Camp Fire Inland Northwest | Light the fire within!

Health Care & Medications

Camp Fire Inland Northwest values each camper and seeks to support their physical, mental, and emotional health while at camp.

Health History Form

Due 2 weeks before camp

Our Health History Management system allows our staff to prepare for and attend to the needs of your camper; this includes information about medication, dietary restrictions and allergies, immunizations, and medical conditions. The Health history form will be activated on March 15th. Campers will not be admitted to camp without current Health history information; completion is required annually. 

If any information changes after you complete the form, you can log in to update the form anytime up to two weeks before camp; you will find this form under Forms & Documents. To make changes less than two weeks before camp, contact he Camp Fire office.

Physical exams are recommended every two years, but are not required. Please feel free to contact us with any concerns you may have so we can help make your camper's experience a positive one.

 

Inclusion Assessment-Due 2 Weeks Before Camp

Youth of all background and abilities are welcome in Camp Fire programs. Our staff will work with families to ensure a successful experience, whether it's in a school-year program, day camp, or overnight camp. We encourage families to be open with us about your camper's needs, so that we can determine how best to support your camper.

While the Health History addresses a portion of the physical health of your camper, this form addresses the physical, mental, and emotional health of your campers. This required form is due no later than 2 weeks prior to start of your first session. To access the Inclusion Assessment, please login to your account and go to Forms & Documents; this form will be available March 15th.

Your camper's physical and mental health information is kept as secure as possible, shared only with Health Care Staff and those who work directly with your camper.

 

Medication

  • We can only dispense medication according to the prescribed dosage. If the dosage has changed, please include a doctor's note  with the updated prescription. Over-the-counter medications must be in the original packaging and labeled with the camper's full name. If your camper needs an epi-pen; we recommend sending two with them.
  • Do not pack medication in luggage - please place all medications in a clear plastic Ziploc® bag with your camper's name and bring it to the health screening during check-in at the boat.
  • Medication must be in the original pharmacy or manufacturer's containers/packing; pill organizers are not allowed. Prescription medications must include the written prescription label.
  • Prescription medications must be prescribed to the camper, not a sibling or family member, and must be a current prescription.
  • It is the responsibility of the primary account holder to provide necessary medication for their camper(s) at check-in. Mailing medications, leaving them at the Camp Fire Office in Spokane for transport, and other means whereby camp staff, other than healthcare staff, are requested to handle medications is prohibited.
Campers with life-threatening health concerns or allergies must submit an Emergency Action Plan (available from school district/physician) at least two weeks prior to attending camp.

 

In the interest of our camper community, and as advised by federal, state, and local health agencies, we require all youth, all staff, and families who attend Camp Fire camps to be immunized in compliance with Washington or Idaho State School Requirements, as applicable to each camp’s location.

 

View Immunization Policy

Illness

WHEN TO STAY HOME

 We want to provide your camper with the safest experience possible and that begins at home with you. Five days prior to camp we ask that you take the following steps to monitor the health of your camper and to take precautionary measures prior to arriving at camp.

When youth arrive at camp they’ll be asked to complete a health screening with our Health Care Staff to ensure camper and staff understand all expectations regarding the camper’s health. Children with communicable diseases may not attend camp until they are no longer contagious. Campers with injuries, including broken bones or stitches, require a doctor’s note to attend camp.

To maintain a healthy camp, please keep your camper home for the following reasons:

Temperature of 100 degrees or more in the last 24 hours

Vomiting/diarrhea the night before or morning of camp

Impetigo, scabies, or ringworm

Chickenpox (until lesions have crusted)

Severe sore or red throat or white patches on tonsils

Head lice

Please know that, while our staff is trained in sanitation and safe health practices, campers will interact with others in close proximity, learning, playing, eating, and growing together. There is always the chance of passing a communicable disease in these circumstances. We would like to assure you that Camp Fire Inland Northwest has a Communicable Disease Plan in place for these occurrences.

INJURY OR ILLNESS WHILE AT CAMP

If your camper is injured or develops a significant illness while at camp which requires special care from the Health Care Staff or medical care outside of camp the adult listed on the Health History will be contacted as soon as possible. If your camper is too ill to remain at camp, you will be asked to come and pick them up. In most cases, youth who become too ill to remain at camp will be sent home to rest and recover. Guardians are responsible for the cost of any outside medical care or expenses incurred while attending camp. If a camper gets sick at camp, the program fees may be refunded at a prorated rate or the camper may be able to attend a later session.

DIETARY ACCOMMODATIONS

Camp Sweyolakan and Camp Dart-Lo are seasonal, rustic, outdoor camps with skill-building programs that feed our population. While we do our vest best to accommodate all dietary requests, please understand that we are unable to accommodate the following diets: Vegan, Kosher and Gluten Free (we can do gluten friendly). 

We invite campers with specific requirements to bring supplemental foods with them to be stored in the camp kitchen and made available to them at designated times No food will be allowed in any of the sleeping units or shelters.

EMERGENCY CARE

A certified nurse or physician is on-call to provide both routine and emergency advice and all staff are First Aid/CPR/AED certified; an AED is kept on site. Staff and volunteers complete thorough training and rehearsal for a wide range of emergency situations.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Camp Fire is proud to be a LEAD Certified in Camp Mental Health. LEAD's 3-hour Camp Mental Health Certificated introduces camp counselors and staff to risk factors, warning signs, and prevalence of mental illness in adolescent campers. Through interactive discussion, role-play activities, and an ABC action plan, CampMHC empowers camp professionals to respond to signs and symptoms of mental illness in non-crisis situations and to connect campers to appropriate professional support in crisis situations.

For campers that are experiences sensory challenges while at camp, we employ several strategies to  ensure each camper has the opportunity to experience the most programming possible. From ear protection to a dedicated chill zone, our staff are trained to support our youth.

In addition, Camp Fire Inland Northwest employs a seasonal Inclusion Specialist with a background in mental health support. This resource is onsite to support campers and staff throughout the session.

PROTECTION FROM THE SUN

Campers spend their days outside with prolonged exposure to the sun.  Staff monitor program pace and remind campers to apply sunscreen and drink water. Program flow is varied to seek shade when possible.  Help your camper understand when and how to apply their own sunscreen.  If you feel your camper needs help, please send a note.  Be sure to pack a sun hat and water bottle labeled with your camper’s name and reinforce the importance of drinking water.