As a mom of three boys, I know summer often means camp drop-offs, backpacks and duffel bags, sunscreen, and bug spray. If your child is wearing braces, you’ll also want to consider a little extra preparation.
Why Distance Changes the Plan
A day camp ten minutes away in Aurora is one thing. But camps like Camp Granite Lake, Id-Ra-Ha-Je, or Cheley Park Camp are real distances from home, and many run multi-week sessions. If something with your child's braces feels off, you can't swing by after work. That changes what "being prepared" actually means. Here's what I pack, and what I tell other parents to consider.
Your Child's Orthodontic Kit
- Orthodontic wax for broken wires or brackets
- A small mirror for checking brackets after meals
- A travel toothbrush and floss threaders
- A card with our office number and a few basic notes for camp staff
What Camp Staff Can (and Can't) Help With
Most overnight camps have a nurse or health staff on-site, but orthodontic issues aren't usually their specialty. A loose bracket or a wire poking the cheek isn't an emergency, as wax can hold things over until pickup day.
However, if a wire causes a cut that doesn't stop bothering your child, or a bracket comes off completely, it’s worth a call to the camp's health staff and our office so we can figure out the next steps together.
Before Camp Drop-Off
A few minutes of preparation go a long way:
- Let the camp know your child has braces
- Pack the kit somewhere easy to find, not buried in a duffel bag
- Tell your child to talk to a counselor if something feels off
As a parent, I know how hectic it can be getting your kids out the door for a week at camp. That’s why a little preparation means less worry for both of you. and more time for your child to focus on having fun at camp.
If your child has braces and is heading off to summer camp, I'll be happy to answer questions or address your concerns. Just give our Aurora, CO, dental office a call at (720) 653-3223.