Summer Camp, Safety and Your Child

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Dr. Jennifer Ashton On Frequency and Severity of Camp Injuries

(CBS) Summer camp is in full swing, and more than 11 million kids and adults are enjoying a dose of summer fun. For all the swimming, running and high-intensity activities, most kids actually manage to have a safe and healthy experience.

But as CBS News medical correspondent found out during her week at Camp Dudley YMCA in the New York's Adirondack Mountains, the infirmary can often be a busy place.

On "The Early Show" Friday, Ashton said practically all the 300 male campers found a way to pay a visit to the infirmary during her visit.

Sheila Kapper, head nurse at the camp, said lots of things happen.

"You name it, we pretty much have seen it," Kapper told Ashton. "And (we) are pretty much prepared for everything."

But are your kids protected at their camp?

Ashton told "Early Show" co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez you should check with your camp director, camp nurse or physician, about the protocol for medical care before your child attends camp this summer.

"But big camps, they see it all," she said. "...and they're ready to handle anything."

In her time at the camp, Ashton and her husband, Dr. Robert Ashton experienced the busy time for the medical staff, from minor sunburns, sprains, rashes and thorns to one significant hip injury.

Ashton said most camp injuries are minor and pretty straightforward. But, she said, sometimes a stomach ache is code for something else: homesickness.

Kapper, who is called the "camp mom" by camp officials, said she can usually tell the difference between the two in 30 seconds.

Kapper said she provides 50 percent medical care and 50 percent mothering to the kids at camp.

Ashton added on "The Early Show", "Camp Dudley's medical staff is on duty 24/7, ready for whatever health or emotional issues come their way."