Life Threatening Allergy Guidelines 

Cope Environmental Center (CEC) provides a safe and healthy environment for our campers and staff to the extent reasonably possible. Campers identified with life-threatening allergies will be provided for as medically necessary. The CEC guidelines will help reduce exposure to allergens to the best of our ability, knowing that we can be allergen-aware, not allergen free, and to follow established procedures to treat allergic reactions. The CEC property is public and we can not control if allergens are brought onto the property.

A camper identified as having a life-threatening allergy must have a written statement clearly documenting the allergy from his/her health care provider/allergy specialist along with a written medication order, parent/guardian consent for required interventions and medication. CEC will provide training to educate Counselors in the management of life threatening allergies. 

Camp’s Responsibility 

• Counselors will have cell phones to maintain contact with the Program Director, Parent, 911 and/or other camp staff in case of a medical emergency. 

• The camp’s emergency response plan will include a written plan that outlines the management of life threatening emergencies. 

• In the event of an allergen exposure, policies and procedures will be reviewed. 

• Camp personnel will receive appropriate training in allergic response recognition and response as needed. 

• After reviewing the health records provided by the parent/guardian, the Program Director will develop an individual health care plan. 

• If the camper is carrying their epinephrine auto-injector, the counselor will check in with the camper to ensure that they have the epinephrine auto-injector at the beginning of the camp session.

Recommendations for Campers 

Based on the camper’s age and developmental level, campers are encouraged to be proactive in the care and management of their allergies and reactions. All guidelines below are considered recommendations but it will not be assumed that any child can take full responsibility for their own allergy management. 

• Wash hands with soap and water before and after eating (hand sanitizer is not effective). 

• Learn to recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction. 

• Promptly inform an adult as soon as possible exposure occurs or symptoms appear. 

• Do not trade or share food. 

• Do not eat anything with unknown ingredients or known to contain any allergen. 

• Develop a relationship with the camp counselor to help identify issues related to managing the allergy in camp. 

• Notify an adult immediately if feeling threatened or bullied as it relates to their life threatening allergy. 

• Camper may carry epinephrine auto-injector on self if camp Health Care Supervisor, parent or guardian and licensed prescriber are in agreement. 

Parental Responsibilities 

• A parent, guardian or designated representative for the child shall not send the child to the program if they are ill or have a temperature. All contagious illnesses must be reported to the Program Director.

• If it is determined during the day that the child is ill, is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, or has a temperature, the parent/guardian will be notified. It is their responsibility to have the child picked up from camp as soon as possible. 

• Parents or guardians shall notify the CEC or the camp counselor when someone other than those named on the child’s Emergency Information will be picking up the child.

• Parents or guardians will assist staff in handling any behavior problems or other concerns by being open to discussions and conferences in order to best serve their child.

• Parents must provide documentation from the camper’s health care providers regarding the camper’s allergy or medical concerns prior to the beginning of camp or as soon as possible after diagnosis. 

In addition: if your child has a severe allergy or medical condition, parents are responsible to:

• Provide the camp with up-to-date medication (epinephrine auto-injector), medication orders from a licensed health care provider and parent/guardian consent forms for medication administration. 

• Provide the camp with a way to reach you at all times or an available local emergency contact. 

• Educate your child about her/his allergy or condition: importance of avoiding allergens, symptoms of a reaction and how to communicate to an adult if they think a reaction or a concern is starting. 

• Parents’ and guardians’ questions, suggestions, and concerns are important to the success of CEC Summer Nature Camp. If a staff member is not free to speak with you immediately, please leave your name and phone number, and someone will call you as soon as possible. You can also email the Program Director. 

• We encourage you to inform the staff if your child is having difficulty at camp. Let them know if changes are occurring at home that are affecting your child’s mood or behavior. Also, if your camper enjoyed a particular event or activity and you appreciate something special at Camp, please tell the staff. 

Camper Requirements

We strive to make summer camp as accessible, safe, and inclusive as possible. Due to the outdoor and exploratory nature of our camp program, campers must be able to move about on uneven terrain. Campers are expected to meaningfully participate in age-appropriate activities, including nature study.  If your camper has social, emotional, physical, cognitive, or behavioral challenges, or if you have questions or concerns about how we can best support your camper, please contact our Program Director to determine whether your camper can be accommodated at camp.