Get your kids vaccinated.

Be sure your kids' vaccinations are up-to-date. Ask their doctor or nurse what vaccines are recommended for summer camp.

Encourage safe physical activities.

Children should get 60 minutes or more of physical activity on most days of the week. To help prevent injury, pack protective gear, such as helmets and life jackets, if the camp will not be providing them. Tell your kids not to swim if they are alone or if they have diarrhea.

Teach your kids to stay hydrated.

Explain to your kids that the human body needs fluids on a regular basis. They shouldn't wait until they feel thirsty to drink water. Encourage your kids to drink plenty of non-carbonated, sugar-free fluids throughout the day.

Teach your kids to avoid wild animals.

Teach kids that animals can carry diseases that are dangerous to people. Encourage them to enjoy watching them from a safe distance in their natural surroundings.

Pack protection.

Be sure your kids have plenty of insect repellent and sunscreen to wear to protect themselves from mosquitoes, ticks, and the sun. Pack layers of light-weight, light-colored clothes for hot days and blankets and warm clothes for cool nights.

Be proactive.

Find out how you will be notified if your child becomes ill and what the procedures are for caring for your child, if indicated. Teach your kids to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze and to throw the tissue in the trash after using it; to wash their hands often with soap and water (or alcohol-based hand cleaners), especially after they cough or sneeze; and to avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Also, tell your kids to notify camp staff if they or someone they come into contact with becomes ill. Keep your kids at home when they are sick.

Prepare your kids.

Make sure your kids are prepared. Teach them what to do in an emergency. Use this packing checklist to help start them out on the right foot at camp.

Packing List

• Adequate bedding/sleeping bag and extra blankets
• Tent and plastic ground cloth
• Light-weight, light-colored clothing, including long sleeves and pants
• Insect repellent containing DEET
• Permethrin insect repellent for clothing
• Broad-spectrum sunscreen and lipscreen with SPF 15 or higher
• Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
• Healthy on-the-go snacks and other food
• Water and other alcohol-free and sugar-free fluids
• Insulated cooler
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Life jacket, helmet, and other protective gear
• First-aid kit
• Compass or GPS
• Map
• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Extra set of clothes
• Sturdy shoes
• Medical record, including vaccinations; insect, food, plant, and other allergies; diseases and conditions; medicines, dosing schedules, and storage instructions; emergency contacts; and activities your doctor or nurse says to avoid