Putting Together a Wardrobe for Summer Camp

Packing for summer camp is always exciting, and having the perfect wardrobe is important for keeping kids comfortable while they are away from home. Although they want to be stylish, camp is not the time to worry about wearing their most expensive or trendy clothing because it’s a guarantee that your child will be engaged in a lot of outdoor activities. As you prepare your packing list, here is what you need to know about putting together a wardrobe for summer camp that will cover every activity while still showing off your kid’s personal style.

Choose Practical Daily Wear

Summer camp is a time where kids toss aside their school wardrobes, and swimsuits become normal daily attire. Since your son or daughter will be hiking, fishing and going on overnight camping trips, it is important to choose simple clothing that is durable enough to survive a little bit of extra dirt. Shorts, t-shirts and tank tops are perfect for your kid to wear every day, and your camp will tell you about how many of each to bring so that your kid can have something clean to wear between laundry days.

Select Appropriate Water Clothing

Water sports are another important part of camp that will require some careful attention to the choices you make with your child. While your daughter may have her eye on that trendy bikini, it is not going to survive a white water rafting ride or provide much protection from the sun. Instead, opt for a one-piece, and look for fabrics that include sun protection. For boys, a sturdy pair of swim shorts with a button or shoestring tie will help keep them on during those daily water skiing lessons.

Add Something Warm for Evening Activities

Kids usually stay warm during the day as they enjoy their outdoor activities, but the evenings can get a little cool. Make sure they have a warm jacket or sweater to wear as they gather around the campfire in the evenings or go for a late afternoon trek through the wilderness. A robe is also an excellent choice for kids to wrap up in while they unwind in their cabins before bed.

Focus on Footwear

Proper footwear is important for kids to get the most out of their camp experience. Flip flops make great shower shoes and will give them something quick to throw on as they walk through the cabin. However, they will also need to bring skid-proof tennis shoes or hiking boots that can withstand long distance treks on uneven terrain. If your son or daughter will be participating in a sport, then make sure that you also prepare to send cleats and other types of gear that pertains to their athletic interests.

Have Fun with Camp Brands

Summer camps also offer branded items that can be ordered for kids before they arrive for the season. These items usually fit easily into a camp-friendly wardrobe, and having a new shirt or hat touting their camp’s name builds camaraderie among the campers. For many families, this offers an option for adding something new to the wardrobe that is budget-friendly yet has enough of the cool factor to make kids happy.

Always remember to check your kid’s camp packing guide to find out if any special items of clothing are needed. But keep in mind that this is one summer vacation where the “keep it simple” rule is important to follow. By carefully putting together your kid’s wardrobe, they can comfortably participate in their favorite activities while knowing that they have exactly what they need to wear no matter what new adventure is on the schedule.

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. Learn what campers say about summer camp at CWW: http://www.campwalt.com/about-sleepaway-summer-camp.html

Introduce Your Kids to Zip Lining for Improved Self-Confidence

Instilling self-confidence in your children is one of the most important jobs you are entrusted with as a parent. While you know that using positive guidance helps build self-esteem, it is sometimes hard to come up with new ways to build confidence in children who need a little push to get out of their comfort zone. Zip lining is one activity that has grown in popularity, and the cool factor will be all it takes to get your child eager to step out into new territory that rewards taking a safe risk.

Learn to Conquer Fears

Many kids have a natural fear of heights that causes them to be apprehensive about climbing into a zip line harness. Yet, it is hard to resist the thrill of a new adventure. During their introduction to zip lining, the staff always spends time talking to kids about the different pieces of equipment that are designed to keep them safe. Kids are also allowed to practice skills that build up to the big moment such as putting on their harness and zipping down a lower line. As kids gain familiarity with zip lining, their fears recede, and it only takes a few moments of soaring through the air before most of them completely forget why they were ever scared in the first place.

Developing Trust in a Safe Environment

Introducing a kid to zip lining should always be done in a safe and supportive environment. Summer camps offer zip lining because they know how exciting it is for kids to literally reach new heights while also building their ability to trust in themselves and others. They are never forced to go on a zip line until they are ready. Instead, they are encouraged to take on the challenge by positive interactions with their peers and the crew. On a summer camp zip line course, kids who are new to the sport get the opportunity to watch experienced campers take the leap first while receiving encouragement from everyone in their group when they are ready to give it a try.

