By Paulette Cohen and Frieda Schweky
Years ago, I (Paulette Cohen) received news that would permanently shift the course of my family’s life – my daughter was diagnosed with serious food allergies to nuts and sesame, along with environmental and animal allergies. At the time, the medical world offered very little support. We got a diagnosis, a prescription, and were sent on our way. No roadmap, no reassurance. I remember feeling completely overwhelmed. It was lonely, scary, and disorienting.
But like many parents in crisis, I turned that fear into action. First, I made it my mission to protect my daughter. Then I realized – if I was going through this, other parents must be, too. And maybe, just maybe, I could make their path a little smoother.
Since then, I’ve spent years educating myself, creating allergy-safe routines at home, and learning how to navigate a world that often doesn’t fully understand or accommodate food allergies. I started sharing my journey through a blog, which resonated with fellow allergy moms in ways I never expected. It helped them feel seen, supported, and not so alone. That sense of community is what keeps me going.
Today, I continue this work through my Instagram platform and by working directly with families to develop allergy-safe household systems. From meal planning and emotional support strategies to communication tips and action plans, I help families feel more confident and in control.
With summer approaching, we thought it would be the perfect time to share some practical advice on keeping kids with allergies (and asthma) safe during camp, parties, and social gatherings. Whether you’re an allergy parent or not, we hope this article helps you be more aware, more prepared, and more supportive of those navigating this challenge daily.
Camp Safety Prep
Summer camp is supposed to be a magical time – filled with friendships, adventure, and memories. But for allergy and asthma families, it can also be a major source of stress. The good news? With some advance planning, communication, and confidence-building, your child can have a safe and fun experience.
Before Camp: Preparation Checklist
Notify the Camp Early: Don’t wait until drop-off day. Contact the camp weeks ahead of time to discuss your child’s allergies or asthma and any needed accommodations.
Submit a Medical History: Include previous reactions, hospitalizations, known triggers, and medications. The more detailed, the better.
Provide an Action Plan: Give the camp a written allergy and/or asthma action plan from your doctor. This should explain symptoms, triggers, and how to respond in an emergency.
Stock Up on Meds: Send at least two complete sets of medications (EpiPens, inhalers, antihistamines) – one for the camp nurse and one for your child or their counselor. Double-check expiration dates!
Label Everything: Food containers, medications, clothing, backpacks – use waterproof name labels so nothing gets misplaced.
Emergency Instructions: Include medication usage, dosage, storage instructions, and step-by-step emergency protocols.
Communication with the Camp: Speak with the camp director or nurse about their emergency procedures, proximity to medical care, and who is trained in CPR or EpiPen use.
Be prepared to ask the right questions such as: Are staff trained in anaphylaxis and asthma management? Do they monitor air quality? Can your child get pre-exercise asthma treatment?
Food Allergy Safety at Camp
Food is often the trickiest part of summer activities. Here’s how to set your child up for success:
Speak with the Kitchen Staff: Understand their food prep protocols, ingredient sourcing, and cross-contamination measures. Ask about baking activities – many allergens hide in baking ingredients!
Provide Safe Meals (If Allowed): Send allergen-free meals or snacks as a backup, even if the camp says they can accommodate your child’s needs.
Teach Food-Sharing Boundaries: Make sure your child understands never to share food or drinks, no matter how “safe” something seems.
Collaborate on Meal Planning: If the camp chef is open to it, plan substitution options in advance.
Confirm Staff Is Trained: Make sure someone on-site is trained to use an EpiPen and respond to allergic reactions.
Managing Asthma at Camp
Check Equipment: Make sure inhalers, spacers, and nebulizers are clean and in good working order.
Discuss Triggers: Let staff know your child’s specific asthma triggers -whether it’s exercise, pollen, cold air, or stress.
Monitor Outdoor Activity: Ask if the camp tracks air quality and adjusts activities accordingly.
Action Plan Awareness: Confirm staff can recognize early asthma symptoms like tight chest, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
Empowering Your Child
Getting ready for camp is not just about medical preparedness – it’s about emotional readiness, too.
