Packing Medications
Having a healthy and safe week at camp starts at home! Woodlands wants to partner with you to ensure your camper has an unforgettable week at camp spiritually and physically!
Medications at Camp
How do I get my camper’s medications ready for camp?
Think through which medications are essential for your camper to have while at camp (emergency rescue medications, prescriptions, over-the-counter medications).
If it is NOT NEEDED, please leave it at home. Due to the volume of campers, high priority of safety, and lengthy lines at the clinic, we ask if it not essential and your camper can go 5-6 days without the medication, please leave it at home.
Fill out the health form online through the parent portal two weeks prior to your camper arriving at camp.
Our clinic stocks six basic over-the-counter (OTC) medications (Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Benadryl, Tums, Robitussin, and Zyrtec). We have liquid, chewable, and tablet forms if the medication is produced. These are given as needed ONLY if permission is given on your campers health form. Please leave these OTC medications at home.
State law requires us to have parental/guardian permission before administering any medication.
If you would like for your camper to be administered a scheduled dose of one of our six OTC medications, please state on their health form that you would to use our camp supply.
If you have a medication prescribed within the two weeks prior to camp, see if your pharmacist can blister pack it, use Cleveland Drug, or if all other options are exhausted, bring the original prescription bottle to camp.
Due to high volumes of medications and prioritizing safety, all scheduled tablet and chewable form medications MUST be blistered packed (prescription and OTC) by a licensed pharmacist. Start this process several weeks prior to camp.
See below in the “How to Blister Pack Medications” for several options.
Blister packs must have a prescription label and packaged by a licensed pharmacist.
Home blister packs are NOT allowed by camp policy and State law.
Do not pack your camper’s medications in their luggage. Bring all medications (prescription, OTC, and emergency rescue medications) to drop off to be checked in with the health team.
We will review all medications and administration times with you.
Campers can take their emergency rescue medications with them from here if needed.
You do not need to do anything to pick up your camper’s medications! We will return them back to the camper to take and pack in their luggage, so it will come home with them.
Which medications and packaging is allowed camp?
All prescription medications MUST be prescribed for the correct camper with correct dose, correct time, and a valid prescription. State and Federal law prevents us from sharing prescription medications between campers or giving different doses than prescribed.
Any liquids, drops, sprays, creams, powders, inhaled, or injected medications cannot be blister-packed and must be turned in to the health team in their original packaging at check-in.
Please write your camper’s first and last name on these items with a permanent marker.
Some OTC medications already come in a blister pack (see picture below for reference), and do not need to be repackaged in a new blister pack.
ADD/ADHD medications that come blistered packed, Accutane, and birth control does not need to be re-blistered packed from their original packaging.
We have a refrigerator for medications that require it.
Which medications and forms of packaging are not allowed at camp?
Essential oils and vitamins are not given at camp, unless prescribed by a physician with dosing instructions and packed according to the medication packing policy.
CBD oil, homeopathic tinctures, and herbal medications are not given at camp, unless prescribed by a physician.
We can NOT accept home blister packs, pill planners, calendars, or baggies per State law.
What about as needed medications?
If your camper has a medication that they take occasionally (“as needed”, or “PRN”), you can turn in the medication in its original packaging to the health team at check-in.
PRN medications do not need to be included in a blister pack since your camper does not take these every day at a scheduled time.
Please write your camper’s first and last name on these items with a permanent marker.
What about emergency rescue medications?
Please bring all emergency rescue medications to the health team check-in (epi-pens, benadryl for allergic reactions, rescue inhalers, Lactaid).
We keep track of all medications in our database.
You may choose whether you would like emergency rescue medications to be kept with your camper, with your camper’s counselor, or stored in the clinic based on camper comfort and severity of reaction or symptom exacerbation.
Please write your camper’s first and last name on these items with a permanent marker.
When is medication given at camp?
Medications are given at the beginning of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and before bedtime by a Registered Nurse.
If your camper needs their medication given at a time not listed, please email our Healthcare Manager at mmatthews@woodlandscamp.org to see if we can accommodate another administration time.
Medication lines at camp can be lengthy. While we do our best to get them through quickly and in a safe manner, if the medication is NOT needed for their week of camp, please keep it at home.
