Summer camp is a unique childhood experience — filled with outdoor adventures, friendships, and opportunities for growth.
However, ensuring these memories are made in a safe environment is no small feat, especially when children are away from their parents and caregivers. That’s where camp nurses come in. These nurses are indispensable in protecting and promoting the well-being of children at camps.
Whether it’s managing chronic health conditions, treating minor injuries, or preparing for emergencies, camp nurses are on the front lines of child safety. Let’s explore their responsibilities and how these nursing professionals contribute to creating a secure environment for every camper.
Understanding the role of a camp nurse
Over 26 million children attend summer camps each year, according to the American Camp Association. A camp nurse's job combines clinical expertise, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills. Camp settings can vary for nurses, but — whether it’s a day camp, sleepaway camp, or specialized program for children with medical needs the core responsibilities remain the same.
Here are some of the duties of camp nurses:
- Complete health screenings. Review medical histories and conduct initial screenings to ensure children are well enough to participate in camp activities.
- Manage medications as needed. Administer any prescribed medications and maintain detailed records.
- Provide first aid and acute care. Treat minor injuries such as scrapes, cuts, and bug bites. Recognize and address more serious conditions like heat exhaustion or allergic reactions.
- Manage chronic diseases. Support children with asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and other chronic conditions.
- Offer health education. Teach campers and other camp staff about hygiene, sun safety, hydration, and other health-related practices.
- Prepare for emergencies. Develop and implement emergency response plans for situations like severe weather, illnesses, or injuries.
Ensuring safety for diverse health needs
Camp nurses must be prepared to care for a diverse range of health conditions. Children with allergies, chronic illnesses, or mental health challenges must be closely monitored during camp activities to ensure their safety and inclusion. For instance, for children with diabetes, a nurse must monitor their blood sugar, administer insulin, and oversee their diet and nutrition.
In addition to the physical health of children, camp nurses provide support for emotional and mental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 10% of children (ages three to 17) have been diagnosed with anxiety. Camp nurses help in providing emotional support and connecting children with additional resources if needed.
Tailoring care to each child’s needs helps every camper feel supported and safe.
Challenges of camp nursing
Camps are different from traditional healthcare settings. Nurses working in these environments can face situations that require flexibility and resourcefulness. Some challenges include:
- Limited resources: Camps are often located in rural or remote areas, which means limited access to medical facilities or advanced equipment. One study highlighted that updating and documenting medical records electronically was limited in summer camp settings, with 49% of participating camps reporting there was no computer in the health center and 41% of camps reporting no internet access.
- 24/7 care: For overnight camps, a nurse’s job doesn’t end at bedtime. Nurses working in these camps are on call around the clock to respond to any health emergencies.
- Environmental hazards: Exposure to outdoor risks like poison ivy, insect bites, or extreme weather conditions adds complexity to the role. Nurses must educate campers on preventative measures and respond swiftly when incidents occur
Collaboration with camp staff and parents
Camp nurses don’t work alone. Their role is a team effort involving close collaboration with camp directors, support staff, and parents to create a seamless safety net for children.
Before campers arrive, nurses review health records, create individualized care plans, and educate staff on recognizing and responding to health issues. Until the camp session ends, nurses provide updates to parents about their children’s health and address any concerns.
Working as a cohesive team is the best approach to safety, enabling camp staff to feel confident in handling health-related scenarios.
Why camp nurses are invaluable
The presence of a qualified camp nurse not only ensures that children are safe but also gives parents peace of mind. Knowing that a skilled professional is available to manage health concerns allows families to feel confident sending their child to camp.
For campers, the nurse is a reassuring presence — a friendly face that helps them feel secure in an unfamiliar environment and makes camp an unforgettable and safe experience for every child.
To learn how to become a camp nurse, click here.
And click here to see open camp nursing jobs!
