How to Self-Manage Food Allergies at Summer Camp
Feeling anxious about sending your food-allergic kiddo to summer camp? Here are a few tips.
Tell your child NEVER trade food with other campers.
Make sure they do NOT eat anything with unknown ingredients.
Tell them they MUST read every food label and double-check with a counselor (if age appropriate).
Ask them to be proactive and seek help for all allergic reactions, even if they’re not sure it’s a true reaction, and even if there are no visible signs.
Make sure they know NOT to go anywhere alone if they have ANY allergic symptoms.
Inform camp counselors where their emergency care kit is located.
Make sure camp counselors have a copy of your child’s Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan.
Make sure camp counselors know how to identify the symptoms of anaphylaxis and administer epinephrine.
Make sure your child knows how to self-administer epinephrine (if age appropriate). Have them practice with a trainer auto-injector before camp.
Tell camp counselors about cross-contact dangers and make sure your child is aware, too.
Here are some resources to help you teach the camp counselors about your child’s food allergy/allergies:
👉 What Is a Food Allergy? Presentation. Use this presentation to help teach the camp counselors about the basics of food allergies and anaphylaxis
👉 American Academy of Pediatrics Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan
👉 FARE's Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan includes a downloadable version in English and Spanish
👉 Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan from Food Allergy Canada is available in a downloadable version in English and French
👉 Download this Symptoms of Anaphylaxis card to pass out to the camp counselors