Enjoy a Sense of Accomplishment

The benefits of zip lining are instant since a kid’s confidence begins to soar as soon as they step off the platform. Feeling a sense of awe as they take in the scenery is a huge reward for taking a leap of faith, and kids quickly gain a sense of control since they can slow down their ride along the length of the course or let go to enjoy a faster zip down the line. Once they complete their zip line, the other members of their group are always eager to celebrate their big moment with enthusiasm. Over time, many kids begin to seek out new opportunities for zip lining that takes them to greater heights and to exciting new landscapes.

Taking safe risks and conquering new challenges is important for building a kid’s self-confidence. The confidence a kid learns on a zip line also extends to other areas of their life since knowing that they can beat their fears helps them with public speaking, learning a new academic skill and practicing leadership in sports. By allowing your child the opportunity to see the world from a bird’s-eye view, you provide them with a new perspective on their ability to accomplish anything they set their mind out to do.

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. Learn what campers say about summer camp at CWW: http://www.campwalt.com/about-sleepaway-summer-camp.html

Building Memories at Summer Camp

Summer represents a time full of possibilities for kids to expand their horizons and make beautiful memories and summer camp offers the perfect environment for kids to truly tap into their interests and connect with others. Today, summer camp adventures range from traditional activities such as campfire songs to volunteer opportunities and multi-day excursions into the wilderness. In fact, going to summer camp helps kids build beautiful childhood memories by stimulating their growth and development in the following areas:

Conquering Challenges

Learning how to overcome fear and accomplish goals is an important part of childhood that often leads to some of the strongest memories. Whether a child has never jumped off a diving board before or spent the night in the wilderness, they will be provided with support from caring members of the summer camp team along with their peers until they reach their goal. Remembering how they scored their first soccer goal or swam across the lake strengthens a child’s self-esteem and encourages them to tackle bigger challenges as they approach adulthood.

Forming Diverse Friendships

Ask any child about their time in summer camp and you will be inundated with stories involving their friends. At summer camp, kids come to stay from all over the world, giving your child the opportunity to form friendships with their peers from all different types of backgrounds. From silly camp pranks to late night chats in the cabin, summer camp friendships are the kind that can only be formed through long hours spent together. Over the course of the summer, kids cherish these friends like family and share memories throughout the year as they keep in touch.

Participating in Creative Pursuits

Summer camp is a place where kids tend to blossom and it is not uncommon for a family to discover that their wallflower has suddenly transformed into an amazing dancer at a camp dance recital. Camp crafts, such as pottery and jewelry making, also provide kids with an outlet for creative expression that leaves them with a tangible object that reminds them of their days at camp. Often, these creative opportunities lead to lifelong interests in music and art that kids always remember began at summer camp.

Strengthening Family Bonds

It may seem strange to think that going away for the summer will help a child bond with their family, but it really is true that absence makes the heart grow fonder. At summer camp, kids gain independence that provides them with a different understanding of the importance of family. Summer camps also offer fun family days during which siblings and parents can observe and participate in some of their kid’s favorite camp activities. Family camps often top off the end of the season with a weeklong adventure that allows families to form amazing memories as they indulge their playful sides in an outdoor environment.

Summer camp memories fill scrapbooks, online albums and most importantly hearts with all of the wonderful activities that took place during the season. At camp, kids spend every moment of the day engaged in activities that stimulate their mental and physical development. From forming close friendships to gaining new skills, the memories made at camp last a lifetime.

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. Learn what campers say about summer camp at CWW: http://www.campwalt.com/about-sleepaway-summer-camp.html

Highlights of the Summer Camp Experience

Going to summer camp is an enriching experience that changes a kid’s life for the better. Every boy and girl should be able to enjoy all of the opportunities for personal development that will impact every aspect of their life. While summer camp stories are full of jokes about camp food and cabin pranks, the truth is that there is far more to summer camp than telling stories around the campfire. In addition to the classic camping adventures, here are some more highlights of summer camp that every kid should experience.