As needed medications can be administered throughout the day by our health team.
Emergency rescue medications stored in the clinic can be administered 24/7 by the health team. We have an extensive staff communication process if symptoms arise.
Where is my camper’s medication kept?
All medication is securely kept in the Woodlands main clinic per State law, Federal law, and camp policy.
An exception is made for emergency rescue medications per State law to be kept with campers or their counselor.
Please do NOT pack medications in camper luggage, including OTC medications like Tylenol or Advil. We will happily administer OTC medication, if parental permission is given, to campers in a timely fashion.
What if I have other health, safety, or medication questions?
If you have questions not answered here, please reach out to our Healthcare Manager at mmatthews@woodlandscamp.org.
It is important that you fill out the health form online through the parent portal before your camper arrives to camp so that we have your permission when your camper has a medication need. Laws and medical protocols require parent/guardian permission in order to give even the most basic over-the-counter medication. Thank you in advance for your compliance!
Medication Packaging Policy
The Woodlands Health Team administers THOUSANDS of medications each year. Woodlands requires that ALL scheduled or daily pill and chewable medications be packaged by a licensed pharmacist in blister packs prior to your arrival at camp. Regulations do not allow us to give medication that is in baggies, home med planners or containers not processed by a pharmacist or manufacturer. These cannot be accepted by our health team.
Blister Pack FAQs
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A blister pack is a card that packages your camper’s medication into small, clear plastic bubbles (or “blisters”). Each bubble is backed with foil that secures pills inside until it’s time to be dispensed by our health team at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and/or bedtime.
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Blister packs are the industry standard and help ensure compliance with state medication administration laws and medical protocols. Blister packs help streamline our medication administration process and most importantly, minimize potential medication errors. Additionally, your camper will spend less time waiting in line at the clinic, and our nurses will have more time to devote to your camper’s other healthcare needs.
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Any scheduled pill/chewable form medication (including gummies) your camper needs to take daily while at camp must be blister packed by a licensed pharmacist. This includes daily prescriptions, supplements, vitamins, and any homeopathic medication.
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Liquids, drops, creams, powders, inhaled, or injected medications cannot be blister packed and should be turned in to the health team in their original packaging.
“As-needed” medications of any form do not need to be blister packed but should be brought in their original packaging, clearly labeled with your camper’s first and last name, and not expired.
Some over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be purchased in a blister pack and do not need to be repackaged by a Pharmacist (see picture below for reference).
Please remember that Woodlands stocks the following in the clinic and do NOT need to be sent to camp for your camper’s use:
• Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Cough suppressant (Robitussin DM)
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Antacid (Tums)
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
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Simply put - No. Medications must be packaged by a licensed pharmacist. Pharmacists ensure that your camper’s medication is labeled correctly so that our health team can administer the right dose at the right time to the right camper!
*We cannot accept homemade pill planners, calendars, or baggies with medication in them as we are not allowed to dispense these under medical state guidelines/laws.
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Scroll down on this page to find in-depth instructions, tips, & tricks on how to get your camper’s medication blister packed for camp!
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>What if my child starts a new medication right before camp starts? Call your pharmacist as soon as you receive your prescription to see if they can accommodate the blister packs. If not, please bring the medication in its original bottle/packaging. If you run into issues, please email the camp nurse at julie@woodlandscamp.org for next steps.
>What about birth control or ADHD medication that is already in a pill pack? These medications can be turned in to the health team in their original packaging. Some medications come packaged in a blister pack already — you do not need to re-blister pack these medications.
>Can I bring my camper’s ADHD medication in a bottle? No. If your camper doesn’t break from their ADHD medication during the summer, please have your camper’s ADHD medication blister packed. You can bring your camper’s ADHD medication in its original bottle to a pharmacy of your choice, or to the drive-through at Cleveland Drug, and they will be happy to blister pack it for you.
>What if my child takes scheduled/daily over-the-counter medications, supplements, or homeopathic medications not provided by my pharmacy? If your camper needs these while they are at camp, please discuss options with your pharmacist/pediatrician as these must be included in the blister packs. Legally, we cannot administer medications that have not been prescribed by a doctor, are not FDA approved, and/or have not been packaged by a pharmacist.
