some parents have an extra degree of worry if their child suffers from allergies or asthma.

The good news is that most camps have experience in handling the challenges posed by symptoms of allergies and asthma. With a bit of planning and preparation, both campers and parents will be in for a fantastic summer experience.

Below my signature are tips for parents who’d like to send their child with allergies or asthma to summer camp, and keep them safe.

As a local allergist who specializes in treating allergy and asthma, I would be happy to speak with you about preparing an allergic child for summer camp, and other allergy and asthma topics.

Thank you for your time,

[INSERT NAME]

[INSERT PRACTICE]

Memories of summer camp should be filled with joy, not allergy symptoms

They can be when kids with allergies and asthma are prepared

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[INSERT YOUR CITY, STATE] [INSERT DATE]– It can be nerve-wracking, as well as exhilarating for kids to go to summer camp for the first time. Anxieties may be greater for children with allergies and asthma who fear an allergic reaction or asthma attack. A little planning goes a long way towards making them feel safe and ready for their adventure.

“Summer camp is often a child’s first big activity away from home – whether it’s a day or overnight camp,” says allergist[INSERT NAME, INSERT PRACTICE.] “And every kid should have the opportunity to stretch their wings and try something new without worrying about their health. A few precautions can make summer camp a safe and fun experience.”

Everyone and everything should be up-to-date– Before sending your child to camp, communicate with the staff. The camp needs to tell you what level of physical activities will be involved, what the focus of each day will be, and how meals are handled. And you need to convey your expectations to the camp: how do you want your child’s medical routine handled, what does your child need to fully participate in all activities, and how does the camp handle medical emergencies? Do some digging to make sure it’s a good fit all the way around.

Pre-camp prep– Once you and your camper have decided they’ll be off to camp this summer, a visit to the allergist is in order. If your child uses medications, or an epinephrine auto injector for severe allergic reactions, make sure their prescriptions are the appropriate dose for their height and weight, and are up-to-date. Work with your allergist to send the correct supply of needed medications. Double-check expiration dates on existing supplies.

Have a chat before you sing around the campfire– Schedule a meeting with the person responsible for medical care and your child’s counselor well before the first day of camp to make them aware of your child’s medical needs. Have your child attend the meeting too, so they are empowered to keep track of symptoms and triggers.

So she’s not headed to the wilderness– Even if it’s not a specialty sleepaway camp, most day camps have provisions in place to keep kids with allergies and asthma safe. They welcome discussions about what your child can and cannot eat, and what they need to have on hand in case of a severe allergic reaction, or an asthma attack. Make sure the camp you choose has dealt with allergies and asthma before, knows where the nearest hospital is and how to get there, and when to call 911.

For more information about treatment of severe allergic reactions, as well as asthma, Visit our website at [INSERT YOUR WEBSITE ADDRESS].