Head Lice at Camp: Prevention & Guidance
Summer camps are busy, active environments where kids share sleeping spaces, take lots of selfies, and sit close together by the campfire, making it easy for lice to spread. Thankfully, those camps can take proactive steps to prevent outbreaks, educate staff, and make sure families feel confident that their kids are safe.
Why Camps Need a Head Lice Plan
Camps differ from schools because sending children home isn’t always practical. A strong camp head lice policy helps staff manage cases efficiently while minimizing stress for kids and families.
Key components of a camp lice policy include:
Pre-screening or requiring a professional lice check before arrival
On-site screening for all campers at the start of the session
Clear steps for what happens if lice are discovered
Communication plans for informing parents
Optional outgoing checks at the end of sessions to ensure campers leave lice-free
Professional Lice Services for Camps
Partnering with professional lice removal specialists allows camps to:
- Conduct thorough group head checks efficiently and discreetly
- Ensure same-day treatment if lice are detected
- Provide reassurance to parents with professional notes confirming campers are lice-free
- Minimize stress for staff and families while keeping campers in camp activities
Head Lice Tips for Camps
- Encourage campers to keep hair tied up during group activities
- Educate staff about the signs of lice and how to respond appropriately
- Remind campers that 99% of lice spread through head-to-head contact, so don't touch heads!
- Maintain a clear communication plan with parents if lice are found