Reposted from FARE (https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/camps)

It’s estimated that each year, more than 11 million children and adults attend a camp. Throughout the U.S., there are more than 12,000 day and summer camps, run by nonprofit organizations, religious organizations, or private entities. Camps provide wonderful opportunities for enrichment and socialization.

For the nearly 6 million children in the U.S. with food allergies, it’s important that camps have established food allergy policies. Food allergy reactions occur without warning, and could occur for the first time while a child is at camp. Having a written food allergy policy in place ensures that staff members are well-equipped to care for children who experience food allergy reactions while at camp.

Camps should find out whether their state government allows camp officials to have epinephrine on hand in case a child who has not been previously diagnosed with a food allergy has an allergic reaction. Camp staffers should know where epinephrine is stored, and should be trained on how to administer it.

For more information about creating a camp policy, please review the camp guidelines and resources below.

Additional Resources:

• Camp Guidelines
• 2015 Food Allergy-Friendly Camp List
• Resources for Families and Children Managing Food Allergies at Camp
• Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan
• How to Read a Label
• About Food Allergies
• About Anaphylaxis
• How a Child Might Describe a Reaction