As summer camps welcome thousands of children every year, an important regulatory change often slips under the radar: some medications, even widely used ones, are no longer allowed without strict medical conditions. This new reality leaves camp counselors struggling to reassure parents, many of whom feel powerless in the face of increasingly restrictive health rules.
To get clarity, I spoke with holiday camp directors, accredited youth associations, and even school doctors. Only then did the real issue become clear: why are certain over-the-counter medicines — the kind families always keep at home — suddenly prohibited at camp, even in situations that seem like emergencies?
Common drugs now under strict control
Yes, some medications once considered harmless essentials for minor ailments at summer camp are now completely off-limits without a doctor’s prescription. To better understand the impact, I spoke with Pauline Ferret, a camp director in the Massif Central with 18 years of experience:
“Before, we always kept Doliprane, Biafine, or a simple mosquito repellent cream in our first aid kit. Today, we’re no longer allowed to give children anything—not even a throat lozenge—unless it comes with a prescription in the child’s name. It’s frustrating to watch them suffer when your hands are tied by the rules.”
In truth, the regulations don’t just target four isolated products. Instead, they restrict a wide range of medicines traditionally used in family self-medication. The following are now prohibited in camps unless backed by a preventive medical prescription:
- Paracetamol (Doliprane, Efferalgan): Requires a doctor’s prescription, even for treating a simple fever.
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Nurofen): Anti-inflammatory drugs banned in group settings without medical authorization.
- Throat lozenges with antiseptics or anesthetics: Even pharmacy over-the-counter options fall under the restriction.
- Soothing creams (anti-sting or arnica-based, such as Apaisyl or Homéoplasmine): Classified as medicines by law, and no longer freely available to campers.
Uniform application of the law
For many years, Decree No. 2003-651 on the supervision of minors in collective care has enforced a strict framework for administering medical treatments. Under this regulation, even over-the-counter medications must be prescribed specifically in the child’s name. The rule applies across all holiday camps and activity centers officially approved by the Departmental Directorate for Social Cohesion and Population Protection (DDCSPP), leaving no room for exceptions.
| Medicine | Status in colony | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Doliprane / Paracetamol | Prohibited without prescription | Mandatory nominative prescription |
| Apaisyl / Biafine | Prohibited without prescription | Prescribed for specific use |
| Throat lozenges (Strepsils, etc.) | Prohibited without prescription | Medical certificate required |
| Ibuprofen | Prohibited without prescription | Strict medical supervision |
Self-medication prohibited: children have no right of initiative
Children are no longer allowed to bring paracetamol or other common medicines tucked away in their luggage—even discreetly inside a toiletry bag. Upon arrival at camp, all medications must be handed over to the health assistant, accompanied by a valid prescription and detailed instructions from the family doctor. Any treatments that don’t meet these requirements are immediately confiscated.
This stricter protocol was introduced to reduce health risks linked to incorrect dosages, dangerous drug interactions, or severe allergic reactions. According to the doctors I consulted, even widely used over-the-counter medicines can trigger unpredictable side effects, which is why the law now treats them with the same caution as prescription drugs.
Towards enhanced medical support?
Parents’ associations are pushing for stronger coordination between families, healthcare professionals, and vacation organizers. Their proposal is simple: allow doctors to provide anticipatory prescriptions tailored to each child’s medical history, ensuring that common ailments can be treated safely at camp. Yet for many organizations, this system represents a major logistical challenge—sometimes seen as too heavy and complex to manage.
For veteran camp director Pauline Ferret, however, prevention must come first:
“We understand parents’ frustrations, but we’re not healthcare providers. We are bound by very strict regulations, and if something goes wrong, even the smallest deviation can be blamed on us. We’d rather call for medical help one time too many than risk a tragedy.”
Using the specialized camp pharmacy, McCarthy’s Pharmacy
Summer camps in New York State are regulated by the Department of Health, which requires us to follow a strict protocol when administering any type of medication or supplement to campers. These regulations cover both prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines your child may take regularly (such as Zyrtec or Claritin), as well as vitamins and supplements like melatonin.
For safety reasons, campers are never allowed to keep medications, vitamins, or supplements in their bunk or on their person—except for medically necessary items like epi-pens or inhalers.
To comply with state law and ensure camper safety, the following are required for any medication or supplement taken on a regular basis:
- A prescription or signed orders from a physician or licensed prescriber.
- The medication or supplement in new, unopened, original sealed packaging.
To maintain compliance with New York State Department of Health regulations, all camper prescriptions must be filled by our specialized partner, McCarthy’s Pharmacy. McCarthy’s provides medications, vitamins, and supplements in clearly labeled blister packs that include the camper’s name, date of birth, dosage, and prescription details. This system minimizes human error and ensures the safe care of the more than 400 children we welcome each year.
You will find the McCarthy’s Pharmacy Medication Request Form in your CampInTouch portal, which must be submitted by May 5th. McCarthy’s will bill insurance directly, but families are responsible for any late fees.
FAQ’s
Why are some medications no longer allowed at summer camps?
New regulations prioritize camper safety by requiring all medications—including over-the-counter ones—to be prescribed by a doctor. This prevents errors in dosage, drug interactions, or allergic reactions.
Which medications are restricted at camps?
The most common restricted medications include paracetamol (Doliprane, Efferalgan), ibuprofen (Advil, Nurofen), throat lozenges with antiseptics or anesthetics, and soothing creams such as Apaisyl or Homéoplasmine.
Can my child bring over-the-counter medicines from home?
No. Children cannot keep medications in their luggage or bunk. All treatments, even over-the-counter options, must be turned in with a prescription and clear instructions from your family doctor.
What happens if my child needs pain relief or fever treatment?
If your child develops a fever or pain, the camp staff will contact you and a healthcare professional. Only medications prescribed in advance under your child’s name can be administered.
Can vitamins or supplements be given at summer camp?
Yes, but they are treated the same as medications. They must be accompanied by a doctor’s note and come in original, sealed packaging.
Why can’t camp staff give something simple like a throat lozenge?
Even seemingly harmless products can trigger allergic reactions or interact with other medications. That’s why camps follow strict legal rules requiring a prescription for each camper.
Are exceptions made for emergencies?
The only exceptions are for epi-pens and inhalers, which campers may carry if medically necessary. All other medications require prior authorization and storage with the health staff.
Conclusion
The tightening of health regulations at summer camps may feel frustrating for parents and counselors alike, especially when even familiar medications like paracetamol or throat lozenges are no longer permitted without a prescription. However, these rules exist for one reason: to protect children’s health and safety in group settings. By requiring clear medical instructions and doctor-approved prescriptions, camps can minimize the risks of dosage errors, allergic reactions, and dangerous drug interactions.
