If you need a day camp in Montgomery County, Maryland, Discovery Day Camp is incredible in terms of food allergies (and great in many other ways). Next summer my child will be ready for more than his preschool's camp, so I'm looking at camps while they are still in action this summer. Discovery Day Camp is incredibly allergy aware! Every staff member goes through epipen training during their first aid training, and for the past several years a parent of a milk-allergic child has addressed the entire staff during a pre-camp meeting. The director volunteered that he'd be happy to have me address all of the staff as well. Counselors carry epipens in the backpack that stays with the counselor all day as they move from activity to activity. The camp will give parents a list of the snacks they use so parents can check ingredients. They work with parents on what's served on what day so you can provide an equivalent substitute. When there will be special additions, they send ingredients lists home to the parents of food-allergic children so they can be checked and so substitutes can be provided as needed. The only art project with food is a Froot Loop necklace, and there's one nature activity with food. That's what I saw today when I observed, and they showed me how they were all set with the safe ingredients for the milk-allergic child (they're doing something with gummy worms and chocolate pudding). Tables are cleaned in between each lunch group (I'll review exact cleaning procedures with them prior to camp to make sure my child's area will be cleaned with a new rag). One parent chooses to post signs all over camp with the child's photo and reaction plan, and the director said that I'm welcome to do the same if I choose (not sure if I feel that's necessary, but good to know it's an option they are offering!). Am I dreaming? This camp sounds perfect in terms of food allergies! It also sounds like a great camp in general.