Practice Scenarios: Role-play how your child should respond if they feel symptoms or are offered unsafe food.
Identify Allies: Help your child know who to turn to – counselors, nurses, friends – if something feels wrong.
Medical ID Jewelry: Consider a medical ID bracelet or necklace to alert staff in emergencies.
Teach Self-Advocacy: Let your child know it’s okay to speak up. It’s okay to say no. Their safety always comes first.
Party Time: How to Navigate Summer Celebrations
Now let’s talk about another summer favorite: parties. BBQs, birthdays, bar and bat mitzvahs – so much fun, but also loaded with food risks.
Younger Kids and Birthday Parties
As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to see your little one feel left out at a party. One of my favorite tricks? Pre-bake or buy allergy-safe cupcakes in advance and freeze them. When a birthday invite comes along, pop one out and bring it with you. That way your child can still have their special treat when the cake is served.
Go through party favors together and teach your child how to read ingredients. Even if they’re young, use these as teachable moments. Make it a rule: never eat anything from a goodie bag until we go through it together.
Older Kids and Social Events
As children get older, it gets harder. They become more aware of what they’re missing – and it’s tough to see friends enjoying things they can’t have. Summer bar and bat mitzvahs are a perfect example. It may not be realistic for your teen to bring a full meal or dessert, so I recommend feeding them ahead of time to avoid hunger and temptation.
Before the event, shift the conversation away from food. Talk about what they can enjoy. Help them focus on fun, not food. Remind them that their worth isn’t measured by what they eat, and that avoiding unsafe foods isn’t missing out – it’s making an empowered choice.
Most importantly, normalize saying “no” to things that don’t feel safe. Even if it’s awkward. Even if everyone else is doing it. Their safety is always the priority, and they should never feel bad for choosing to protect themselves.
Sun & Skin Allergy Protection
Summer sun and sensitive skin can be a tricky combination for allergy and eczema families. Start by selecting a truly hypoallergenic, mineral-based sunscreen (look for zinc or titanium oxide, fragrance-free, and labeled “for sensitive skin”). Test any new lotion on a small patch of your child’s skin 24 hours before a full application—especially if they have a history of contact dermatitis. Encourage lightweight sun-protective clothing: long-sleeve UV shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and swim leggings can dramatically reduce both sunburn risk and exposure to potential irritants in topical products. After a day in the sun or pool, soothe skin with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or an oat-infused calming balm. If your child develops redness or itchiness, apply a cool compress and let their skin air-dry before re-moisturizing.
InsectSting & Bite Precautions
Even kids without a known sting allergy can experience painful or swelling reactions – and for allergic children, stings can be life-threatening. Choose an insect repellent that’s both effective and gentle – DEET-free formulas or those based on oil of lemon eucalyptus are often less irritating than heavily scented sprays. Apply sparingly, avoiding the hands and faces of little ones. Pack a “sting kit” that includes an antihistamine, a cold-pack, soothing calamine lotion, and, if prescribed, an EpiPen. Teach older children to recognize early signs of a serious reaction – hives, swelling beyond the sting site, difficulty breathing – and to immediately alert an adult. Dressing kids in light-colored, snug-fitting clothes can also deter bees and wasps.
Emotional Wellbeing and Peer Support
Allergy and asthma management isn’t just physical – it’s emotional, too. Help your child build confidence by creating a small circle of “allergy allies” at camp or home: friends and counselors who know how to help in an emergency. Celebrate every success – surviving a pool party without incident or trying a new allergen-safe recipe – and reinforce their resilience. Encourage them to join a local or online allergy support group where they can share experiences, swap tips, and realize they’re not alone. Above all, remind them that advocating for their health (saying “no,” asking questions, wearing a medical ID) is a powerful and positive choice.
Final Thoughts from The Nut Job Mom
Whether it’s summer camp, a backyard BBQ, or a bat mitzvah dance floor, the truth is: allergy safety is never off-duty. But it doesn’t have to steal the joy from summer. With the right prep, support, and mindset, your child can have a magical, safe, and confidence-boosting season.