Many summer camps will not accept a camper who has not had a thorough medical exam. The Boy Scouts of America, for example, requires an exam for anyone staying at a residential camp or participating in an event lasting 72 hours or more. A child’s summer camp activities might include hiking, swimming, running, and climbing. It is important to make sure your child is healthy enough to perform these strenuous activities. The process is similar to the one used for a school physical.
During a summer camp physical, a provider or nurse practitioner will ask about your child’s health history. You should let the healthcare provider know if your child has any of the following:
· High blood pressure
· Diabetes
· Asthma
· Kidney disease
· Seizure disorder
· Ear, nose, and throat problems
· Heart problems
Be sure to let the provider or nurse practitioner know if your child takes medication or has had any surgeries or hospitalizations. You should also provide a complete immunization history before the exam. Once your healthcare provider reviews this information, it is time for the summer camp physical.
A provider or nurse practitioner will examine your child’s eyes, ears, nose, and throat; listen to the heart and lungs; check the abdomen for tenderness; and conduct simple tests to check your child’s neurological and musculoskeletal function. If your child does not have to follow any restrictions, this will be noted on the summer camp physical form. In some cases, your child may have to avoid some activities or participate in modified activities. Your healthcare provider will make a note of this on the completed physical exam form.
You can have your child’s camp physical completed at Med-Help Urgent Care, which is located at 539 Farmington Ave in Bristol, 860-314-6046 or the Plainville Urgent Center located at 36 Whiting St, 860-846-6100. Both urgent care centers are open 365 days a year and no appointment is ever needed.
Robert Holzhauer, PA-C, is a physician assistant with Bristol Hospital’s Med-Help Urgent Care in Bristol and the Plainville Urgent Care Center. For more information, please visit bristolhospital.org