Summer is just around the corner, and for many kids that means it's time to get ready for summer camp! Your niece or nephew's parents are probably busy with the big picture: which camp to chose, what they can pay, how long, etc.

But if they have a child with a chronic illness or severe allergies, they have several other big issues to deal with as well! How could you help them get ready for camp?

Do Some Detective Work

Your niece or nephew may already be plugged into great networks that lead them to summer camps that are especially friendly to severely allergic or chronically ill kids. If not, Allergic Living Magazine lists several recommended camps. Chronically ill kids may not necessarily want to attend a camp created just for kids like them, but it is helpful if their camp can accommodate their special needs without making them feel too "special."

Play 20 Questions

By this point your sibling has been asking the same questions over and over again--questions about any special accommodations made for children with a chronic illness or allergies. Are peanuts allowed at the camp? Are they used in the cafeteria? If so, is there a separate table for kids with peanut allergies? Where is the nearest hospital? What kind of medical staff will be available, and what is their contact information?

You could do your sibling a favor by offering to draft a list of these important questions so they can refer to them year after year, instead of having to remember all of them every time. Keep a copy in your own files in case they lose theirs. If it's not too intrusive and they think it's appropriate, you could also help your sibling track down answers to these questions!

Pack Some Grub

Are the kids allowed to bring their own snacks? If so, send your niece or nephew off with some of their favorite, allergen-free treats! You can pick up some great ones at Home Free Treats, as well as some non-edible treats from Sassy Shampoo.

KIS Your Niece of Nephew Before They Leave

Give your sibling some peace of mind by sending their child to camp with a WELLcharm or clothing labels linked to WELLalarm's Kids Identification Solution (KIS). Parents are alerted immediately via text or e-mail in case of any emergency! All of WELLalarm's products link to WELLalarm’s life-saving, patent pending medical alert technology. (full disclosure, this is my company)