Medication FAQ’s
Medication FAQ’s
A note from our Camp Nurses:
Below you will find FAQ’s concerning medications. We receive several questions about our policies, and we hope these FAQ’s will address some of those questions.
We enjoy caring for the nearly 1600 campers and staff, and it requires us to use a medication packaging provider to help do it safely, efficiently, and effectively. Your child’s health is our top priority.
We are currently reviewing providers for pre-packaged camper medications. We are looking for a system that is affordable and can meet the needs of our nurses and camp families. We will be in touch in the next few weeks to share details of how to order your camper medications.
Thank you in advance for completing your health forms on time, and ordering your camper medication through the vendor we select, so we can best serve all our 2024 campers!
In the Huckins Spirit,
The Camp Nurses
While we understand you may have specific questions or concerns, the process as laid out applies to all campers. Compliance with the pre-packaged medication system is key to keeping campers safe and healthy. We are not able to honor exceptions outside of those outlined below. Thank you for your understanding.
Can we bring our medications with us?
No, all medications need to go through the pre-packaged medication vendor, our partner pharmacy, who sends the medications to the Camp Huckins health office in single dose packages. Each single dose package is labeled with the camper’s name, drug, dose and administration time. This allows us to accurately and quickly distribute medications to campers.
What if the partner pharmacy does not accept my insurance?
If your insurance is not accepted by our partner pharmacy, our Camp Nurse will be notified. She will reach out to you about the next steps.
My child’s medication is OTC (Including Vitamins, supplements or Melatonin), why do I need to go through the pharmacy?
Per the State of NH licensing requirements, our nursing staff must administer all medicine, including over-the-counter medications. Our Health Center is well stocked with aspirin, cough medicine, etc. If your camper takes an over-the-counter medication every day – for example, allergy medicine – please order that through our partner pharmacy. Because of the volume of medications administered daily, we ask that you refrain from ordering multi-vitamins or supplements UNLESS they are recommended by your camper’s Health Care Provider. If your provider recommends vitamins or supplements, a prescription will be required. Vitamins and supplements also need to be ordered through our partner pharmacy.
Why do you use a pharmacy?
Over 30% of campers have daily medications, some receiving multiple medications multiple times a day. Utilizing a partner pharmacy that prepackages the medications allows our nurses to manage daily medications in a safe and effective manner, while also being available to respond to the day-to-day health needs of campers including illness, injury and general TLC. Prepackaged medications are recommended by the Alliance of Camp Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and is an evidenced based best practice. Camper health and safety is our top priority.
Can we order our medication in gummy form?
No, if your camper cannot swallow pills, it will be changed to chewable.
How does my camper get their medication?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner medications will be given before the meal in the dining hall. Bedtime medications are administered in the Health Center.
What if I want my camper to get their medication at bedtime so they do not need to go to the dining hall early?
Unless it is truly a bedtime medication, we will change it to dinner. We will always find your camper at meals if they forget.
What if my child has a rescue inhaler (Albuterol) or has a EpiPen?
You may bring as needed inhalers and epi-pens with you and drop them off with the nurse at the medication table when you arrive. You may order also these through our partner pharmacy. If your camper is on any other medications, they will still need to be ordered through our partner pharmacy. Daily inhalers need to be ordered through our partner pharmacy. If you choose to drop these off there is a $60 administration fee that will be charged to your camper’s account.
What if I do not order by the deadline?
You will be charged a late fee by our partner pharmacy. The deadline means that all the prescriptions have been received by our partner pharmacy.
What if I bring the medications with me?
There is a $200 fee charged to your camper account.
If my camper is on oral contraceptives do we need to order these?
Yes, they need to be ordered through our partner pharmacy. We will ask your camper where they are in the pack and start from there.
Will other people know what my child is taking?
No. Campers receive their medications individually.
What if I want my child to take half their normal dose or twice their normal dose?
We can only administer medications per the prescribed order. If you need the medication dosage to be changed, we will need a new prescription or provider’s note to change it. The note must be on the provider’s letterhead.
What if we were just admitted off the wait list and have medications?
You may bring them with you. Your camper will be charged the base rate of $60. Please complete your health form immediately with medication information and notify the nurse at [email protected] with the name, dose, and mealtime they should be administered.
Where do I find the information on camp’s partner pharmacy?
It will be posted on the Camp Huckins website, and you will receive and email with specific instructions.
Can my camper drop off their own medication?
No, all medications need to be signed in by a parent/guardian including Albuterol and EpiPens.
May my camper keep their medications with them and administer them themselves?
No, state law dictates that no medications may be in a camper’s cabin. All medications (prescription and OTC) need to be administered by the nursing staff. Exceptions can be made for rescue inhalers (Albuterol) and EpiPens. Campers may carry these if we have written permission from parents and the medical provider. If your child needs to carry their rescue inhaler or epi-pen, please contact [email protected] for more information. This form will need to be completed – Asthma, Inhaler, and Epi-Pen Permission Form.
