Many parents worry about their children staying active during summer vacation. Luckily, summer day camps offer the perfect solution. Children get to enjoy outdoor play while parents have the reassurance of having them close by. The camp experience can be very enriching for a child’s summer but like any activity, there are safety precautions that should be addressed. Here are a few proactive safety tips for day campers designed to give parents some piece of mind.

Sun Protection
A typical day camp features a range of activities, many of which take place outdoors. Whether it’s a day at the pool or a leisurely walk around town, it is important to make sure your child has the proper sun protection. A simple application of sunscreen, a hat and a bottle of water can go a long way in keeping your child safe from sun burns and dehydration.

Safe Play Habits
It is never too early to start practicing safe playing habits with your child and camp is where these skills will come in handy for them. Habits like wearing a helmet while bike riding, swimming with a lifeguard present and not wandering off alone can prevent a range of potentially dangerous situations. By setting good examples and explaining the risks involved, a child will think twice before engaging in something that may harm them. Safety doesn’t have to come at the expense of fun.

Attention to Allergies
Millions of children suffer from severe food allergies. Having food allergies forces children to treat social settings such as school or camp with extra caution. For parents of children with allergies, it’s important that their child packs the proper medication and knows to inquire about all meals. Other parents should also educate their kids about their peers’ allergies and not pack certain snacks that are likely to trigger a reaction in others.

Avoiding Strangers
Many day camps feature activities around town. Campers and counsellors often take public transportation to get from one location to the other. As a result, kids are going to encounter strangers throughout the day camp experience. Because of this, parents should be sure to teach children the proper protocol regarding strangers. While you don’t want them walking around in a constant state of worry, it’s important that campers never stray from the group during outings.

Reporting Bullying
Bullying is an ugly reality that exists in all sorts of social situations, especially those involving kids. Camp is no different. Things seem to be getting better as more children are speaking up. In some cases of bullying, your child may not be the victim or perpetrator, but a bystander. It’s here where they must take initiative and report the incident to an adult even though they may not feel a direct involvement. Ending bullying requires a collective effort.