Promoting safety, access, and education in camp medication management practices

Medication management in summer camp settings is a complex, multi-step process requiring coordination among families, healthcare providers, and camp personnel. Using a national survey, we examined the extent to which medication management practices, including administration procedures, staffing models, documentation processes, and management of over-the-counter and controlled medications, are implemented consistently across summer youth programs. Data collected from 92 respondents in 24 U.S. states revealed strong safety practices, including high rates of staff training (89%) and direct observation of medication administration (95%). Significant variability appeared in documentation, prescriber authorization, and controlled substance accountability processes. These findings suggest the need for standardized, evidence-based approaches to medication management in summer camp settings to reduce error risk and promote safe pediatric care.