amyco Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 We are getting ready to send our dd, 11, to her first sleep away camp for a week this summer. She is very excited. I am less thrilled about the mountains of paperwork and whatnot that need to be completed. Seriously, when did camps start requiring an entire medical history, shot record, copy of insurance card, and current physical (within the last 12 months)? I know in my head it's all about liability, blah blah blah. Anyway...how many of you who send your dc to summer camp are required to get them a new physical every year? Our insurance only covers a well child check every other year starting at age 8. Is there a "lesser" physical that would be covered? (I know I can call my insurance, but I'd like to hear others' experiences). I have explained to her there is no way I am going to shell out a wad of cash just so a doctor can sign a form saying dd's fit to swim in the deep end of a pool. Harsh, I know...but this particular church camp is already kind of expensive imo. I mean, I know it's been over twenty years since I went to camp...I don't remember ever having to get a physical for camp. Thoughts? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sonshine Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 The two camps that my kids go to require this - and they are in two different states, so it's probably pretty common. I usually try to find a medical or sports medicine clinic that is having a special on kids physicals. We were lucky for a few years and a doctor who helped out with the youth group signed all of the kids' (for the whole youth group) forms for the youth camp - no charge. He has moved however, so I will be looking again for a good deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peek a Boo Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 you might ask the camp if they know a doc that is offering physicals just for this camp. Some Scout events have a similar set-up, esp if a parent of a kid attending is a doc :D also- google/call your area docs for "camp physicals." good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fivetails Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 Wow...dd12 went to a church camp last year (out of province, at that) and all that was required was one basic form - pertinent info, emergency numbers, list any medical problems or medications, parent signature. Pretty basic. No physical, medical history, shot list, or anything like that. I think there was a "is there anything you feel we should know about your child?" section where you could mention if they were shy, prone to homesickness, or whatever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie in CA Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 What they have asked for is within the norm. Most doctors have a "sports physical" that is a cursory checkup. The doctor in our little town charges $15. The doctor in the larger nearby town charges $35. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne in ABQ Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 Our Christian camp only requires the physical every two years, along with shot record and brief medical history. Boy Scout camp requires it every year, along with shot records, insurance card, medical history, and the kitchen sink. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 Our church camp requires one yearly, but they are pretty liberal, so I don't know if they would exclude someone who had had one in the past 2 years. You may call and ask, especially if the child is very healthy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danestress Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 and they took him to the ER. He was 13. This was before the days when everyone had cell phones, and I didn't know about it for hours after it happened. I was very glad that they could take a full medical history, insurance information, and permission to treat to the hospital. It's not just about liability - it's about rendering good care to a child in a crisis when the parent is not available and they have to be in charge. If you haven't taken your child for a check up in over a year, I would just do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 Our pediatrician will fill out forms like that without an appointment, as long as they've seen the child within a certain window. In fact, they're computerized and can print out a health form on request and have it ready for me to pick up within a few hours. If every other year is the typical schedule for check-ups with your doctor, you could try calling and asking if they will fill out the form without seeing the child. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amyco Posted April 22, 2009 Author Share Posted April 22, 2009 Thanks for all the info and suggestions, everyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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