Summer Camp Head Lice Horror: Preparing the Parents
With summer time comes the opportunity to don on your best summer dresses, get into those flip flops, and spend some much-needed relaxation time by the beach or in the local pool. For many parents, summer is also a time where they can capitalize on the fun learning opportunities summer camp has to offer, and sign up their kids for a few weeks of socialization and educational—yet recreational—activities.
One thing that parents tend to forget that they’re signing up for with summer camp is the tragic inevitability of head lice. Like schools, summer camps are also the perfect breeding ground for lice, and with so many young children working together, playing together, and living together, all it takes is a little head to head contact until you have camp-wide lice outbreak.
Taking All the Right Precautions
A few important pointers when it comes to summer camp and head lice:- Parents should give kids thorough combing to ensure no head lice or nits are present before sending them off to summer camp.
- The camp administration should conduct screenings, and have a policy in place on what to do in the event of a lice infestation.
- Both the camp and the parents should work together to curb lice infestations. Ideally, a child can be sent home, or can be allowed back once treatment has been administered.
- Children at the summer camp should be given information and ground rules on sharing personal items such as towels, pillows, and combs to help minimize chances of an infestation spreading.