Camp physicals

Also called pre-participation physicals, camp physical examinations are part of registering children for camps. Regulations vary by state. Before registering, check with the administrators about specific eligibility requirements.

A camp physical helps ensure that your child is healthy and physically prepared to participate in all the activities offered, like canoeing, hiking and swimming. A physical exam helps reduce the risk of potential injury or other medical issues to kids while away from home.

1. You may have to answer a few questions to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

   If you made your appointment online:
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and ZIP code to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

A camp may require participants to have a physical exam and review of their medical history before attendance. These ensure children are safe to participate in the camp.

In addition to meeting the camp registration requirements, there are additional benefits to having a camp physical before participation:

• A physical exam helps address potential health concerns. 
• Pre-existing and current conditions can identify potential issues. For example, a recently sprained ankle may limit a child from participating in certain activities.
• A medical history reviews prior illnesses and any medical conditions that run in the family. Identifying and discussing these allows a provider to make recommendations before camp. For example, a history of asthma may require a child to carry an inhaler (even if they haven’t had symptoms for a long time) and alerts camp staff to be aware in case the child has an asthma attack.

Parents and guardians should complete their sections of all the camp forms before the visit. They should also collect the following medical information to bring to the physical:

• Their primary care provider's name and contact information.
• Immunization records (any immunizations administered at a MinuteClinic® location can be accessed by the MinuteClinic provider).
• Relevant health and medical history, including any allergies, current medications and existing medical conditions.

Exam requirements vary by camp but can include any of the following:

• A general physical exam to check their abdomen, ears, heart, lungs, nose and throat.
• A vision exam.
• A review of their medical history and their family’s medical history.
• Information about dietary supplements, medications and prescriptions.
• Height and weight measurement.
• Blood pressure measurement.
• Oxygen saturation measurement.
• Pulse measurement.
• Respiration measurement.
• A joint test for flexibility and strength.

A camp physical exam is not intended to replace a comprehensive annual wellness exam or any other screening.

A MinuteClinic provider will review the child's medical history, conduct an exam and recommend additional tests if necessary. They will complete the camp forms provided by the parent or guardian.