Using toys in the camp health hut.

Creativity is an important ingredient in determining the degree of a camper's illness. Often, because of cramped space and limited medical equipment, camp nurses must be selective when deciding which tools to use to examine campers. As supplements to the standard tools, toys and games are helpful in determining how ill a young person really is.

Assess the degree of illness

More involvement with toys usually indicates a less acute illness. When a camper complains of a stomach ache, attempt to engage the child in an activity. Playing quietly with a toy while resting may distract him from the pain. Observe the camper while he rests and see if he improves or continues to complain of pain.

Perhaps the camper has vague complaints. She may just feel "blah." If so, the child may be more tired than ill. She may play with the toy for a while, become bored, then nap, feeling better upon waking.

On the other hand, if the camper ignores or only plays briefly with the toy, the condition may be more troubling. Further observation is necessary. Be aware that when a camper becomes ill he may regress to behavior expected of a younger camper; because of this tendency, the camper may have difficulty communicating. Toys may help him communicate his feelings.

Assess mobility

You can also use toys to assess mobility. If the camper says he hurt his ankle but then spontaneously walks, without a sign of injury, across the room to get a toy, his injury may be less severe.

Distract campers from pain

If you determine that a camper is in need of more medical intervention, toys can help distract the child from pain and help make the camper less fearful.

One young girl who had multiple previous fractures fell and was injured at camp. When she returned to camp from the hospital with her ankle in a cast, she commented that a kaleidoscope had helped distract her from the pain and calm her.

Keep campers occupied

Some campers may need to be kept occupied while at the medical station. For example, a camper who is stung by a bee needs to be observed for a minimum of 30 minutes to see if he develops allergic symptoms. A camper with a sprained ankle may need to soak her foot to reduce swelling. Other campers may need time out from the rigorous routine of camp to avoid getting overly tired. Playing with toys helps the time pass more quickly for these campers.

At camp there is always the possibility of homesickness. Toys help buy time while you decide if the camper is physically ill or homesick. If the problem is homesickness, the camper will probably decline the toys, instead concentrating on calling his parents to retrieve him.

Traditional methods of assessing campers will always be necessary. However, when used appropriately, toys can be useful as additional tools in the camp health hut.

RELATED ARTICLE: Assessment toys for all ages:

Rubber stamps, colored pencils, and art supplies are examples of ageless assessment tools. They measure distractibility, encourage expression of feelings, and test hand mobility. Homesick campers can draw pictures for family members at home; other campers can use these supplies to express thanks to camp staff.

Kaleidoscopes are useful for checking campers' dexterity and distracting them from discomfort.

Crossword puzzles of varying difficulty require concentration and can be used to distract campers from pain.

Campers can use a radio to relax. Comedy recordings are also useful for distraction.

Toys for younger campers:

Younger campers can use dolls to show where they are hurt. You can use Russian stacking dolls, a viewmaster, or an "etch a sketch" to check dexterity.

Checkers are good for assessing concentration and are helpful for passing time when a young person needs to be at the nurse's station.

Eva Jo Bess, RN, received her bachelor's in nursing from Linfield College, Good Samaritan School of Nursing in 1985. She has spent most of her nursing career working with children and teenagers. She served as camp nurse for Multnomah Education Service District Outdoor School program in their Troutdale and Eagle Fern camps. She was also camp nurse for the Washington County Education Service District Outdoor School program, as well as for Camp Easter Seals.