How can you go on holiday when you wet the bed?

How to choose a summer camp or a school trip?

You and your child have decided to consider sending them to summer camp this year.

Bedwetting can complicate the choice of summer camp. Keep in mind that your child isn't alone in this; approximately 6 to 15% of children between the ages of 5 and 10 wet the bed at night. In fact, bedwetting is so common that most summer camp websites have a dedicated section detailing their plan for campers who don't stay dry at night. Part of counselor training prepares them to be compassionate, sensitive, and discreet when dealing with bedwetting. Developing a plan in advance is essential to helping your child feel in control of the situation.

If the camp staff and counselors are aware of the problem, they can work privately with your child. So, if you notify the camp in advance of your concerns about your child's bedwetting, you will allow the staff to develop a plan of action that includes finding a bed for your child near the toilets. The children and staff can agree on private signals to alert the counselors that an accident has occurred. The bed can then be changed discreetly when the children are not in a cabin. If you speak with the camp director before committing to sending your child, you will get a good idea of their experience with bedwetting and how they apply their expertise. Most camps are so familiar with bedwetting that they routinely equip each dormitory with an extra sleeping bag and pillow.

Other questions to consider include:

When you send your child to camp, the qualifications and background of the camp director and the age of the counselors are taken into account.

• Have they received training to deal with sensitive issues such as bedwetting and bullying?
• What percentage of campers from previous years return? (If the percentage is high, you can be sure that the children are truly happy campers.)
• Do all employees and supervisory staff have first aid training?
• What are the camp's policies regarding healthcare and first aid?
• Is there a nurse at the camp at all times? (very useful for leaving diapers and absorbent pads)
• How many campers are there per counselor?
• How are the children accommodated and how many per room? (Perhaps an opportunity to organize a room only for children with enuresis).

This report is key to determining whether your child will truly have private time with their counselors if an accident occurs. Above all, ask for references. Camp directors should be happy to provide them. Before camp begins, gather as much information as possible about it. Give your child a map of the camp. This way, they'll have a mental map of the camp when the urge to urinate arises. A prepared camper is a confident camper, and learning your lessons will really help your child feel in control and thus relax... to enjoy those long summer nights.

Have the protective equipment delivered directly to their holiday destination. Upon request, we can arrange discreet delivery (to a specific person or department). We will discuss this in more detail in a future newsletter.