PACC: Staying Healthy at Camp
Meet YMCA Camp Greenville’s Health Hut team of nurses!
Are you ready to dive into another exciting episode of our PACC (Prepare and Conquer Camp) podcast series? Today, we're delving into the heart of camp wellness with a special focus on the Health Hut and our team of nurses. Our guest of honor for this episode is Nurse Stephanie, a seasoned registered nurse with 13 years of dedicated service at Camp Greenville and the leader of our nurses program. Buckle up, because we're about to explore the ins and outs of keeping our campers healthy, happy, and thriving.
Introduction to the Health Hut
As a registered nurse, Stephanie Laudisio has been part of the camp family for 13 years, and manages the Health Hut operations while leading the nurses team each summer. The Health Hut is the go-to place for all things health and wellness at camp. There are two registered nurses available 24/7, providing first aid, medication management, and emotional support for campers and staff.
Medication Management
In this episode, Stephanie walks us through the medication process at camp, from dropping off medications during check-in on Sundays to the schedule of medication distribution during meals. The Health Hut team ensures a seamless process for campers requiring medications, emphasizing the importance of open communication with parents.
Preparing for Camp
This spring, parents will gain access in their Parent Portal online to complete required forms for their camper’s participation this summer. One of those forms is the “health history form.” The health history form is our snapshot into a camper's medical background. Even seemingly minor details can be crucial. Parents, please be thorough, providing insights into allergies, illnesses, and anything relevant.
In the weeks leading up to your camp session, parents should encourage hydration and healthy eating habits, preparing campers for an active and fulfilling experience. Campers will play hard outdoors during their time at camp, and they’ll need extra water and extra healthy foods to fuel all that fun.
Communication from the Health Hut
It’s important to note that routine incidents like minor injuries won't prompt immediate communication from the nurses or camp directors to parents. While experiencing an adventurous outdoor lifestyle during their camp session, campers are likely to encounter scratches, scrapes, bug bites/stings, etc. However, the nurses follow strict protocols, involving camp directors if a situation requires ongoing monitoring or heightened attention. Parents receive calls only when necessary, maintaining a balance between normal camp experiences and vigilant health care.
Closing Thoughts: A Message of Care
The Health Hut team loves to partner with camp families and their children. Stephanie encourages parents to visit the Health Hut during Sunday check-in, reinforcing the sense of community and trust at Camp Greenville. At Camp Greenville, we’re so grateful for our nursing team and the integral role the Health Hut plays in ensuring a safe, healthy, and joyful camp experience.
Stay tuned for next month’s theme: Emotions and Friendships, including identifying emotions, understanding homesadness and homesickness, being a good friend, and conflict.
Learn more about the PACC program here: https://www.campgreenville.org/mountainviewnews/pacc-prepare-and-conquer-camp
