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Health Care during Summer Camp

Every spring we carefully examine all aspects of our Programs to ensure they provide the highest standards of safety and care. All of our Counsellors have CPR and first aid certification. All are required to wear first aid packs while working at camp and are responsible for providing first aid. There is also an AED (automated external defibrillator) unit onsite in the dining hall.

Medical staff is contractually available. A Registered Nurse lives on site 24 hours a day. The RN is responsible for all medication administration and the assessment and care of all the campers and staff. We are 15 minutes from the Lakefield ambulance station and 30 minutes from the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

In the case of medical need, we will contact you and attend to the need. You will be billed for medical costs incurred or prescriptions recommended or prescribed by the attending physician.

Your cooperation is needed in checking your child frequently for head lice before arriving at camp, so as not to disrupt your child or other children’s experience at camp.

Why have a Camp Nurse

Camp Kawartha is proud to maintain the standards set forth, and be accredited by the Ontario Camps Association, in having registered nursing professionals (Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse) on-site, 24/7 during the summer camp. Camp Kawartha has three healthcare roles: the Healthcare Coordinator, the Summer Camp Nurse, and the Summer Camp Nursing Assistant.

Health Care Coordinator Role

The Health Care Coordinator is a role unique to Camp Kawartha, and is responsible for creating, developing, and implementing standard, protocols, and policies year-round. The Health Care Coordinator ensures the Health Centre is stocked with over-the-counter medications, Epi-pens, and medical supplies ready for use for Pre-camp training. The Health Care Coordinator hires and coordinates all registered nurses and nursing assistant(s) for each summer camp session. Prior to each summer camp session, all health forms of campers are reviewed and consultation occurs with the parents and the Summer Camp Director to determine if the camper’s health needs can be met by Camp Kawartha. The Health Care Coordinator also assists the camp nurse in managing and maintaining all health records at Camp Kawartha. Prior to camp, the Health Care Coordinator provides health and CPR and First Aid Training of all summer staff during pre-camp training. In addition, extra training is provided to Tripping Staff in regards to anaphylaxis and tripping protocols. Throughout camp, the Health Care Coordinator prepares and maintains all First Aid kits (e.g. fanny packs, tripping packs, range and archery packs). For Outdoor Education, all Outdoor Educators and support staff are trained in CPR/First Aid and assistance is provided with any health concerns.

Summer Camp Nurse Role

The Summer Camp Nurse must be a member in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and must maintain CNO standards at all times (e.g. maintaining health records and proper documentation). The Camp Nurse meets with parents on Registration Day and on an as-needs basis. Throughout camp, the Camp Nurse assesses campers and staff to determine and help treat/manage health care needs. On Registration Day, each counsellor receives a short health summary of each camper and confidentiality issues are discussed. When Camp Kawartha receives campers from parents, the Camp Nurse creates a Medication Administration Record and is available to hold individual meetings with parents regarding any health concerns they may have. During camp, the Camp Nurse is responsible for pre-trip checks (are the campers healthy enough to go on the trip? What medications do they need?) and post-trip checks (are there any health concerns? Is further medical attention necessary?). The Camp Nurse also provides support and guidance in areas including children management, emotional and mental health support and counselling, maintaining confidentiality of campers and staff, and the overall health and wellness of Camp. Using sound clinical judgment, the Camp Nurse determines if further medical attention needs to be sought (e.g. medical doctor, hospital visit). The Camp Nurse assists kitchen staff in maintaining a safe and clean environment and with information regarding food allergies. Finally, the Camp Nurse helps maintain the health and well-being of Camp Kawartha, providing education and information to all individuals on camp property with regards to healthcare and health issues, and overseeing all homeopathic, prescribed, and over-the-counter medications for campers.

Nurse’s Assistant Role

The Nurse’s Assistant primarily works alongside the Camp Nurse and is responsible for familiarizing him/herself with the Health Centre, including medical supplies, paperwork and documentation, and resources, and acts as a liaison with office staff to ensure all health forms for the campers have been received. The Nurse’s Assistant also takes part in all staff training and educating. On registration day, the Nurse’s Assistant helps the Camp Nurse with morning staff meetings, meeting parents and organizing camper medications and camper health concerns, and lice checks and treatment. Finally, the Nurse’s Assistant helps with managing the health clinic, first aid, foot care, and sick care.

Health & Safety

Camp Kawartha’s number one priority is keeping campers and staff safe, healthy and happy.  We do our utmost to reduce and manage risks.  However, encountering some measure of risk is an inevitable part of going outside.

Our goal in providing the information below is to inform and educate our clients (aka you!) about specific natural hazards (e.g. poisin ivy, ticks) and nuisances (e.g.  head lice, bed bugs), as well as suggested remedial actions post visit (e.g. washing clothing & bedding, checking for skin reactions). Camp Kawartha has been working with Public Health, the Ontario Camps Association and other camps to develop the most up to date policies and procedures that deal with these natural hazards/nuisances. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have.

Natural Hazards/Nuisances

Information Sheets

Resource Websites

  • Camps and Outdoor Education Learning Hub – Read about keeping your child safe and healthy at camp, including outdoor safety tips, supporting your child’s physical and mental health, how to treat common injuries and health issues, and managing your child’s allergies and complex care needs.