Summer camps offer unique challenges and opportunities for nurses. As a camp nurse, you become the first line of defense for campers' health, managing everything from bug bites to mental health emergencies.
Whether you're stationed at a day camp, a wilderness retreat, or a specialized program for children with medical needs, understanding the most common health issues you may encounter is critical for preparation, safety, and prevention.
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View Our Clinical GuidesThe role of camp nurses
Camp nurses serve as healthcare providers, emergency responders, educators, and counselors all in one. They handle:
- Triage and treatment of illness and injury
- Medication administration and chronic disease management
- Health screenings and documentation
- Infection control and prevention
- Emotional and behavioral support
- Communication with parents and camp staff
In addition to addressing daily health concerns, camp nurses also contribute to policymaking, camper education, and staff training. They are vital for maintaining a culture of health and safety across the entire camp community.
Understanding common conditions you might encounter can help you prepare protocols, assemble appropriate supplies, and educate staff for quick, effective response. A well-prepared nurse ensures smoother camp operations and enhanced camper well-being.
Communicable illnesses
Living in close quarters means that viruses and bacterial infections can spread rapidly. Camp nurses may frequently encounter:
- Common colds and viral respiratory infections
- Gastroenteritis ("stomach bugs")
- Strep throat
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- COVID-19: Many camps may still screen or test campers.
According to the American Camp Association, these tips help with preventing and managing communicable diseases in camp settings:
- Educate and communicate with parents or family members before camp starts to reduce the risk of communicable diseases.
- Implement processes where campers are screened for communicable illnesses upon arrival at camp.
- Encourage staff and campers to practice prevention techniques, such as hand hygiene education, isolation protocols, daily health checks, masking in high-transmission areas, and rapid reporting, to reduce transmission.
If a child does get sick, camp nurses are responsible for prompt isolation of the sick camper, symptom management with antipyretics or fluids, hydration support, and notification of guardians (and public health agencies when necessary). Timely referral for testing or advanced care is crucial when symptoms persist or escalate.
Skin conditions and injuries
With outdoor play comes a higher risk of skin issues and injuries. Commonly managed conditions include:
- Bug bites and stings (mosquitoes, bees, ticks)
- Poison ivy, oak, and sumac rashes
- Abrasions, cuts, and scrapes
- Blisters, athlete's foot, and fungal infections
- Sunburn and heat rashes
- Tick-borne illness prevention and tick removal
To help prevent these issues, camp nurses should encourage the use of insect repellent, sunblock, closed-toe shoes, hats, and routine tick checks after outdoor activities. Encourage campers to report any bites, rashes, or discomfort.
If these issues are reported by a camper, nurses should clean and dress wounds using antiseptic and sterile supplies, monitor for infection signs, administer antihistamines or epinephrine for allergic reactions, and document all care provided.
Dehydration and heat-related illness
Warm weather and constant activity increase the risk of:
- Mild dehydration
- Heat exhaustion
- Heat stroke (medical emergency)
- Electrolyte imbalance
Enforce regular water breaks, provide electrolyte drinks, encourage shaded rest times, educate on signs of dehydration, and monitor high-risk campers with health conditions. Ensure adequate access to fluids and cooling areas.
If a camper becomes dehydrated, help them hydrate by providing fluids (oral or IV if available and trained), removing excess clothing, using damp cloths or fans, relocating to a cooler environment, and calling EMS if heat stroke symptoms are present (confusion, unconsciousness, high temperature).
Asthma and allergy management
Camp nurses frequently care for children with:
- Asthma and exercise-induced bronchospasm
- Food allergies (e.g., nuts, dairy, eggs, shellfish)
- Insect sting allergies
- Environmental allergies (dust, pollen, mold)
To best help these kids, obtain detailed health histories, secure access to inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors, train staff in allergy recognition and response, label camper belongings clearly, and develop individualized health plans.
Additionally, monitor for symptoms like wheezing or rash, respond swiftly with prescribed medications, communicate any incidents to parents, and record each intervention in health logs. Ensure allergy-friendly snacks and meals.
Chronic condition care
Camps often host children with special medical needs who require routine and emergent care. Examples include:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Seizure disorders (e.g., epilepsy)
- ADHD and autism spectrum disorders
- Congenital heart defects or other cardiac conditions
- Physical disabilities requiring mobility aids
Best practices
- Review and verify medication orders and care plans prior to camper arrival
- Maintain detailed records for blood sugar monitoring, insulin administration, or seizure tracking
- Coordinate with parents or guardians to clarify routines and emergency protocols
- Educate counselors on identifying symptoms and calling for help promptly
Behavioral and mental health
Camp life can be both exhilarating and emotionally taxing. Camp nurses are often the first to recognize and respond to:
- Homesickness and adjustment issues
- Anxiety and depression
- Sleep disturbances and nightmares
- Bullying or peer conflict
- Self-harm, suicidal ideation, or panic attacks
Foster trust and provide a nonjudgmental space. Conduct mental health check-ins during nurse visits. Collaborate with camp counselors or mental health professionals on-site, if available. Use de-escalation techniques and follow emergency mental health protocols when needed.