Legally, we cannot administer CBD oil or any CBD derivative. If your camper can go without it for their time at camp, leave these medications at home.
>My pharmacist said he/she can give me an empty blister pack and I can make my own. Is that OK? No. In order to be in compliance with our health and safety protocols and Georgia laws, all administered medication must be packaged by a licensed pharmacist.
>Do “blister packs” have another name? Yes. Bubble Pack, Pill Card, Blister Card, or Medication Bingo Card. These different terms refer to the same thing.
>What if my camper takes a different dosage of medication than the prescription or dosage on the bottle/blister pack? At camp, our health team can only legally administer what is prescribed to your camper from the doctor’s prescription. Checking the correct dosage before administering any medication is a standard safety practice.
>How is medical care handled during Freestyle? Freestyle campers should leave medications at home. Woodlands’ staff does not distribute any medications to Freestyle campers. We encourage each Freestyle Synergy site to provide their own nurse or medical staff for the week to oversee any specific medical needs of the campers. Woodlands does not provide medical staff or medical care at Freestyle Synergy sites. In the event of an emergency, emergency services will be notified immediately.
If you have any further questions, please contact our camp nurse, Julie, by email or phone:
office: 706-865-0853
How to Blister Pack Medications:
Most local, privately owned pharmacies will be able to blister pack your camper’s medications. If you cannot find one that does, we have partnered with several pharmacies in our area that will be happy to serve you. Instructions for blister packing medications, as well as pharmacy options are listed below:
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1. Contact your camper’s doctor/pediatrician and ask that they call in one week’s supply of your campers’ prescribed pill/chewable medications to your local pharmacy. Many local independent pharmacies offer this service. If you cannot find a pharmacy that offers this service, please proceed to option 2.
2. If your camper uses OTC (over-the-counter) medications or supplements daily that your pharmacy does not have in stock, you will need to take these medications to the pharmacy for inclusion in the blister pack for your camper.
3. Please allow at least one week to have this completed as many pharmacies have a 2-3 day turnaround time for this service.
4. The health team will collect your camper’s medications from you at the health table at check-in.
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Woodlands Camp has partnered with Woody’s Pharmacy in Dahlonega, GA to provide this blister-packing service for your convenience. If you can’t get a blister pack at your local pharmacy, we’ve got you covered! Follow the steps below AT LEAST 2-3 WEEKS PRIOR TO YOUR CAMPER’S SESSION:
1. Call Woody’s Pharmacy (706-867-DRUG) and set up an account for your camper. They will get all pertinent information over the phone, as well as insurance and billing information.
2. Any scheduled/daily supplemental or OTC medication will be supplied at a low cost according to their inventory. Please specify these medications when you call to set up your account.
3. Call your camper’s doctor and ask that they call in one week’s supply of all prescribed pill/chewable medications to:
Woody’s Pharmacy
706-867-3784
406 East Main Street
Dahlonega, GA4. That’s all! Medications will be picked up by Woodlands’ staff prior to your camper’s arrival at camp. All other PRN, liquids, creams, etc. should be dropped off to the health team at check-in in their original packaging.
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If you have exhausted the first two options for blister packs, Cleveland Drug in Cleveland, GA can make a blister pack for your camper’s medication(s). Just swing by the drive-thru on your way to camp, and they will make a blister pack for your camper. Make sure to bring your camper’s medications in their original packaging to the pharmacy. If possible, please bring a medication sticker label from your camper’s pediatrician for Cleveland Drug to label the blister pack.
*Note: This is a last-minute option that should only be used if your camper gets a last minute spot at camp or if other options are exhausted. Cleveland Drug has been helpful to accommodate last minute camper registrations for us, but we want to be careful not to overwhelm their staff on the first day of the camp week. Also note that Cleveland Drug is typically closed on the Monday of Memorial Day each year, and July 4th if it lands on a Monday.
184 W Kytle St. Cleveland, GA 30528
clevelanddrugco@gmail.com
Phone: (706) 219-2626
Open Mondays 9am-7pm, Holiday hours may differ
Blister Pack Examples for Over-the-Counter Medications
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure a healthy and safe week for your camper and all campers at Woodlands!
For any health, safety, or medical questions, please contact our Healthcare Manager, Maddie, at mmatthews@woodlandscamp.org.