At YMCA Camp Immokalee, your child’s health and safety are our top priorities. We know that each camper has unique needs, and we are committed to providing personalized care to ensure their well-being. From medical care to emotional support, here’s how we make sure your child is cared for every step of the way.

Medical Care

Our full-time Camp Health Officer lives on-site and is available 24/7 to handle any medical needs during your child’s stay. Whether your camper requires prescription medication, over-the-counter treatments, or specific health monitoring, we are here to help.

• Medication Administration: Our Health Officer and staff are trained to administer both prescription and over-the-counter medications, following the precise instructions provided by parents and healthcare professionals.
• Chronic Conditions: For campers with specific medical needs, such as diabetes, our staff can monitor blood sugar levels using apps or other devices, and we are equipped to manage other chronic conditions with care and expertise.
• Daily Health Monitoring: Campers are checked regularly by staff to ensure they feel well. If any concerns arise, our Health Officer is available to provide immediate care and notify parents when necessary.

Interested in joining our health team? We’re looking for qualified medical professionals such as RNs, MDs, NPs, ODs, EMS, or CNAs (CNA is the minimum certification) to support our camp community. Contact us for more information!

Please note that our Camp Health Officer is seasonal and works only when campers are with us. Our full-time year-round team is happy to have preemptive conversations before our Camp Health Officer arrives on site.

Allergies & Special Dietary Needs

We understand how critical it is to provide safe, nutritious meals for campers with allergies or dietary restrictions. Our kitchen team works closely with families to create safe meal plans and ensures that food is prepared with the utmost care to prevent cross-contamination.

• Food Allergies: Our staff is trained to handle food allergies, and parents are encouraged to share any dietary needs before camp begins to ensure we can prepare meals safely for your child.

Nut Awareness at Camp

Camp Immokalee is a “Nut Aware” facility. While peanuts and tree nuts are permitted on camp property, they are not allowed in the Dining Hall, which is maintained as a nut-free area. Our Dining Hall does not produce food containing nuts, though some items may come from facilities that process nuts (e.g., pre-packaged items like Hershey’s bars). We ask families to be mindful of potential nut allergies when sending snacks, and please note that pre-packaged items containing nuts may be available for purchase in the camp store.

Emotional Care & Support

At Camp Immokalee, we recognize that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. Our staff is trained to provide emotional support, ensuring campers feel comfortable, included, and safe.

• Homesickness Support: We offer compassionate care for campers who may experience homesickness or anxiety. Counselors check in regularly with campers, providing encouragement and support as they adjust to camp life.
• Community Care Coordinator: Our Community Care Coordinator works closely with families to understand each camper’s unique emotional or behavioral needs, ensuring that campers receive individualized care throughout their camp experience.

Emergency Preparedness & Weather Safety

Our camp is prepared for any unexpected situations, from medical emergencies to severe weather, ensuring the safety of all campers and guests:

• Emergency Plans: Our staff is trained to follow detailed emergency protocols in case of any emergency. Parents will be notified promptly if any such situations arise.
• Weather Events: In the event of severe weather, such as a tropical storm or hurricane, our First Coast YMCA Senior Leadership Team makes decisions based on expert advice. Camp will continue or pause based on the best safety measures. If an evacuation is necessary, we will ensure campers and guests are relocated safely and parents are kept informed.
• Refund Policy: Refunds or credits due to storm-related cancellations will be assessed based on the specific circumstances of each storm.

Water Safety

Water activities are a highlight of the camp experience, and safety is our top priority:

• Certified Lifeguards: All water-based activities are supervised by trained and certified lifeguards to ensure the safety of every camper.
• Life Jackets: Campers are required to wear life jackets during all boating and water sports activities.

Your Role in Keeping Camp Safe

We believe that creating a safe environment for all campers starts with open, honest communication between parents and staff. Here’s how you can help:

• Be Open and Honest: If your child has any medical, emotional, or behavioral needs, we encourage you to share them with our team before camp begins. We can only provide the best care when we know how to support your child fully. Please rest assured, we’re here to work with you, not turn your child away.
• Stay Home if Unwell: If your child is feeling unwell leading up to camp, please contact us. We will work with you to reschedule their camp experience, ensuring they arrive healthy and ready for fun.
• Proactive Partnership: Ongoing communication is key. If anything changes with your child’s health or emotional well-being during camp, please let us know so we can provide appropriate care.

Our goal is to provide a safe, nurturing environment where campers can focus on making friends, having fun, and creating lifelong memories. If you have any questions about our health and safety practices, contact us!