Improve Athletic Performance

Sports programs in schools have expanded to include more options such as tennis, lacrosse and gymnastics. However, the summer break can cause kids to lose critical skills which can have an impact on their performance. At summer camp, kids can utilize their break to participate in fun, challenging training sessions along with friendly competitions that will keep their skills fresh. Playing in inter-camp competitions also lets kids learn new techniques from others who share their love of a favorite sport.

Get Comfortable On the Water

Summer camp wouldn’t be summer camp without a daily dip in a lake or pool. In fact, many kids find that their swimsuit is the most important piece of clothing they pack. Younger kids and new campers always begin with swimming lessons to teach them water safety. Once a camper knows how to swim, the options are limitless. Water skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking and canoeing are just a few fun ways for kids to step out of their comfort zone and learn how to maneuver safely across the water.

Develop Creative Expression

Summer camp crafts have come a long way since the days of making lanyards. Today, kids have a ton of options for developing their creativity. Pottery is a favorite summer camp craft that they can literally sink their hands into and woodworking is another popular class that allows them to make everything from a chessboard to a jewelry box for mom. Kids who prefer drama can also put on plays and talent shows for their fellow campers. Budding guitarists and drummers can also hone their skills with lessons and form a band to serenade their friends around the campfire.

Give Back to the Community

At summer camp, kids learn what it means to participate in building a community. From welcoming newcomers to helping clean up the cabin, kids develop a sense of ownership and personal responsibility regarding their camp environment. As campers progress through the different age levels, they also begin to expand their reach to other parts of the community. For example, swim-a-thons are a fun way for kids to raise funds for underprivileged kids to visit camp, and campers are encouraged to help out with established programs to build homes and stock food pantries in neighboring communities.

Camping, hiking and horseback riding are a few things kids expect when they go to summer camp. Yet, the summer camp experience encompasses far more than some outdoor adventures. From learning to help others to improving their skill set, kids at summer camp always return home transformed by their experiences.

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. Learn what campers say about summer camp at CWW: http://www.campwalt.com/about-sleepaway-summer-camp.html

Sleepaway Summer Camp Means Lots of Outdoor Activities

Going to sleepaway summer camp is a rite of passage for children that fosters independence along with the opportunity to create memories that last a lifetime. Every summer, kids at camp get to participate in fun and exciting activities that build strength, leadership skills and encourage kids to develop an interest in nature. One of the best parts of sleepaway camp is that it provides more time to explore the outdoors as campers stay engaged in a variety of different activities that range from making pottery to competing with their fellow campers in sports competitions.

Watersports

For many campers, sleepaway camp is the first place they learn how to swim, water ski and wakeboard. At camp, children are encouraged by the support of their instructors and peers to take safe risks as they learn skills such as how to windsurf. Water safety is naturally a huge part of these outdoor lessons and there is nothing better than experiencing the peaceful calm of a lake first thing in the morning. As kids progress in their skills, jump ramps and other obstacles are introduced so kids are constantly being challenged to increase their abilities.

Creative Arts

When campers need a break from active play, they can still dive into their creative pursuits outdoors. Whether they are putting on a play on an outdoor stage or they are taking guitar lessons around a campfire, kids always have a chance to soak up the sun. Additionally, classes such as wood carving and pottery allow kids to truly dig their hands into nature while creating beautiful crafts.

Sports

Summer camp has come a long way since the days of playing dodgeball, although that’s still always an option. Today, sleepaway camp allows kids to fully immerse themselves in their favorite sport. Baseball, lacrosse, gymnastics and hockey are a few sports that are typically offered by camps. Those who prefer to compete on the water may also enjoy canoe and kayak racing. Outdoor camps with a focus on sports will also offer a combination of group and individual lessons to help kids reach the next level in their favorite game.

Backpacking Adventures

Although a lot of fun happens in the cabins, sleepaway camp also involves taking the kids out of their comfort zone and into the wilderness. For younger kids, a backpacking adventure may be a simple day trip that culminates with a campfire and a whole lot of s’mores. Older campers, however, may enjoy supervised backpacking, canoe and bike trips to scenic locations for up to a week. This allows them to fully test their wilderness safety skills while taking in views such as a sunset from the mountaintop or the majestic beauty of a waterfall.

