Parents pack more to keep children safe at summer camp

NEW YORK -- For children heading off to summer camp, scribbling initials on a pair of underwear just doesn't cut it anymore.

Parents concerned about dangers from global warming to West Nile virus are stuffing their children's suitcases with everything they need and more to fight bugs and soaring temperatures.

Karen Kastenbaum is sending her 11-year-old twins to Camp Echo in Burlingham, N.Y., this summer for about seven weeks. Her children are taking insect repellent bracelets, Crocs shoes and three big tubes of spray sunscreen with them to apply twice a day.

"You probably send them with more than you would use than if they were at home, but you want your child to take every precaution," said Kastenbaum, who lives in Manhattan.

More parents have been voicing concern over issues facing campers, like sun exposure, said Peg Smith, chief executive for the American Camp Association. Against this backdrop, more companies are recognizing the trend and have been marketing their products directly to camps nationwide.

"Over the past five years, there has been a real marked increase in the kinds of questions and concerns raised by parents," Smith said. "People have always had the need for bug spray or sunscreen, but now companies market products that are interesting and fun, so that kids are more inclined to use them."

Depending on how long a child is away from home and the type of program, some parents are willing to spend up to $800 just to outfit children for summer camp, according to ACA. Products can vary -- from Bug Off! bracelets sold for about $4 to the Crocs shoes made by Crocs Inc., which start around $25 a pair.

Marla Coleman, a director at Camp Echo in New York's Catskill Mountains, has seen parents stocking up on sunscreen and purchasing other items relatively new to the market, like SPF clothing, to protect their children amid heightened concern over too much sun exposure.

Sunscreen, which used to be slathered on the old-fashioned way, now comes in many forms -- sticks, sprays, wipes and squirt bottles.

"It's easy to apply and is kid-friendly," Coleman said.

Meanwhile, growing concern over West Nile virus and other insect borne illnesses has some parents looking for creative ways to make sure children use plenty of insect repellent. Many parents are purchasing insect-repellent clothing and bracelets so that their children don't have to douse themselves in bug spray. Some companies are even creating organic insect repellent, as more consumers decide to join the green trend.

Some parents, though, say bugs are just part of the experience.

"In general, I think you can always count on bugs, rain and hot weather," said Gail Gold, whose three daughters are attending camp this year. "But I think because kids love camp so much, they trade in their air conditioners and are willing to deal with the outdoors to have the time of their life. It wouldn't be camp if you didn't get at least one mosquito bite."

Gold, a division leader at Camp Echo, said in addition to sunscreen and insect repellent, she's seen kids bringing all sorts of fun gadgets to beat the heat, including battery-operated water spray fans.

Many young campers also swear by Crocs -- unusual-looking shoes that come in all colors and are made of a closed-cell resin material with holes punched across the top and around the toes.

Not only are the shoes comfortable and fun, but parents and camp directors say the shoes are great for campers going back and forth to the water because they aren't slippery.

Overall, Smith, of the American Camp Association, says parents can't go wrong if they follow a list of items to bring usually provided by the camp director. Following simple recommendations is an easy way for parents to reduce clutter and anxiety.

"My guess is that you can buy all the gadgets and sprays you want, but you're still going to be anxious if you don't talk to the camp director," Smith said.