• Healthy, developmentally-appropriate activities
• Valuable learning experiences
• Discovery through experiential education
• Caring, competent role models
• Service to the community and the environment
• Opportunities for leadership and personal growth

Health Care at Camp Echo

General Information

The Klein Clinic, Camp Echo's medical center located at Main Camp, is staffed twenty-four hours a day by a Health Officer responsible for the overall care of the entire camp population. When health matters require it, campers are driven into town and seen by a nurse practitioner, a physician's assistant, or a physician. Finally, Gerber Memorial Hospital in the city of Fremont is located about 15 minutes away; if necessary, an ambulance may be dispatched to Camp Echo to pick up an injured person. In case of serious illness or confinement to the Clinic for more than 12 consecutive hours (or for the night), or the need to go into town, the Health Officer will notify parents by phone. In some cases, the Health Officer, in counsultation with the Camp Director, may decide that the camper should return home. Parents can reach the Health Center directly by calling 231-924-7072. All medications are stored and locked in the Clinic. This policy is for the safety and welfare of all participants at camp and to discourage misuse or inappropriate behavior. It is also a camp licensing requirement for the state of Michigan. Parents or guardians must provide information about their child's health history, health status, and activity restrictions on the Health Form. All campers are also required to have a health exam by a Licensed Health Care Provider not more than 24 months prior to the first day of attendance at camp. The signature on the front of the Health Form gives general permission to participate in Camp Echo activities, gives permission to treat, and accepts financial responsibility for such treatment. As an alternative, a parent or guardian may sign a Release from Health Exam, Immunization, and/or Permission to Treat and Waiver of Associated Claims.

Scheduled or Prescription Medications

Parents of campers who bring scheduled or prescription medications to camp complete the Scheduled or Prescription Med Form. All prescription drugs must be in original labeled containers; send only the exact amount needed during the stay at camp. Inhalers should be treated like meds - they should be listed on the form, along with an indication of whether it is necessary for the camper to carry the inhaler at all times. If a new medication is prescribed for a camper, parents are notified by phone. The Health Officer stores all medications and distributes medications at meals, at bedtime, and as needed.

Non-Scheduled, Non-Prescription Medications

If a camper regulary takes a non-prescription medication, that camper should bring an adequate supply to camp and check the medication in at bus departure. For example, a camper who takes Claritin on a daily basis for allergy relief should bring a supply of Claritin to camp. A camper who occasionally takes a non-prescription medication does not need to bring his/her own supply to camp. The Health Center has a supply of non-prescription medications for distribution by the Health Officer according to standing orders authorized by a licensed physician. The parent's signature on the Health Form authorizes routine medical care by the Health Officer. Routine care may include distribution of Tylenol or other pain relievers, Sudafed, or Robitussin; common medications for upset stomachs; and other non-prescription medications. Parents who require phone contact prior to the administration of over-the-counter medications can indicate this on the Health Form by circling CALL FOR OTC PERMISSION. Click here for a list of non-prescription medications available at the Health Center.

Insurance

Camp Echo does not carry camper health or accident insurance. Parents or guardians assume all responsibility for professional services that may be required. Parents or their insurance carriers will be billed directly for hospital or clinic visits. Please be sure to pay all bills promptly so that our relationship with the medical center is not jeopardized. Insurance information must be provided on the Health Form and a copy of both sides of your insurance card must be included.

Mosquito Bites and Sunbrun

We cannot guarantee that your child will not be bitten by mosquitoes or get sunburned while he or she is at Camp Echo. However, we do train our staff members to encourage campers to protect themselves against both. We recommend that you send both bug repellent containing an appropriate percentage of DEET, and sunscreen of an appropriate SPF, for your child. (For more specific information consult a physician or the American Academy of Pediatrics website.) The counselor's job description requires that they encourage their campers to apply sunscreen prior to exposure to the sun, and to apply bug repellent and put on long pants and shirts prior to outdoor evening programs. We do our best to keep screens in cabins in good repair; campers should report problems to counselors; counselors report them to the Property Manager. The maintenance crew works hard to eliminate standing water and to keep the grass mowed near areas frequented by campers. Above all, counselors are trained and encouraged to watch out for children who are getting bitten by mosquitoes or who are getting sunburned, and to watch for signs of illness in campers and to send them to see the Health Officer; any camper with signs of serious illness will be taken to the clinic in town and seen by a physician or physician's assistant as soon as possible.

Showers

Counselors are instructed to urge campers to shower regularly, either on their own time or as a cabin group. All showers have privacy curtains; showers in the east and west bathhouses have separate stalls with doors. Still, some campers may prefer to shower in their bathing suits. We neither encourage nor discourage this, and counselors let campers make their own decision.

Poison Ivy

There is poison ivy at Camp Echo. We do our best to eliminate it from areas frequented by campers, but we can't get it all. Parents are instructed to note severe allergies on the Health Form. If a camper comes into contact with poison ivy, they are told to go directly to the Health Officer and are treated with calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream as needed.

Health Care in the Birches (Rangers) and on Adventure Trips

When on Adventure Trips, teens are in the care of staff members who have certification in Wilderness First Responder (or better) and CPR. If serious injury or illness occurs in the field, the staff member with the most advanced training will assess the situation and formulate an effective plan. All trips carry emergency contact phone numbers for every area they use and will contact the proper authorities. They will then contact the Teen Adventure Coordinator, who will contact the family. Medications for Rangers and Adventure Trips will be held and dispensed by their leaders as per instructions. They may also administer non-prescription medications to teen campers as needed. Parents who circle CALL FOR OTC PERMISSION on the Health Form should be aware that in the wilderness context, the counselors with the group are the first line service providers and phone permission to administer non-prescription medication may not be possible.