đź’Š Medication Changes During Camp

Let’s talk about “medication vacations.”
Some families consider pausing medications—especially for ADHD, anxiety, allergies, or asthma—when summer rolls around. Maybe the school structure is on hold, maybe your child wants a break, or maybe the side effects feel like too much. We get it.

The bottom line: you know your child better than anyone. If you’re thinking about a break from medication, especially one they’ve taken consistently during the school year, we ask that you think it through with us, not without us.

Why This Matters at Camp

Camp might feel like a break from school—but it’s definitely not a break from needing focus, flexibility, and emotional regulation. Campers spend long days with cabinmates, jump into structured and high-energy activities, and work through social dynamics in real time.

In other words: a lot is asked of them—and the support systems they have at home or school aren’t always available here.

If You’re Considering a Medication Break…

We encourage you to talk it through with your child’s healthcare provider and weigh the pros and cons in the context of camp—not just summer in general.

If you’re trying to balance side effects like appetite suppression or sleep issues, we understand. You might still decide that a break makes sense for your child. But if that’s the case, please share that with us on your child’s medical form. We’re not here to judge—we just need to know so we can support your camper appropriately.

đź’ˇ Remember: Many medications (including inhalers and mental health meds) can take days or even weeks to become effective again. If your camper starts struggling mid-session, we may not have time to get them back to baseline before pickup.

Our Commitment to Your Child

We’re not here to override family decisions—but we are responsible for creating a safe, supportive camp environment. If we notice your child is having trouble adjusting or staying regulated, we’ll reach out. That conversation might include:

  • Checking in with you
  • Consulting your healthcare provider
  • Adjusting our support plan
  • Or, if needed, discussing whether it’s in your child’s best interest to continue the session

One More Thing—Let’s Bust the Stigma

Roughly one-third of our campers take daily medication, and visiting the Health Center is a totally normal part of camp life. No one is singled out. No one is made to feel different. It’s just part of how we care for campers.

Want to Learn More?

This article from CHADD is a great starting point:
👉 Time Off From Medication, But Not from ADHD

We’re in this together.
You know your kid. We know camp. Let’s make a plan that sets your camper up for success—together.

Questions? We’re happy to talk it through. Email us at cimmokalee@fcymca.org.