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As Plymouth families finalize their summer camp plans, preparing for the adventure includes more than packing lists and stocking up on sunscreen. Campers’ health and well-being at day or sleepaway camps takes priority before they hop in the car or on the plane to camp.
For over 100 years, the American Camp Association (ACA), a community of camp professionals, has worked to ensure the quality of camp programs. Henry DeHart, ACA’s interim president/CEO, shares some insight.
Are camps required to have trained health care professionals on site? “Camps should look to federal, state and local laws and regulations for requirements,” DeHart says. “ACA accreditation is a voluntary educational process. ACA accreditation standards address the importance of camps having a designated health care provider and preparing for where health care will take place both at camp and in locations away from the main camp.”
Regarding prescription medications, DeHart says, “Ask where medications are stored, who will have access to them, how they will be distributed and if there are any that your camper is allowed to keep with them. You may also discuss your camper’s specific medication schedule.”
When it comes to food allergies and sensitivities, camps should be able to accommodate routine and less common dietary needs. “In both instances, a parent should ask about a camp’s practices related to food preparation, serving techniques, eating out of the dining area (such as at cookouts or on trips), impromptu snacks and food that arrive in care packages,” DeHart says. (ACA standards require camps to have a camper health history, which includes allergies and/or dietary restrictions.)
DeHart notes that parents should not hesitate to reach out with questions after reviewing the camp’s website and materials. “Open communication between parents, doctors and camp professionals is encouraged,” he says. “Parents should work with their doctor and the camp to be sure the child’s needs are being properly met.”
Be Prepared
In light of headline-making news last summer, camp safety is receiving additional examinations. “Parents should ask if the camp is [American Camp Association (ACA)] accredited and talk with camp directors about any potential concerns they may have, especially about preparation and plans for extreme weather and natural disasters,” says Henry DeHart, ACA interim president and CEO. “Parents may want to ask about a camp’s proximity to first responders as well as the camp’s practices around communication and collaboration with their local emergency response providers prior to camp season.”
![“The design inspiration came from artist Briana Auel’s piece [Concrete Jungle//Glass Ceiling]—its modern lines, vintage gold frames and palette of greens, pinks, and blues set the tone for the entire room,” Andrea Soule says. “To layer in fun, I painted the fireplace in Breakfast Room by Farrow & Ball, displayed art we’ve collected over the years and incorporated antique pieces inherited from Chase’s grandmother [Anne Hull].” Her father, Charles Soule, created the stained-glass entrance to the room, partnering with Down Home Stained Glass in Anoka.](https://plymouthmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AndreaHeadshots-61.jpg)
