Food allergy prevalence and management at an overnight summer camp

Abstract

Background: In recent years, increased awareness of food allergy management has focused on the school setting. A lack of awareness and relevant literature prompted evaluation of the camp experience.

Objective: To characterize the prevalence of food allergies among children attending an overnight summer camp and to evaluate the knowledge and comfort of camp personnel before and after a training session.

Methods: The database for the 2014 season at Flying Horse Farms was reviewed for information pertaining to food allergies and provision of epinephrine and treatment plans. Camp personnel completed surveys regarding food allergy knowledge and comfort. Surveys were redistributed 30 days after the training session.

Results: Among 445 campers, 15% reported at least one food allergy, with 8.5% reporting allergy to 1 of the top 8 food allergens. Only 32% of campers with food allergy supplied an epinephrine autoinjector, and 0% provided written treatment plans. Before training, 84% of personnel desired additional information about food allergies. Knowledge of food allergies among personnel was high at baseline but increased after training in regard to epinephrine use for anaphylaxis and postepinephrine management. Staffers who reported feeling very comfortable caring for campers with food allergy increased from 16% to 46% after the training session; comfort in treating a food allergy emergency increased from 2% to 29%.

Conclusion: Management of food allergies at overnight summer camps warrants similar education and preparation strategies as those implemented in schools. Camp personnel should receive annual training regarding food allergies and anaphylaxis.