Summer Camp Health Checklist: Everything Parents Need Before Camp

Camp registration is one of the fun parts. The health packet that follows? A little less so. Between the forms, immunization requirements, and medication authorizations, it can feel like a lot.

The good news is that once you know what camps need, the process is manageable. Here is everything families in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, and Timnath need to take care of before camp begins.

What Camps Require

Most summer camps require three things:

• A physical exam completed within the past 12 months, though some camps use shorter windows, so confirm with yours. A well-child visit covers everything camps need and satisfies your child’s annual preventive care at the same time.
• Up-to-date immunizations. Camps need official documentation, not just a parent’s recollection. Reach out to your pediatrician to request records well before the deadline.
• Completed health forms covering health history, medications, allergies, emergency contacts, and signed authorizations. If your camp provides its own form, bring it so your pediatrician can complete it on the spot.

The timeline matters more than many families realize. If your child needs a vaccine or booster, scheduling too close to camp may not leave enough time to finish the series.

Immunizations

Most camps follow general school immunization schedules as a baseline, though requirements vary by camp and county. Common ones camps often require or review:

• DTaP/Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• Polio (IPV)
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Hepatitis B
• Meningococcal (particularly relevant for teens in overnight settings)

If your child is behind on any of these, schedule sooner rather than later. Some series require multiple doses over several weeks, and your pediatrician can review where things stand at your visit. Colorado families can access immunization records through the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) via their provider. The Youth Clinic’s immunizations page is a helpful starting point. Some camps have stricter policies and may not accept exemptions, so verify your camp’s requirements early.

Medications and Chronic Conditions

All medications, including over-the-counter products, must be disclosed in advance with written authorization and arrive at camp in original labeled containers. Pack a written instruction sheet for each covering dose, timing, what it treats, and what to do if a dose is missed.

Children managing chronic conditions need additional documentation beyond standard forms:

• Asthma: A signed action plan covering controller medications, rescue inhaler use, and emergency steps. Many camps recommend or require two inhalers. Our asthma resources and inhaler tips are good references before camp.
• Severe allergies: An allergy action plan with recognition and treatment instructions. Many camps recommend or require two epinephrine auto-injectors. Confirm your camp’s policy.
• Diabetes: A management plan covering glucose monitoring, insulin dosing, exercise precautions, and hypoglycemia treatment. Include extra supplies and your endocrinologist’s contact.
• Seizure disorders: A seizure action plan with rescue medications, typical presentation notes, and when-to-call-911 guidance.
• ADHD or mental health conditions: Talk with your pediatrician about medication timing and provide camp staff with behavioral support guidance.

If your child has a complex health picture, a quick call with the camp nurse before the session starts helps make sure everyone is prepared.

Common Problems to Avoid

Most last-minute health issues are easy to get ahead of. Watch for these:

• Expired physical. Check the date of your child’s last exam as soon as you register. If it will be more than 12 months old by camp start, schedule a new appointment.
• Outdated condition plans. If your child’s asthma, allergy, or diabetes plan has changed since last summer, updated paperwork needs to be submitted. Camps rely on what is on file.
• Late prescription refills. Make sure you have enough supply for the full session plus a few extra days. Some medications require prior authorization, which can take several business days.
• Incomplete forms. Missing signatures or illegible handwriting are common reasons forms get returned. Read through everything and keep a copy before sending.
• New health concerns. If something new comes up before camp, such as a concussion, fracture, or a change in mental health, let the camp nurse know as soon as possible.

We Are Here to Help

For over 60 years, families throughout Northern Colorado have trusted The Youth Clinic through every age and stage, and camp season is no exception. Our pediatricians and Advanced Practice Providers complete camp health forms during your visit, review immunization records, and make sure you leave with everything your child’s camp needs.

We offer same-day and next-day appointments for families working against a deadline, and we are happy to answer questions about specific camp requirements when you call.

If a health concern comes up outside of our regular office hours, Pediatric Urgent Care of Northern Colorado is the only pediatric-specific urgent care in Northern Colorado, open 365 days a year. PUCNC shares medical records with The Youth Clinic so your child’s care stays connected. Check wait times and check in online before you arrive.

We have four locations across Northern Colorado: Fort Collins (Oak Park Drive), Fort Collins (East Elizabeth), Loveland, and Timnath. Schedule your child’s well care visit today. We look forward to seeing you.