How to prepare your child for summer camp, according to a pediatrician

As summer approaches, many families are preparing to send their children to camp — whether it’s a day camp close to home or an overnight experience farther away.

Pediatrician Dr. Scott Cyrus shared important advice for parents to help ensure their kids are ready, both physically and emotionally, for the weeks ahead.

Plan Ahead for Physicals and Immunizations

A lot of times, camps require physicals and immunizations to make sure the kids are in good shape.

Dr. Cyrus emphasized the importance of early planning, especially when it comes to meeting camp requirements.

"We try to plan it out as far as we can, but we also try to understand that some parents are working, and it all of a sudden does sneak up on them," he said. "We try to be as accommodating as we can, but we’d like to see them about a week to two weeks [in advance]."

He noted that certain vaccines, like tetanus, need time to take effect. Planning early gives both families and healthcare providers time to respond.

Match Camp Type With Your Child’s Maturity

When deciding between a day camp and an overnight option, Dr. Cyrus said parents should consider their child’s emotional readiness.

"You kind of have to gauge and you have to sit down and have a conversation with your child,” he said. “How prepared are they? Could they take a friend, maybe? How mature are they? How well are they really ready?"

He also warned against using sleepovers as a benchmark for overnight camp readiness.

"People say, 'Oh, they do sleepovers all the time.' That’s something totally different. Gauging your child ready for camp versus ready for a sleepover is really not something that I would recommend."

Pack Medications and Essentials

Many camps are equipped with medical staff or volunteers, but Dr. Cyrus said parents should still ensure their children have all necessary medications and backups.

"Making sure they have plenty of medications. If they were to drop their medication and lose it — some of those medications are important. Inhalers — make sure that they have plenty of their inhalers and that they’re not just half full," he said. "You probably need to send a new prescription to the camp."

He also suggested packing over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen for general discomfort.

Help Kids Stay Comfortable and Connected

To help ease homesickness, Dr. Cyrus recommended packing personal items from home.

"Sometimes, you know, keeping the kids from being homesick — thinking about their favorite blanket if they’re young, or a teddy bear, or a diary," he said. "Older kids like to just do their diary and they don’t think about taking that diary. Or their favorite pillow — sometimes camp pillows can be quite stiff."

These comfort items can make a big difference in helping kids settle into their new environment.

Ask About Scholarships

Dr. Cyrus also reminded parents that cost doesn’t have to be a barrier to summer camp.

"A lot of parents are like, 'Oh, I can’t afford camp.' Try the scholarships. A lot of times, religious scholarships — the church will support you or support your child,” he said. “It’s just awesome. Really just ask. Don’t be afraid to ask, because I always say the worst they could say is it’s not available."

He said many communities and even individual families are willing to help support children attending summer camp.

Final Advice

Dr. Cyrus encouraged kids — and parents — to focus on the bigger picture.

"Enjoy yourself. Have a great time. You’re there. You’re safe. Just have a great time," he said.

With proper preparation, summer camp can be a fun, healthy, and confidence-building experience for children of all ages.