|
The main purpose of the American Camp Association Accreditation
program is to educate camp owners and directors in the administration
of key aspects of camp operation, particularly those related
to program quality and the health and safety of campers and
staff. The following ACA Standard concerns health records
regarding past medical treatment, immunizations, etc., for
campers and staff:
Standard HW – 2 asks: "Does the
camp receive from each camper and seasonal staff person a
current, signed health history, requesting all of the following
information in relation to the activities in which the camper/staff
may participate in camp:
- Description of any camp activities from which the camper/staff
should be exempted for health reasons,
- Record of past medical treatment, if any,
- Record of allergies, dietary restrictions,
- Record of immunizations including date of last tetanus
shot,
- Record of current medications, prescribed and over the
counter, and
- Description of any current physical, mental, or psychological
conditions requiring medication, treatment, or special
restrictions or considerations while at camp?"
With regard to immunizations, this Standard further explains: "If camps have staff
or minors who do not have immunizations or other medical
records for religious or other reasons, a "record" can
be a signed refusal or a signed waiver form." In
other words, this standard can be met by an individual even
if they, for whatever reason, choose not to be immunized
through written documentation.
An individual camp might choose to set a more stringent
policy as might a State or other government entity. In
this situation, the camper/staff must meet the highest or
most stringent policy/regulation or standard. It
is important to understand the requirements of the camp your
child might be attending as well as those of the state in
which the camp is located.
|
