Preparing Medications for Camp
All prescription medications your child needs to take while attending camp must be organized into single-dose packets. (See below for instructions).
To help ensure campers receive the correct medication at the correct time, families are asked to prepare individual medication packets in advance following the guidelines below. One convenient option is to use a pharmacy that offers pre-sorted medication packet services at no additional cost. Pharmacies that commonly provide this service include CVS Pharmacy, Sinks Pharmacy, and Amazon Pharmacy through its PillPack program.
If you prefer, you may also prepare the medication packets yourself using small envelopes or medication bags. We ask that parents provide the empty prescription bottle for all medications OR a prescription print out from your pharmacy. These will be placed in zip top bags provided at check-in.
Preparing Medication Packets Yourself
If you plan to organize medications at home, you can purchase small medication packets or pill bags online. Many families find these helpful for separating doses by time and day.
Instructions for Preparing Medications
Labeling Medication Packets
Each medication packet must clearly include the following information:
- Camper’s full name
- Date and day the medication will be given
- Time the medication should be administered
- Name of each medication in the packet
- Dosage for each medication
Parents may handwrite this information or create printed labels to attach to each packet.
Organizing Medication by Time
Medication packets should be grouped according to the date and time they will be given. If multiple medications are taken at the same time, they may be placed together in one packet. Medications taken at different times must be packaged separately.
Camp medication distribution occurs at four scheduled times each day:
- Breakfast — 7:00 AM
- Lunch — 12:00 PM
- Dinner — 5:00 PM
- Bedtime
Each packet should clearly state Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, or Bedtime. Changes to these times are not permitted unless approved in advance.
Special Medication Packaging
Liquid medications, inhalers, and nasal sprays should not be placed inside medication packets. Instead:
- List these medications on the packet that corresponds with the time they are taken.
- Place the medication container in a sealed zip-top bag labeled with the camper’s name.
- Ensure each individual medication container is also labeled.
Additional Information
Medications may not be stored in camper dorm rooms, with the exception of rescue inhalers and EpiPens. Campers who carry either should also bring a backup inhaler or injector.
All medication packets should be brought with your child on the first day of camp. During check-in, medications must be handed directly to staff at the Medication Table rather than packed in camper luggage.
At the end of camp, any unused medication will be returned during check-out and must be signed for by a parent or guardian.
The Medication and Health Form completed in your camper’s IdeaLogic profile must list every medication your child will take while at camp and must include a parent or guardian signature. Camp staff are not permitted to administer medication without this authorization.
If you have questions or need help preparing medications, please contact our office at 573-341-6204.