Summer Camp, Safety and Your Child

(CBS)  Camp Dudley YMCA in the New York's Adirondack Mountains, the infirmary can often be a busy place.

On "The Early Show" Friday, Ashton said practically all the 300 male campers found a way to pay a visit to the infirmary during her visit.

Sheila Kapper, head nurse at the camp, said lots of things happen.

"You name it, we pretty much have seen it," Kapper told Ashton. "And (we) are pretty much prepared for everything."

But are your kids protected at their camp?

Ashton told "Early Show" co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez you should check with your camp director, camp nurse or physician, about the protocol for medical care before your child attends camp this summer.

"But big camps, they see it all," she said. "...and they're ready to handle anything."

In her time at the camp, Ashton and her husband, Dr. Robert Ashton experienced the busy time for the medical staff, from minor sunburns, sprains, rashes and thorns to one significant hip injury.

Ashton said most camp injuries are minor and pretty straightforward. But, she said, sometimes a stomach ache is code for something else: homesickness.

Kapper, who is called the "camp mom" by camp officials, said she can usually tell the difference between the two in 30 seconds.

Kapper said she provides 50 percent medical care and 50 percent mothering to the kids at camp.

Ashton added on "The Early Show", "Camp Dudley's medical staff is on duty 24/7, ready for whatever health or emotional issues come their way."

[JT_MARSDEN]

seen the bit on back yard play ground jungle jims
on the hot slides you can use a towel to put under your child
to keep from burning them

[Bethany_F]

It's very important to find professional camps. Staff are very important. It may be better to have third-party reviews. I know choicecamps.com review every programs they have in their database, although there are hundreds of them. I'd really suggest choicecamps.com
Ask them for free expert advice, they can tell the differences between a good camp and a bad one.
Hope that helps.