Essential Functions of a Camper

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Excellent ACA camp article

Essential Functions of a Camper

Tracey C. Gaslin PhD, CRNI, CPNP, FNP-BC

[h=3]Introduction[/h] It is a sunny camper arrival day, and Simon and his mom present for check-in. Simon is giddy with excitement about the fun he will have during his first camp experience. Mom shares a few things with staff regarding the care and needs of Simon.

Simon needs:

1. Someone to assist in him get¬ting dressed, especially to help with socks and shoes and make sure he does good oral care every morning.
   
2. A modified gluten-free diet-mom wants him to have limited access to products containing wheat but is OK with foods containing barley and rye. She wants him to have salad or vegetables with his meals.
   
3. A night light to go to sleep as he does not do well in the dark. He may also need to watch movies on his DVD player to help him get to sleep occasionally. Mom will leave his DVD player at camp.
   
4. Someone to manage him when he has outbursts of anger. As an only child, Simon has not learned much about sharing and collaboration with others and will "loose it," according to mom, if asked to do something against his will. He does not typically hit, but he has been known to throw things during these events.
   
5. Access to a phone and the ability to call mom in the event he feels homesick.
   

Do any of these requests give you concern? For some of the requirements above, do you feel overwhelmed and maybe lack the skills, funding, or staff to accommodate the child? Are there things you may not be able to accomplish within your camp setting? What are those essential camper functions that are needed (or expected) in order to provide a positive camp experience?

The intent of this article is to help camp leadership and staff analyze, identify, and proactively share the essential functions of a child who wants to attend camp. In order to do this, camps must first:

1. Identify the physical requirements for camp.
   
2. Identify the behavioral requirements for camp.
   
3. Correlate these requirements (physical, behavioral) with the camp structure and programmatic activities.