at Beaver GIenskle, PA nreitSMISIMMINFAMEMOMMORMIS MUNN A new option among summer experiences for course, lots of snacks in between. But what about all those treats Mom and had send that sit around for days on end, without refrigeration, in the bunk. Are these safe? ,A: When food is handled properly, poisoning should not occur. (The same rules apply at home — don't leave food out for extended times). The candy par- ents smuggle in to their children is usu- ally not a source of food poisoning - but -)not a good idea in general. Just use common sense and don't send foods that easily spoil. Jewish teens, Howard Cooper's Jewish Discovery Camp Is set on the lovely campus of Beaver CoNege In the northeast suburbs of Philadelphia. The program consists of elective courses In the morning (both Judaic and secular topics) and a full compliment of camp activities In the afternoon. While JDC Is unaffiliated, our food is kosher and Shabbat is observed wtth respect for all traditions and backgrounds. Resident campers live In dormitories and enjoy a taste of university life. .'oja • —101MIMPAVWealir: ..zweriss take a more active role in enforcing use — especially with younger children. If the child is fair skinned and more likely to burn, the stronger the better, and use waterproof sunblock as campers usually swim daily. Q: Perhaps there is nothing quite so frightening to a parent as a bunk that has been occupied for several weeks by a busy group of campers: dirty clothes, old food, smashed bars of soap, shampoo bottles always left open, toothbrushes of unknown own- ership. But do these pose any real health risks? A: The kids' cabins toward the end of camp are a sight and smell that must be experienced to be truly believed. Yet despite the repulsiveness (and I means girls' cabins, too), I doubt these are fraught with danger of disease. The layers of clothing on the floor (you can't see the floor) actually create the advantage of cushioning a fall from the top bunk. Sharing items that come into contact with saliva is dearly a way to spread germs and should be avoided. Telling that to a child or teenager is another story. What kinds of biting insects are children most likely to encounter at camp? Are bee stings prevalent? Is there any reliable remedy for the itch that invariably accompanies mosquito bites? Can any of these insects trans- mit serious diseases? A: Mosquitos can carry serious dis- eases, but not around here. Stinging insects always will be present, but they only are dangerous to those allergic to them, or who receive multiple stings. Common sense is useful in staying away from hives and nests. Of course, teaching common sense can be difficult (some say you can't teach it). Q: In your many years working as a If you are truly known to be allergic, camp physician, what illnesses do you camp might not be the place for you. At most frequently treat? minimum, you should carry Epipen (a A: There is always a variety of minor self-administered injection of adrena- illnesses, rashes, insect bites, twisted line). ankles, slivers, cuts, etc. But the most There are numerous remedies for common ailment we see is a case of the prevention of mosquito bites, but I don't Something hurts, whatever is kvetches: know any that are consistently useful. going around the village, and usually it Some children are more prone than oth- can be attributed to homesickness. ers to mosquito bites, though it's not , This is why I believe physicians who clear why. Also, some react more exten- are really used to dealing with kids make sively — but this does not mean they the ideal camp doctors. I think they are are allergic. better able to differentiate. The best thing parents can do is send On the other hand, because most ill- insect repellents and show their sons and nesses are contagious and due to the daughters how to use them. nature of camping togetherness, viruses One year my son kept writing and and strep do spread rapidly through vil- asking us to send more insect repellent lages. to him at camp which, as dutiful parents we, of course, did. When I got to camp Q: During the rest of the year, parents for my week as camp doctor, I found he can be there to force their children to had lots of unopened bottles. He never eat such insufferable foods as peas knew what they were. and tofu. But at camp, who knows Children going into deep woods what they live on? should wear clothing to minimize A: It's always a good idea to eat a bal- exposed areas and use a strong repellent anced diet. If children do so at home, containing the chemical DEET (to pro- they can certainly continue at camp. tect against ticks as well). If children are really picky, they prob- ably are at home, too. While living on Q: Is it really that important for chil- peanut butter is not ideal, it is usually dren to wear sunblock throughout the something they can survive for a short day at camp? Does it need to be span. If the child takes a vitamin supple- waterproof? ment at home, they can continue at A: Sun block is important, and this is camp. I I an area where I think counselors should 1999 Session Dotes First Session (four weeks) June 21 - July 18, 1999 S hobbot Gussts-In Residents Second Session (four weeks) July 18 - August 15, 1999 Merle Feld Myrlam Klotz Lawrence Kushner Margot Stein Craig Taubman Moshe Waldoks P.O. Box 177 • Haddonfield, NJ 08033 Tel: 609/427-9756 • Fax:609/429-7322 • Toll Free: 1-877-GO-HCJIX (464-2532) www.hc-idc.com • Email: info@hc-jth.com CAMP YOUNG JUDAEA A Camp for Jewish Youth, 7-14 Waupaca, WI Jewish programming, Canoeing and Sailing, Israeli Dance, Overnights, Arts and Crafts, Red Cross Swim Program Hiking, Scouting, Sports, Oneg Shabbat, Drama, Israeli Singing, Water Skiing CAMP DATES Session 1 June 21-July 14 Session 2 July 20-August 12 Mini-Session Entering 2nd, 3rd & 4th Graders Only June 21-July 4 and July 20-August 1 2 Sessions June 21-August 12 For more information call (888) 605-CAMP 2727 Kenwood Blvd. Toledo, OH 43606 Sponsored by Hadassah www.detroitjewishnews.com 1/1 199 Detroit Jewish News 61