5 Tips To Find the Right Summer Camp for Your Child with PH Summer camp- 800×367 Summer is right around the corner, which means many parents are searching for camps for their children. Summer camps provide kids opportunities to meet new friends and participate in fun and exciting outdoor activities.For parents of children with pulmonary hypertension (PH), selecting a camp with trained health care professionals is important to ensure your child’s safety at camp.Here are some tips to help you find the right camp for your child:
  1. Choose a camp based on all your child’s special needs.
  2. Check which camp activities are available and how kids get involved.
  3. Find out how kids will be medically supervised.
  4. Talk to your child’s health care team about sending them to summer camp.
  5. Make sure your child understands their condition. Campers need to recognize signs of an emergency so they can communicate symptoms to staff for immediate treatment.
The Pulmonary Hypertension Association doesn’t endorse specific camps, but we provide a list of camps that accommodate and offer programs for children with PH and other chronic conditions. Many specialized camps have health care professionals who are trained to work with chronically ill children. The camps offer a variety of safe, fun activities.One example is Camp del Corazon, located on Catalina Island in California. The camp is for children with heart conditions, including PH. Its on-site health care professionals monitor campers’ health throughout their stays.The professionals include cardiologists, nurses and respiratory therapists who are familiar with PH and can respond to medical emergencies within moments. In addition, Camp Del Corazon offers activities tailored to all campers, regardless of skill and activity level, such as swimming, arts and crafts, and nature walks.For families looking for camp experiences without leaving their cities or states, many day camps also offer activities suitable for children with various health needs.Summer camps can provide children with a chance to make lasting memories. By choosing a camp that meets the specific needs of children with PH and taking necessary precautions, families can be assured their children have safe, enjoyable experiences.Note: Many summer camp registration deadlines are in May for camps starting in June.