Apachi Northside

Safety and inclusion are top priorities at JCC Chicago Day Camps. Our camps are committed to being allergy-safe. While our camps are not allergen-free, we strive to make our camp environments as safe as possible for children with food allergies using a customized approach and working closely with each family to develop an action plan for the child.

What families can expect from JCC Day Camps

Camp Responsibilities:

• Camp staff will establish prevention protocols for the camp site.
  • Make plans so that campers with food allergies can be included in all activities.
  • Make sure ingredients of food provided at camp is available for parents to review.
  • Review the health records submitted by parents and physicians.
• Assure that appropriate personnel are familiar with the use of epinephrine, where medication is located and the protocol for administering.
  • Arrange a training session before the start of camp.
  • Be in compliance with local and state regulations regarding the administration of medication.
• Identify a camp emergency plan.
  • Arrange a meeting with camper and parents prior to the beginning of camp.
  • Assure that camp has the required authorization and appropriate medication to use in the event of contact.
  • Assure that anyone who will be in contact with the camper, including counselors and the unit head, know of the allergy, can recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction and knows what action to take if a reaction occurs.
• Discuss lunch plan with the family and child before the start of camp.  Every camper with a food allergy is encouraged to use a disposal tray during lunch. A new tray will be provided to the camper each day. The tray will create a barrier between the child’s food and the table and will also make it easier for staff to clearly identify children with food allergies during lunchtime.
• Clearly explain to families that camp environments are not allergy-free because campers and staff can bring their own food to camp, including food that contains peanuts and tree-nuts.
• Explain JCC Chicago’s no sharing policy to campers and staff.
• Plan for field trips or off-site activities.
  • Confirm that any emergency medications and authorizations accompany the camper and the counselor to off-site activities.
  • Assign the unit head as the person to monitor or administer medication or auto injector.
  • Be sure there is a way to contact emergency assistance.
  • Refer to manufacturer’s instructions for proper storage.

Family Responsibility

Families should:

• Notify the camp of the camper’s allergies or suspected allergies upon registration.
  • Use the camp application and/or health form and list the foods to which your child is allergic.
  • Arrange a meeting with the camp prior to your child’s first day. We suggest that the camper is present for this meeting so that the parents, child and staff can discuss a food allergy plan together.
  • Provide camp with a completed Illinois Food Allergy Action Plan and Treatment Authorization including a current photo: Due: April 15, 2018.
  • Consider sending a box of allergy-safe snacks for your child at the beginning of the summer.
• Medication
  • All medication must be checked for expiration dates. Parents must be prepared to replace any expired, unsealed, or previously use medication.
  • Provide full set of auto-injectors, as prescribed by physician, in original packing, clearly labeled with the camper’s name.
• Education
  • Educate your child about his/her food allergies
    • Safe and unsafe foods
    • Strategies for avoiding unsafe foods
    • Symptoms of allergic reactions
    • How and when to tell an adult about an allergic response

Camper Responsibility

All campers should:

• Be aware of the foods to which they are allergic.
  • Never trade food with other campers.
  • Never eat something with unknown ingredients.
  • Always ask an adult when you don’t know the ingredients.
  • Tell an adult if a reaction seems to be starting, even if there is no visible appearance of an allergic response.
  • Never go off alone if symptoms are beginning.

JCC will follow the action plan that is agreed upon with the family, and which will be based on the full disclosure of the family. While the goal of the JCC is to provide a safe and inclusive environment, JCC does not represent that the allergy restrictions and action plans are appropriate for the particular camper. JCC will not assume any liability for the approach used.