Being Sick During Camp

Hello to all of my fellow camp counselors!

Since it is winter and I've been sick, I thought it would be a good time to talk about being sick at camp. Chances are, if you're working at a camp for roughly 3 months during the summer, at some point, you're going to get sick. It's happened to me multiple times, and it is one of the hardest things to deal with as a counselor. You have to balance caring for yourself, watching after your kids, participating in programming and still seeming like you're having fun, even though you just coughed up a lung. So here  is what I've learned from the times I've been sick at camp.
None of this is meant to be medical advise. Always see a doctor if you're concerned. Better safe then sorry.

Be Honest
How sick are you? Is it a case of the sniffles, and you just need a day to relax and sleep it off? Are you throwing up constantly and can barely stand? The first thing you need to do is evaluate how sick you really are. Sometimes all that you need is a bit of rest. Other times, you need a doctor and a prescription. Don't exaggerate, but also don't underestimate how you're feeling. Trust your gut. Figure this out, then ask your boss for what you need.

Is it the "Camp Flu"?
Camp is tiring, and combine a lack of sleep, constant activity, stress and a sunburn, and you're likely to get the "camp flu". You feel achey, lethargic, and can't seem to rally. Ask for the day to recover. Get some rest, stay inside, drink lots of water. If it persists with the same level of discomfort for several days, I would think about seeing a doctor.

Go to the Nurse
Camp nurses are the best. They are skilled at figuring out what's wrong, telling you what you need, and sometimes even giving you a place to rest. At the very least, they are a source of Advil, ice, or just someone to gripe to for a few minutes.

Sleep When You Can
If you've decided this is something you can fight through, sleep as much as possible. Go to bed when your kids do, nap during rest periods, see if you can get a little free time. Sleep is incredibly restorative and may just do the trick.

Drink a Ton of Water
Dehydration is one of the most common and worst ailments at camp. Combine it with being sick, and you've pretty much guaranteed you'll be out for a while. Keep water by your bed, always carry your bottle, take a sip whenever you pass a drinking fountain or hose. Not only will this keep you hydrated, but water is involved in many systems in our bodies that can help get you feeling better, like regulating body temperature.

Keep the Stress Low
Ask for help. If you have a camper who is a particular handful, a duty that is difficult and getting you worked up, or even just need a break for an hour, ask for help. If you aren't stressed, your body will have a much easier time restoring its health.

Eat Healthy!
This is a preemptive step, as well as a possible solution. Have lots of fruits and veggies, eat good protein sources, and avoid eating a ton of junk food. All the vitamins in healthy food can really get you feeling better.

GET WELL SOON!
You are amazing!
Sam