Medication administration and compliance
Managing daily medications for dozens or hundreds of campers requires accuracy, organization, and vigilance:
- Store medications in a secure, temperature-controlled location.
- Use blister packs or med boxes to simplify dispensing.
- Maintain MARs (medication administration records) for each camper.
- Follow proper documentation, double-check names and dosages, and confirm with campers verbally.
- Communicate with campers about timing and side effects.
Regular audits and close communication with families ensure compliance and safety.
Emergencies and acute injuries
From sprained ankles to anaphylaxis, camp nurses must be prepared for a range of urgent situations:
- Fractures, sprains, or dislocations
- Head injuries, including concussions
- Allergic reactions (mild to life-threatening)
- Animal or tick bites, snake encounters
- Lost or unresponsive campers
Emergency prep:
- Stock essential supplies: AEDs, splints, cervical collars, epinephrine, oxygen tanks, trauma kits.
- Develop and rehearse emergency response plans with all staff.
- Designate EMS contacts and review transportation logistics.
- Document all emergency care thoroughly.
Preparing for camp season
Strong preparation improves safety outcomes and nurse confidence. Your camp nurse prep list should include:
- Conduct pre-camp health screenings and review every camper’s medical forms.
- Organize medications into secure, accessible systems.
- Inspect and restock all first aid kits, including portable kits for off-site trips.
- Train staff on common conditions, basic first aid, health policy adherence, and medication observation.
- Review emergency protocols and delegate response roles to staff.
Consider creating laminated quick-reference cards for health staff and counselors to carry.
Communication and documentation
Effective camp nursing depends on accurate, timely communication and thorough documentation. In a fast-paced camp environment, the nurse is often the hub of information between campers, staff, parents, and sometimes external medical providers. Proper documentation not only supports high-quality care but also plays a critical role in legal protection and continuity of care.
- Maintain incident reports, treatment notes, and parent contact logs.
- Use binders or electronic logs to track daily visits, medication administration, and trends.
- Ensure confidentiality and secure storage of all health records.
- Provide daily summaries or updates to camp directors or healthcare coordinators.
Clear documentation protects both the nurse and the camper while ensuring consistency of care, especially during shift changes or when multiple nurses are on staff.
Case example 1: Head injury and interprofessional communication
During an outside activity, a camper trips and hits their head on a rock. There is no loss of consciousness, but the camper is dizzy and nauseated. The nurse evaluates the camper using a concussion screening tool and initiates hourly neuro checks. She documents each assessment in detail, including the camper’s symptoms, behavior, and vital signs.
The nurse contacts the parents to explain the injury and the plan to monitor for 24 hours. She also provides a written update to the camp director and logs the incident into the camp’s secure medical record system.
When a second nurse takes over the evening shift, she can easily pick up the neuro checks using the well-documented notes, avoiding duplication or miscommunication. The camper’s symptoms resolve overnight, but the documentation allows for careful decision-making, transparent communication with parents, and appropriate follow-up after camp ends.
Case example 2: Allergic reaction and parent communication
A camper comes to the health center with a rash and some mild swelling around the face after snack time. The nurse gives allergy medication, follows the camp's medical protocol, and keeps a close eye on the camper. As things improve, she documents down what happened, what was administered, and how the camper responded.
She also fills out an incident report and calls the camper’s parents to explain the situation. A few days later, the same camper reacts again — this time after eating from a shared snack bag. Because the nurse had carefully documented the first event, she was able to quickly connect the dots and alert the kitchen and camp staff, leading to a review of how food allergies are handled at camp.
Final thoughts for camp nurses
Whether you’re a new nurse looking for a seasonal role or a veteran returning to the camp circuit, preparation is your strongest ally. Camp nursing is a rewarding, unpredictable, and often transformative experience. You’ll use a wide range of nursing skills, from emergency triage and chronic condition management to psychosocial support and public health promotion.
Being knowledgeable about common health issues and how to manage them confidently sets the stage for a healthy and happy camp season for everyone involved. Your calm presence, clinical skills, and proactive preparation are at the heart of every camper’s safe and enriching summer experience.