When it comes to finding a summer activity that keeps kids physically active and mentally stimulated, sleepaway summer camp has it all. Not only do campers get to make new friends and learn new skills, but they also have enough time and open space to truly dive into new activities. From canoeing across the lake to navigating their way through a wilderness trail, every kid who goes to sleepaway camp has the opportunity to come back full of stories about their adventures.

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp for a fun outdoor activity experience, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. Learn what campers say about summer camp at CWW: http://www.campwalt.com/welcome-current-families.html

Teaching Kids How to Swim

There’s no doubt that learning how to swim is an important part of childhood, both from the standpoints of safety and fun. Most kids are around water at some point in their lives, whether playing in the backyard pool, at the beach, boating or just walking down a dock or fishing by a lake. It only takes a moment for a drowning to occur, so every parent should be sure their child knows the rudiments of staying afloat. All that aside, swimming is one of the true joys of summer for kids of all ages. There are abundant opportunities for your child to learn this all-important skill.

At Summer Camp

Pretty much every summer camp, even specialty camps, include swimming lessons as part of their slate of programs. Many camps use the techniques and standards of the American Red Cross, with skilled, certified instructors guiding youngsters through all the levels of swimming instruction from beginner to advanced. Kids are tested at the start of camp for level placement and can move up as their abilities improve. You can find excellent swimming programs at both day camps and sleepaway camps. Look for small class sizes so your little camper can get a more individualized level of instruction along with some good old fashioned summertime fun. Many camps, even if situated by a lake, will have a heated outdoor pool for more comfortable swimming lessons. Early morning lake water can be a bit of a shock!

At Community Centers

Community centers and YMCAs across the country are super places to send kids for swimming lessons. Do a little research to see how instructors are certified prior to registering your child. Many facilities start children as young as 18 months (with a parent), so you can be right there with your child as he or she becomes used to the water and eventually learns the rudiments of staying afloat. Programs for kids up to three are generally all about swimming readiness. The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t recommend formal swimming lessons until the age of four when kids are developmentally ready to learn the skills needed to actually stay afloat. Once they’re six, most youngsters can start to learn all the basic strokes including the crawl, back stroke and breast stroke. Many programs move all the way from toddler up to expert levels and may have locally-based swim teams to satisfy the competitive streak of accomplished swimmers.

With You

Lots of parents choose to teach their kids the basics of swimming themselves, especially if the family has a backyard pool or spends a lot of time at the beach. Kids who are comfortable when immersed in the water can usually pick up the basics of staying afloat and moving through the water fairly easily. Unfortunately, youngsters who have had a scare or two in the water may have a bit more difficulty overcoming apprehension about being in deeper water or putting their face in the water. Patience is key in overcoming this. Remember, even if your child does well swimming in a pool, it may not translate perfectly to the beach or lake. Always keep a close eye on young children around the water and always have them wear a life vest when boating even if they are skilled swimmers.

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the white mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. Check out our water sports program here: http://www.campwalt.com/summer-camp-water-sports.html

Making Kids' Summer Extra Fun

Summer is the best time for kids to enjoy, explore nature and step out their comfort zone. However, one of the most challenging role of working parents is promoting a healthy way for kids to have fun. The solution? Send your kids to overnight summer camp. Here are few reasons why sending kids to camp can make their summer extra fun in a safe environment. 

Making New Friends At Camp: Is It Easy?

The most special memories of summer camp are shared with new found friends. The friendship at camp is unique as kids relates to each other without the pressure of the parents or teachers. They have the freedom to choose who they can easily relate with from the hot days of swimming to sailing, craft creating activities, campfires and the cabin chitchats. For first time campers, parents often wonder if their kids can easily make friends. Of course, some variables should be considered in socializing with others such as how outgoing your child is. Here are some camp counselor advice on how to teach kids to easily relate with other children at summer camp.

Checking Out the Culture of an Overnight Summer Camp

So, your child will be taking the big step this summer to spending hot, happy months at sleepaway camp. There are of course many things to take into consideration when choosing an overnight camp, but perhaps one of the most important from the standpoint of each individual child is the overall culture of the camp. Is it more geared toward sports? Is it large or small? What kinds of kids tend to go? Will your youngster feel like he’ll fit in? Although there’s no way to guarantee a great camp experience, there are a few ways you can get a feel for the overall “vibe” of camp life.

