Most camps require a health form, immunization records, allergy documentation, and medication authorization before the first day. The challenge isn't knowing what's needed — it's finding everything when three different clinics hold pieces of your child's records.
Requirements vary by camp and state, but most day camps and overnight camps ask for the same core documents:
A standardized health history and physical exam form, signed by a licensed physician within the past 12 months (some camps say 6 months). The form covers medical history, current medications, allergies, activity restrictions, and the doctor's clearance for camp activities. Many camps use the American Camp Association (ACA) form or a state-specific equivalent.
Official immunization records from your child's doctor showing up-to-date vaccinations. Camps follow their state's school immunization requirements. If your child is missing any required doses, some camps accept documentation of a catch-up plan signed by the pediatrician. Check your state's specific requirements — each state sets its own list.
If your child has a food allergy, drug allergy, bee sting allergy, or any allergy that could cause anaphylaxis, most camps require a written action plan signed by the doctor. This describes what to avoid, what a reaction looks like, and what to do (including EpiPen instructions).
If your child takes any medication at camp — prescription or over-the-counter — the camp needs a signed authorization from both the parent and the prescribing doctor. Medication must arrive in the original pharmacy-labeled container. Most camps require a separate form for each medication.
Most camps set a deadline 2–4 weeks before the first day. Missing the deadline often means your child can't attend until the paperwork is complete. Common timing:
The bottleneck is usually the doctor's appointment. Schedule the camp physical early — pediatricians' summer slots fill up by April in most areas. If you already have a current physical on file with your pediatrician, ask if they can sign the camp form without a new visit.
Two kids, two camps, two sets of forms with different deadlines and different requirements. The vaccine records are at the pediatrician's office. The allergy plan is in a folder somewhere. The medication authorization is a new form the camp just emailed.
With Family Stork, each child has their own record. Every person gets their own private Family Stork email address — give it to each doctor, and records file themselves automatically. When camp season comes, the immunization records are already there. The allergy documentation is already there. Print the Family Health Passport — a passport-sized printable summary — for the camp packet, or invite the camp nurse directly so they can see the emergency card on their phone.
The camp nurse sees only what you chose to share — immunizations, allergies, medications, and the emergency card. They never own or manage the record. When camp ends, the invitation ends. The record stays with your family, complete, ready for the next camp, the next school year, or the next doctor's visit.
Contact your child's pediatrician to get a catch-up plan. Many camps accept a letter from the doctor showing the child is on a catch-up schedule. Each state has its own requirements — check your state's immunization requirements for camps and schools.
Most camps can administer medication if they have the proper authorization: a signed parent consent form, a signed physician order (for prescription medications), and the medication in its original pharmacy-labeled container. Over-the-counter medications like sunscreen or acetaminophen may require a separate blanket authorization. Ask your camp for their specific medication policy.
Most camps allow children to carry rescue inhalers if the doctor's authorization says so. The camp health form usually has a section for self-carry authorization. Talk to your child's doctor about whether self-carry is appropriate, and make sure the camp nurse has a backup inhaler in the health office.
Often yes. Overnight camps typically require more detailed health forms — including a recent physical exam — because the camp acts in loco parentis for the full stay. Day camps may accept a simpler health history without a physician signature. Always check with the specific camp.
Camp forms, immunization records, allergy plans — they're all in the record. Print the passport, or invite the camp nurse directly.
$99/year — or about $10 a month.
Start their record — free