Health Care at Camp
Safety, Compliance, FormsOur camps follow all safety and risk management guidelines set by Girl Scouts of the USA, the local, state and Federal Boards of Health, and the American Camp Association. All camps in Massachusetts must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (105 CMR 430.000). New Hampshire camps are in compliance with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Rules (Part Env-WS 1120.00). In addition, the Board of Health in the town in which the camp is located licenses each camp.
Every camper’s safety and well-being is our chief concern. A Health Supervisor staffs the camp Health Center and a local physician is on call. All campers are required to have a physical examination within 24 months prior to arriving at camp. All health forms, including inoculation update, must be completed and signed by a physician each year and submitted no later than May 3, 2010. Health forms are sent with your confirmation packet, and are available online at www.girlscoutseasternmass.org. No child may attend camp without submitting the health form.
Care of Minor Injuries, Medications
Care of Minor Injuries
Staff members report any injury to the Health Care Supervisor as soon as possible. The Supervisor assesses the severity of the wound and determines if the child may be treated safely at camp or should be seen by the Health Care Consultant or emergency personnel at the local hospital. Necessary First Aid is always given by qualified persons. Should an injury occur while campers are away from camp, local emergency services are called first and then the Camp Director is notified. If a camper is transported to the Health Care Consultant or the local hospital, a staff member is sent with camper along with camper’s health form and signed permission to treat form. The parent/guardian is contacted as soon as possible.
Medications
State regulations cover the storage and dispensing of medications. All must come to camp in original containers and be stored by the Health Care Supervisor in locked compartments in the camp infirmary. Exceptions to storage by the Health Care Supervisor are authorized for medications for treatment of bee stings and asthma. Questions about these medications should be raised with the camp prior to the child’s arrival. If prescription medications are brought to camp, the container must have a pharmacy label showing the prescription number, patient’s name, date filled, physician’s name, name of medication and directions for use. The Health Care Supervisor dispenses the medications according to these directions. If a camper refuses to take prescribed medications, this refusal is documented in the health log and the parent/guardian is notified.
A complete copy of the Health Care policy for council camps is available to a parent/guardian upon request to Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, 95 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116 (617 350 8335).
Mild Illness, Health Care Consultant and Supervisor
Care of Campers Who Appear Mildly Ill
Staff is responsible for reporting any signs of illness to the Health Care Supervisor, who assesses each situation. The HCS may administer over-the-counter medications she believes warranted if they are authorized by the parent/guardian. If the HCS determines the child should be transported home or be seen by the Health Care Consultant, she informs the Camp Director and arrangements are made. In both situations, the parent/guardian is contacted as soon as possible.
Health care at council camps is administered under regulations established by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (105 CMR 430). These regulations require camps to provide the following health care personnel:
Health Care Consultant This is a licensed physician. The HCC assists in the development of the camp's health care policy; develops and signs written orders for the Health Care Supervisor; and is available for consultation at all times. The HCC is not present at camp.
Health Care Supervisor This person is, by regulation, present at the camp at all times and has, at a minimum, First Aid and CPR certification. The Health Care Consultant authorizes the Health Care Supervisor to be in charge of health matters at camp on a day to day basis and to dispense medications.