Ask Around

Although you’ll have to take into consideration the source of any information, it’s a great idea to check with other parents of campers at a potential camp. Often, your child will have classmates or neighbors who have attended the camp, particularly if it’s not that far away. Of course one child’s idea of camp heaven may be quite different from another’s, but you can get an overall impression of camper/counselor interaction, how engaged kids are in camp activities, safety and supervision. If lots of parents report their child can’t wait until next summer, you’ve probably got a winner.

Traditional or Modern?

With the incredible amount of camps out there, you can choose anything from rustic lakeside retreats with few of the luxuries of home to upscale modern summer meccas with everything from Internet access to cell phone privileges. Clearly, the culture of a camp brimming with contemporary comforts will be far different from that of a traditional style sleepaway camp.

Peruse the Websites

Needless to say, every camp is putting its best foot - or hiking boot – forward on the Internet, but these websites are super places to get basics like camper/counselor ratio, camp size, amount of kids in each cabin, a typical day at camp, rules on communicating with home and amount of structure. If you feel your child would be lost in the crowds of a big camp and might do better with small groups, or if they might flounder with too much unstructured time, you can look for camps set up for smaller groups of campers and a more structured schedule of activities. See if you can find out the return rate of campers, summer after summer; it says a lot about the camp’s overall culture.

Take a Camp Tour

Pile the family in the car and take a summer camp tour the summer before your child will go to camp. This is where good planning comes in, as you’ll want to go while camp’s in session to get the best feel for the overall “vibe” of the place. Naturally, the tour guide will be showing all the high points, but try to see if your child can get a chance to chat with some of the campers. Look around. Do the kids seem happy and engaged in the activities? Are the counselors enthusiastic and involved? Are the facilities clean and well-maintained? Do waterfront activities in particular seem well supervised? Ask plenty of questions of camp staff; you’ll have your own unique concerns for your child. Once you’re back in the car, listen carefully to your child’s feelings about the camp, and don’t let your own enthusiasm or lack thereof influence his or her decision; she’ll be the one spending the summer there, not you!

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. http://www.campwalt.com.

Fun Books About Summer Camp

Even when kids are back in the swing of school, sports and neighborhood activities, it’s always fun to open up a book and dive back into the wilderness adventures of summer camp. Whether your youngster likes funny stories, scary tales or friendship sagas, there are treasure troves of books that take place at sleepaway camp. You can get in the campfire spirit, even when the snow flies, when you slip between the pages of these popular summer camp novels and story books.

Plantzilla Goes to Camp by Jerdine Nolen, illustrated by David Catrow - ages 4-8

Really young kids about to head off for their first summer of camp will love the story of Mortimer Henryson, off to sleepaway camp for the first time. With a text laid out in letters, telegrams and post cards, the vividly illustrated book tells the story of Mortimer as he sets off to continue the family tradition of attending the same camp his dad went to as a boy. Poor Mortimer reluctantly leaves his dog and his pet exotic plant, nicknamed Plantzilla. To make matters worse, he’s assigned to a cabin with the camp bully. Sensing trouble ahead, the amazing Plantzilla heads off the rescue, with much merry mayhem to follow!

Camp K-9 by Mary Ann Rodman; illustrated by Nancy Hayashi - ages 6-8

Written by a former camper and counselor, this enchanting picture book will be a sure-fire favorite with the younger set. Illustrated with pretty pastels, the book tells the story of Roxie and her fellow dog campers and their adventures at Camp K-9. Unfortunately for Roxie, she’s paired up with a “mean girl”, trouble-making standard white poodle, Lucy. One day Lucy goes missing and a wild search ensues, culminating in Roxie finding Lucy and finding out Lucy has a secret. Will Roxie tell?

Camp Fear by Carol Ellis - ages 10-14

Kids who love stories of things that go bump in the night will love the story of Camp Silverlake, where a group of counselors share a deep, dark memory of one summer when they were campers themselves. That long ago summer one camper didn’t make it home and now someone or something has returned to Camp Silverlake to exact a terrible revenge.

