Medication FAQ’s

Camp Huckins started requiring pre-packed medications several years ago based on the American Camp Association and Board of Health recommendations and requirements. This distribution method simplifies the process, helps nurses be better organized, and helps avoid potential errors. This is a safety precaution that we have implemented and your adherence and cooperation is appreciated.

We do not recommend dose changes or starting a new medication just before or while your child is at camp. If possible, please wait until your child has returned home. If this is not possible, please contact [email protected] to discuss. We do not allow any changes to psychiatric medications including ADHD medications and SSRIs within 45 days of attending camp.

Maybe. The health center has stock medications on hand and will provide as deemed necessary after camper assessment. However, if your child routinely experiences this symptom in a two-week period and you think it is possible that they will be taking it every day or if the medication is likely not in our stock then those should be provided through our pharmacy program and listed in their CampBrain record and Health History form to be given as needed. Any medication not used will be returned to you at the end of camp. If you have any questions about medications we stock, please email [email protected].

PackMyRx will fill the medication but hold the insurance approval until it is time for a refill. Rarely, you will need to request a vacation override from your pharmacy and insurance company to get the medication sooner to last the full time they are at camp.

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.

If your insurance is not accepted by our partner pharmacy, our Camp Nurse will be notified. They will reach out to you about the next steps.

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 acetaminophen, ibuprofen, 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 physician signed medical order form will be required.  Vitamins and supplements also need to be ordered through our partner 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.  

No, if your camper cannot swallow pills, it will be changed to chewable.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner medications will be given before the meal in the dining hall. Bedtime medications are administered in the Health Center. 

Unless it is truly a bedtime medication, we will change it to dinner. We will always find your camper at meals if they forget.  

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 inhalers 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. You will be charged the same charge as if you ordered through our partner pharmacy for any medication brought to camp(with nurse approval).

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. 

There is a $200 fee charged to your camper account. 

No. Campers receive their medications individually. 

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. 

You may bring them with you. Your camper will be charged the same fee as if ordered through the pharmacy. 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.

Below is the link for the PackMyRx website.

https://packmyrx.com/

No, all medications need to be signed in by a parent/guardian including Albuterol and EpiPens.

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. You will need to complete the inhaler and/or epi-pen form.