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Summer
camp teaches healthy habits to help
ward off fall flu
For years, parents have reported that
when their children return home from camp
they are more caring, understand the importance
of giving, are more equipped to stand up
for what they know is right, and are willing
to be more responsible. This summer, millions
of parents will see another positive difference
that camp has made in the lives of their
children – understood and practiced
precautionary health and wellness habits.
Some of the most important lessons taught
by camp professionals happen in simple,
teachable moments. This summer, the moments
may not be as simple, but they are definitely
of critical importance.
Throughout the summer, counselors and
staff have been working with campers to
take precautionary measures to ward off
influenza-like illnesses. Best practices
are discussed, implemented, and encouraged
on a regular basis. Campers will come away
with an awareness of positive habits – which
will serve them well this fall when they
return to school and the traditional "flu
season" arrives.
What are some of the healthy habits campers
are learning and observing this summer?
- You can never have enough soap – Campers
are practicing advanced and proper hand
washing at camp this summer. They are
learning to wash their hands in between
activities, and not just before they
eat. They are learning important lessons
in personal sanitation. The camp experience
is providing lots of practice and developing
a habit of healthy hand washing.
- You can't lick your elbow, but you
can sneeze in it – Camp is
teaching millions of children how to
practice "safe sneezing." By
learning to sneeze into their sleeves,
they are learning to keep germs away
from their hands and out of the air.
Many influenza-like illnesses are spread
by contact with infected droplets.
Keeping a sneeze to oneself teaches
campers to avoid sharing unwanted germs
with cabin-mates, classmates, and families.
- Looking for germs in all the right
places – Campers are learning
to think outside of the box when it
comes to sanitizing and staying as
germ free as possible. Some of the
creative lessons learned at camp include
using personal salad tongs and serving
utensils and using alcohol wipes to
sanitize high-contact activity areas.
By identifying these "touch zones," campers
are learning valuable lessons in how
influenza-like illnesses spread and
how they can be avoided.
- Everyone else is doing it, why can't
I – Campers aren't the only
ones getting an education in precautionary
practices – their parents
are, too. When families see the difference
these health and wellness habits make,
they begin to implement them as well.
Parents know that kids gather – it
is developmental. It is better that they
do so in a prepared, precautionary environment.
By learning these healthy behaviors and
taking them home at the end of the summer,
campers are creating healthier friends
and families. Healthier families create
a healthier community. And healthier communities
mean that everyone is in a much healthier
place.
Contact Public Relations at 765.349.3317
or pr@ACAcamps.org to
interview an ACA
spokesperson or for more information
about how summer camp is creating healthier
communities. For customizable public
service announcements or article
reprints, visit our Media Center at www.ACAcamps.org/media.
About ACA
The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance
the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs
ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally
challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps
that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.
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