Summer camp can be a fun experience for your child. However, if your child has allergies, he or she could be miserable if the proper precautions are not taken. If your child is headed for camp, here are some tips to help him or her get through the summer without any problems.

Provide the Camp With a Treatment Plan

The staff at the summer camp will be responsible for more than just your child. You can help the staff keep track of your child's health by creating a treatment plan and providing it to them. The plan should not only document the day-to-day steps that need to be taken to treat your child, but it also needs to include an emergency plan in case your child does have an allergic reaction.

In addition to providing the staff with a treatment plan, you should ensure that all of your child's medication forms are completed. The forms need to be completed by your child's pediatrician. It should include information about the medications that your child is taking and his or her allergens.

Talk to Your Child About Food Safety

If your child suffers from a food allergy, you need to review the basics of food safety with him or her before camp starts. For instance, you need to explain to your child that he or she should not trade food with any of the other campers. Your child also needs to avoid foods that he or she does not know the ingredients of because an allergic reaction could occur.

In addition to these safety measures, your child needs to know that he or she should seek medical help as soon as possible if he or she believes that an allergic reaction is occurring. At this point, your child should be familiar with the warning signs that an allergic reaction is imminent and getting help could lessen the reaction.

Inquire About the Camp's Accommodations

Ideally, the camp's staff should be trained to handle allergic reactions. Before camp starts, find out what type of training the staff has had. You should also inquire about the accreditation status of the camp. Camps that are accredited have to pass health standards to receive approval.

You also need to know if the kitchen staff can properly manage the special diet needs of your child while he or she is at camp. For instance, does the camp have a special prep area for the food of children with food allergies?