Health staff and medication
Why it matters
You want to know who cares for your child day and night, and who handles medication.
Talk with your child’s doctor or allergist about their medications, allergy action plan, and whether they’re ready for camp. This kit doesn’t give medical advice.
At a glance: this topic is Fill in when you are done.
- ClearAnswer matches what a clear answer sounds like.
- Ask againAnswer was partial, or I want it in writing.
- ConcernSomething to talk through before we register.
What to ask Tick each question when you ask it, then write their answer.
Example answers show what a specific, complete answer can sound like. They are not a legal requirement, a standard of care, or a description of any real camp. A camp can answer differently and still be a good fit.
Who is the medical lead on site, and what is their license or training (RN, EMT, WFR)?
Example of a clear answer (an illustration, not a quote from a real camp)
“Our medical lead is a nurse licensed in Washington. We are glad to share their credentials before camp starts.”
Their answer
Is a health staff member on site and reachable overnight?
Example of a clear answer (an illustration, not a quote from a real camp)
“Yes. A health staff member stays on site overnight and can be reached by radio at any hour.”
Their answer
How are medications stored and given? Who logs them?
Example of a clear answer (an illustration, not a quote from a real camp)
“Medications are kept locked in the health center. Health staff give each dose and write it in a log.”
Their answer
How far is the nearest hospital or urgent care, and how would you get a camper there?
Example of a clear answer (an illustration, not a quote from a real camp)
“The nearest urgent care is about [time] away. A trained staff member drives, or we call 911 when that is the right call.”
Their answer
When would you call me about a health issue?
Example of a clear answer (an illustration, not a quote from a real camp)
“We call you for any medication change, any visit off site, and anything beyond minor first aid.”
Their answer
What a clear answer sounds like
An illustration from our research notes, not a quote from a real camp. Example answers show what a specific, complete answer can sound like. They are not a legal requirement, a standard of care, or a description of any real camp. A camp can answer differently and still be a good fit.
“Our health center is staffed by a Washington-licensed RN during camp, with an EMT on call overnight. Medications are locked and logged at each dose. We call parents for any medication change, any off-site visit, and anything beyond a minor first-aid visit.”
Where to look in public sources
- The camp’s own websiteHealth center, FAQ, or parent handbook pages.Link or page I found:
- Your county or district health departmentAsk whether the camp is registered under WAC 246-376. Find your local department on this DOH list.doh.wa.gov/about-us/washingtons-public-health-system/washington-state-local-health-jurisdictions (opens in a new tab)
- WAC 246-376 (the rule itself)Washington’s rule for camps that provide food and lodging.app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=246-376 (opens in a new tab)
- CampGuard WA listing“Health staff on site” topic on the camp’s listing.campguardwa.com
Ask again or talk through
Camp Safety Question Kit · Washington Edition · Sample page · campguardwa.com · We are oneTomorrow. General information, not medical, legal, or safety advice, and not a safety guarantee.