Caring for Child Health in Out-of-School Time & Camp Settings

Every year millions of children attend out-of-school time (OST) programs and camps. Attending OST programs and camps significantly benefits children’s health, development, and well-being. 

• Physical Health & Activity – Many OST programs and camps promote physical activity, helping to combat childhood obesity and encourage healthy lifestyle habits.
• Mental Health & Social Development – These settings provide opportunities for socialization, emotional regulation, and resilience-building, which are crucial for mental well-being.
• Nutrition & Health Education – Many programs provide meals and snacks, making them key players in addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy eating habits.
• Screen Time & Academic Support – Programs can result in reduction of excessive screen time while providing academic enrichment, homework help, and STEM learning opportunities.

When children participate in OST programs and camps, there are a variety of factors to consider, including:

• Safety & Supervision – Pediatricians and families should always consider the quality and safety of programs so that children are in environments that protect them from harm, injury, or neglect.
• Inclusion & Accessibility – Accommodations for children with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or special health care needs should be considered to ensure they have access to supportive and inclusive programs.

Helpful Resources

CDC - Supporting Students with Chronic Health Conditions in School-Based Out-of-School Time Programs
This issue brief presents policy and programmatic considerations for students with chronic health conditions who attend public school-based before- and after-school programs (OST programs).

National Association of School Nurses & the Alliance for a Healthier Generation- 
Healthy Out-of-School Time Roadmap
The roadmap can be utilized to ensure OST programs adopt evidence-based practices to help students with chronic conditions safely participate in OST programs.

Education Development Center (EDC) - Out-of-School Time
EDC designs, supports, and evaluates out-of-school time (OST) programs to enrich students academically, emotionally, and physically through after-school and summer school activities.

Resources for Parents & Families

AAP HealthyChildren.org - Choosing a Summer Camp and Preparing Your Child: AAP Safety Tips
This article from HealthyChildren.org shares a list of considerations for guardians/caregivers to help make their children’s summer camp memories safe, healthy, and fun.

AAP HealthyChildren.org - How Can I Help Ensure My Child will be Safe in and Around the Water at Summer Camp?
Swimming and other water activities are a fun part of many summer camps. In this article, Dr. Phyllis Agran answers questions related to keeping children safe around water at summer camp.

This resource was supported through funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 6 NU38PW000050-01-01. The contents of this resource do not necessarily represent the policies of AAP, CDC or HHS and should not be considered an endorsement by the Federal Government.