Holes by Louis Sachar - ages 8-14

This contemporary classic follows the unusual adventures of Stanley Yelnats. Wrongly accused of theft, this perpetually unlucky young man ends up at a juvenile detention center called Camp Green Lake where there is no actual lake, just a lot of kids digging holes in the dirt. How Stanley survives a summer among the sadistic staff and crazy fellow campers to find out what all the frenzied digging is really about makes for a fascinating read.

Slept Away by Julie Kraut – ages 10 to 15

Tween girls will find a lot to love in the story of Laney Parker, a city girl with pots of money who is horrified to be sent away to the dreadfully rustic Camp Timber Trails. With no cell phone, no air conditioning and no idea of how to be cool when the in-crowd is determined by foreign things like swimming skills, Laney is in for the most surprising summer of her life.

P.S. I Hate It Here edited by Diane Falanga – all ages

You and your older campers will love this hysterical compilation of real letters parents kept from their kids away at camp. The letters, written by campers from eight to sixteen, will have you laughing out loud and reminiscing about days at camp, whether they were last summer or twenty years ago.

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. http://www.campwalt.com.

First Aid Fundamentals During Summer

Photo Credits: Stuart Miles of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Summer is here, and along with the happy days of sand, sea, softball and soft ice cream you may encounter cuts, scrapes, bee stings, tick bites and heat stroke. 

Don’t let summer time bumps, bruises and bites get in the way of your good times; be prepared to treat your family quickly and efficiently. 

Everyone should have some basic knowledge of summertime first aid, and even kids in overnight summer camps are taught how to deal with warm weather emergencies. Following are some summer first aid basics.

The All-Important First Aid Kit

Always have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand, whether in the car, your beach bag or on the boat. Standard items like Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, over-the-counter pain relievers, tweezers, cold packs and calamine lotion are some important essentials.

Bee Stings

As long as you’re not allergic to bee venom, a bee sting is painful if basically harmless. Push out the stinger as soon as possible using a blunt-edged object, being careful not to squeeze any venom back into the area. Clean the stung area with soap and water and apply a cold compress. Afterward, relieve any remaining discomfort with a bit of calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. Hives or difficulty breathing may indicate an allergic reaction and you should seek immediate medical attention.

Tick Bites

With the increasingly common incidence of Lyme disease, parents have become more vigilant about tick bites. Although only the tiny deer tick is thought to carry the disease, any tick should be immediately removed. If possible, avoid tick problems by dressing kids in long-sleeved shirts and long pants when they’re playing in the woods or tall grasses. Hot days call for insect repellent, and you should have a tick check at bath time every night, remembering to examine the scalp as well. To remove a tick, grasp lightly with tweezers near the head and pull it off gently, trying not to leave the head in the wound. Clean the area and apply an antiseptic cream.

Poison Ivy

If you think you’re youngster’s been exposed to the notorious plant Poison Ivy and that it may be the cause of miserable summer rashes, wash all exposed areas with soap and water as quickly as possible. As an extra precaution, pop your child into a cool bath with baking soda or oatmeal to prevent spread of the plant’s rash-spreading oil, and be sure to wash all exposed clothing and sheets. Calamine can ease the itching, but call the doctor if the rash starts oozing or affected areas start swelling.

Jellyfish Stings

As the water gets warmer, jellyfish seem to multiply dramatically. If you have a run in with one these seaside stingers, soak the wound in vinegar water; this will help ease out the tentacles. Once tentacles are at the skin’s surface, gently scrape them off with a flat object like a credit card and rinse the affected area with salt water. If the jellyfish stingers are on the face or in the genital area, seek professional medical care.

Heat Stroke

Hot, sweaty, active kids don’t always remember to stay hydrated. Make sure your little one drinks lots of water and watch out for heat stroke symptoms like leg cramping, rapid pulse or hot, dry skin. In extreme heat stroke, sweating stops and the body can no longer cool itself off. A person affected with heat stroke can be cooled down by being immersed them in cool water, put cool wet cloth on the back of the neck and forehead while sipping on water, or  in a cool shower or wrapped in a damp, cool blanket.

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. http://www.campwalt.com.