Tips To Protect Your Child From Intense Heat And Sun During Summer Camp

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From exercise and education to having fun with friends, the benefits of camp for your child this summer are easy to see. Most children will enjoy being outdoors at camp without any worry of protecting themselves from the intense heat and harmful rays of the sun. While camp counselors will not allow your child to remain outdoors for an excessive amount of time during the summer, your child will still require protection from the sun and heat. With these tips, you can protect your child at camp from the summer conditions.

Heat Protection

While shocking for most parents to learn, a child's body will heat up 3 to 5 times faster than an adults, so you must protect your child from the summer heat while at camp. The overheating of your child's body can lead to heatstroke, which is a common cause of death in children during the summer.

To reduce the risk of heatstroke at camp, make sure your child is prepared to stay hydrated while playing outdoors. Camp counselors should provide the children sufficient water, but placing a refillable bottle of water in your child's backpack is smart.

On normal days, children between the ages of 4 and 8 should drink at least 2 quarts of water. Boys and girls in their teenage years should consume 3.5 and 2.4 quarts respectively. When temperatures are high in the summer, these recommended water amounts should increase drastically. 

Sun Protection

The heat is not the only thing you and your child should be concerned with while they are at summer camp. Swimming in pools and playing various sports will most likely involve being outdoors, so protecting your child from the harmful rays of the sun is essential.

Clothing and accessories are a great way to protect your child from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Make sure they wear lightweight clothes that will keep your child's skin cool under the sun. Hats will protect your child's head, neck, face, and ears from sun damage. In addition, consider packing a pair of sunglasses in your child's bag to protect their eyes while playing outdoors.

Before your child heads to camp, apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. For the best protection, make sure the sunscreen is somewhat water resistant and protects your child from both UVA and UVB rays. If possible, ask counselors to reapply the sunscreen through the day.

Sending your child to day camp this summer may seem overwhelming. However, with proper planning and protection from the heat and sun, it can be a worthwhile experience for you and your child. 

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22 July 2016

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