Who's to blame for sun burn at camp?

Summer is here and hundreds of thousands of children will be heading off to summer camp -- and returning home with sun burns. But who is to burn for your child's burn?

Sun block manufacturer's recommend applying sun block every two hours, but for many children, this is impossible. Children are not able to apply sun block to their back before swimming, and without a parent around to be sure they are covered in sun block, many children are not receiving full protection. Camp coucelor's receive calls from angry parents about their child getting a sun burn while at camp. Many camp councelor's use the 'no touch' philosophy. So who is applying sun block correctly, and how can we protect our children from the sun when they are not in our care.

Sun Blocking Shirts/Rash Guards

Many parents have turned to packing UV blocking shirts. These light-weight fast-drying shirts are specifically designed for swimming and are 98% UV blocking. Parent's can pack them in their child's backpack and kids can take them out for swim time. This can reduce the chance of burn and make it easier to shield from the sun. Make sure that the shirts you purchase are at least UPF30+. There are even 98% UV blocking swim shirts like Solaroo's from SunFriendlyProducts.com.

UV Blocking Swimsuits

The more coverage, the greater sun protection. Don't send your child to camp in a bikini. UV blocking swimsuits typically cover a child from elbow to knees, offering greater protection.

Sun Block

Be sure to cover your child in sun block in the morning. Any steps toward sun protection are going to greatly reduce your child's risk of burn. Hat Try and remember to pack a hat for your child. There are lightweight hats that offer 98% sun protection. Before sending campers off for a day in the sun, make sure you have them dressed for summer sun and fun!



Jen Clement lives in Wake Forest, North Carolina and is a mother of three children and cofounder of www.SunFriendlyProducts.com and can be reached via email at jclement@sunfriendlyproducts.com. Sun Friendly Products focuses on providing products that offer easy and effective sun protection for our families. For more information, please visit www.SunFriendlyProducts.com or call 866-SAFE-SUN.