Going to Camp
Your middle school and high school years bring many opportunities for extracurricular activities. During the summer, school clubs such as athletics, band, or drama, to name just a few, may participate in special overnight camps.
For someone with food allergies, these opportunities can present new challenges. If you belong to a club that offers these camps, here are some things you should consider before participating.
Talk to your parents and the camp director, as well as to the coaches and chaperones who will be attending the camp. Inform them of any special dietary needs you may have and be sure they will be able to accommodate your needs.
- Create a Food Allergy Action Plan and make sure everyone knows what to do if a reaction occurs. Keep in mind that you may be working with coaches, trainers, and teachers from other schools as well. Make sure they are informed of your allergy, how to spot symptoms of an allergic reaction, and what to do should one occur.
- Many sports and music camps are held on college campuses; call the campus' dining services and explain your situation. Ask about ingredients and discuss safe menu options. Find out how meals are served (buffet style, individually, etc.), and if you can be served your meal before the rest of the diners as an extra precaution.
- If you don't feel comfortable about eating the food prepared on campus, ask if you can store your own food somewhere in the kitchen.
- Whichever you decide, carry some of your own snacks with you in case you get hungry or if a situation arises where you don't feel comfortable eating the food prepared for you.
- If you are at an athletic camp, where it's popular to carry water bottles, make sure yours is clearly labeled so that it is easily recognizable. This will reduce the risk of someone accidentally drinking out of yours. Try to keep your water bottle separate from those belonging to the other campers.
- Carry your meds with you at all times. If you don't want to wear a hip-pack or carry a purse, create a "medicine kit" and carry it in your gym bag. Also, include copies of your insurance and pharmacy cards as well as a list of who should be called in the event of an emergency.
- Make sure that your coach, chaperone, and teammates know where to find your medicine. If you've been prescribed an epinephrine autoinjector (such as EpiPen® or Twinject™), make sure several key people know how to use it, too.
- If you carry epinephrine and plan to participate in outdoor activities, protect this medication from the heat by wrapping it in a towel and storing it in a small cooler. Again, make sure a coach or chaperone knows where it is at all times.
Finally, keep in mind that accidents can and do occur. If you have a reaction, don't be shy about speaking up; the sooner you get help, the better you'll feel. Afterwards, review what went wrong and how you can avoid a similar situation in the future.
