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Medical Support at Summer Camp

Q: What medical facilities are available at the campsite?

A: The campsite has an onsite infirmary that is staffed by trained pediatric nurses and a prescriber (doctor, physician assistant, nurse practitioner). We provide medications and routine care during camp sessions. We offer our program to children and teens at all stages of treatment for cancer (and similar disorders), from newly-diagnosed to palliative care to post-therapy.

Q: Are there medical professionals at summer camp?

A: Yes. At least one prescriber (doctor, physician assistant, nurse practitioner) is onsite at all times.

A: Yes. Several oncology-trained or pediatric nurses are onsite at all times.

Q: Is the summer camp sponsored by PCH?

A: Yes. PCH provides medical support for Camp Hobé. The on-call residents are available to assist our medical volunteers with any emergencies or other medical situations.

Q: How far is the nearest hospital?

A: The campers are within 60 minutes of advanced medical care at all times.

A: Mountain West Medical Center in Tooele is located 5-10 minutes away.

A: Primary Children’s Hospital is about 45 minutes away from the campsite by car.

Q: Do my kids need a physical examination before in-person summer camp?

A: Yes, all campers must have a physical exam (or doctor visit) before they arrive at in-person camp. We cannot complete physical exams at the campsite, for liability reasons.

A: All campers must have a physical exam before arriving at in-person camp. Both patients and their siblings must have a physical exam every year. We require physical exams to be completed within three (3) months of camp for patients on active treatment currently or during the past year, within twelve (12) months of camp for patients off active treatment for more than one year, and within twelve (12) months of camp for siblings.

A: You will be able to access the camp physical form online once your family’s registrations are confirmed; or we can send you one by email or snail mail. Please plan ahead and contact your provider early about physical exams, to ensure that your campers may be seen prior to the start of camp.

Q: Do my kids need vaccines before in-person summer camp?

A: Yes, Camp Hobé requires all campers without a medical reason for exemption to be up to date with their required immunization schedule. Campers with medical reasons for exemption (such as active cancer treatment) are exempt from this policy. Due to the fragile immune status of many of our campers, nonmedical exemptions are not allowed, including religious or other objections to vaccination. Please plan ahead and ensure your children receive all necessary vaccinations prior to camp each summer. Please contact your children’s medical provider or your local health department (State of Utah Department of Health) to determine which vaccines they may need.

Q: What if my child gets sick or hurt at in-person summer camp?

A: We hope this does not happen. However, we want you to know if your child gets sick or hurt at camp. We will call you if your child has any injury or illness that requires off-site treatment, a new prescription medication, or more than six hours of observation in the Infirmary.

Q: My child is very sick. What are the medical requirements for them to attend in-person summer camp?

A: Because our campers have special medical needs, we have set guidelines for when children may come to camp. These mostly apply to kids who are staying overnight without a caregiver (parent or guardian) on site. However, the camp medical staff make all final decisions. No campers (sibling or patient) may have any condition that might endanger the health, safety, or emotional well-being of other campers or volunteers. This includes disorders like apnea, poorly-controlled seizures, or other poorly-controlled medical conditions. All campers without a medical reason for exemption must be up to date with their required immunization schedule. Campers with medical reasons for exemption (such as active cancer treatment) are exempt from this requirement.

Prior approval from the camp medical director is required before camp attendance for patients who will are expected to be receiving any of the following when checking in at camp:

  • Intravenous (IV) antibiotics;
  • Total parenteral nutrition (TPN);
  • Intravenous (IV) fluids, or
  • Oxygen therapy.