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Camp physical

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Services are available at MinuteClinic (virtual care also available)

Walk-ins welcome — no appointment necessary!

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Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.

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Need to know more about camp physical? We’ve got you covered.

What is a camp physical?

Also called pre-participation physicals, camp physical examinations are an essential part of registering children for camps. Organizers typically require an evaluation for campers to participate. Regulations vary by state. Before registering, check with the administrators about specific eligibility requirements.

A camp physical helps ensure that your child is healthy and physically prepared to participate in all the activities offered at camps like hiking, swimming and canoeing. The goal is to help reduce the risks of potential injury to kids while away from home.

Getting help

  1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.
  2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

    If you made your appointment online:
    Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

    If you made your appointment in the clinic:
    Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

    If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
    To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

  3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
  4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
  5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

MinuteClinic providers will review your child's medical history, conduct an exam and recommend additional tests if needed. Following the session, your MinuteClinic provider will complete the required medical forms that you give to the camp organizer.

Specific requirements can vary according to the particular camp, and your child's camp physical may include:

  • Check of blood pressure, oxygen saturation, pulse and respiration
  • Details regarding dietary supplements, medications or prescriptions your child takes
  • General physical exam to check your child's ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs and abdomen
  • Measurement of the child's height and weight
  • Review of your child and the family's medical history
  • Test to check the strength and flexibility of major joints
  • Vision check

Parents/Guardians are reminded to fill out the parents' sections of all the necessary forms before the visit. This expedites the camp physical exam process. Please collect the following medical information to bring to your child's camp physical examination:

  • Immunization history and records
  • Primary care provider's name and contact information
  • Relevant health and medical history, including any allergies, current medications and existing medical conditions

Your provider can verify vaccinations given at MinuteClinic or with the proper documentation of immunizations administered by another health care provider. A camp physical exam is not intended to replace a comprehensive annual wellness exam and other screenings.

MinuteClinic providers are qualified to perform camp physicals for kids and teens. Our providers can review your child's medical history, conduct an exam and recommend additional tests and diagnosis if necessary. Following the session, your MinuteClinic provider will fill in the required medical forms for the camper.

A MinuteClinic provider can help give clearance. A MinuteClinic provider will review the COVID-19 test results and ask questions about the infection. They will also conduct a physical exam.

They can provide a letter stating that your child can return to camp, or they can fill out a form specific to your camp or program. Please note that your camp may have additional clearance requirements. If you were not initially tested for COVID-19 at CVS or MinuteClinic, you will need to bring a copy of your test results.

Camp Physicals causes, symptoms and treatment

Although your child may be completely healthy, a day, Scout, overnight or summer camp organization may require them to undergo a physical before arrival.

This physical may seem inconvenient and unnecessary for a healthy child, but it protects the camper, other attendees and staff from avoidable illness, injury and life-threatening situations.

In addition to meeting the camp registration requirements, there are additional benefits to conducting a camp physical before participation:

  • Evaluating general health can help address potential health concerns proactively: Reviewing a child’s medical history and immunization record and performing a routine physical exam can help avoid unforeseen issues that might jeopardize attendance. It allows for time to address matters such as a required immunization before the start of camp.
  • Checks for pre-existing and current conditions such as allergies or injuries are necessary: A newly sprained ankle, for example, may limit a child from participating in certain activities.
  • The medical history review covers any medical conditions that run in the family, such as diabetes and prior illnesses such as asthma: Your MinuteClinic® provider can check on the status and make recommendations for medications or additional remedies. For example, a history of asthma could interfere with approval for attendance, even if a child has not had symptoms for a long time. A child with a history of asthma may need to carry an inhaler. It helps for camp staff to be aware, in case your child experiences a sudden episode while away from home and needs to use it.

This screening will identify potential health concerns, so they are not made worse or cause any undue pain, injury or re-injury.

IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.

 

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