As an accredited member of the American Camp Association, Pemi undergoes rigorous assessment every three years and consistently meets—and in most cases exceeds—all ACA standards for every aspect of camp administration, including criminal and sex offender background checks on all employees. The camp is inspected and licensed by the state of New Hampshire for compliance with strict health and safety standards. The health, safety, and well-being of campers and staff is Camp Pemigewassett’s foremost priority.

Pemi’s Health Center and Local Medical Facilities

Our Health Center is staffed by trained medical personnel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including coverage by a physician and/or an RN, who look after the daily medical needs of our active camp community.

Our Health Center stocks over-the-counter medications that provide relief/comfort for the occasional need (such as Tums, Tylenol, Benadryl, and Nyquil) should your son need them.

The Health Center can be reached during the summer via email at [email protected] or via telephone.

For an injury or an illness that requires a visit to the local pediatrician, we use Upper Valley Pediatrics in Bradford, VT. Emergencies and severe illnesses are cared for at either Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth (20 minutes away) or at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover/Lebanon (40 minutes away). Parents/guardians are responsible for expenses not covered by their insurance, and agree to promptly pay the treating physician, clinic, or hospital directly.

Communication in the event of illness or injury

Parents will be notified by email if their camper has slept overnight in the Health Center. We will call you if he sustains an injury or comes down with an illness which requires a visit to the local pediatrician or hospital.

Other Information

General immunization policy: the NH Department of Health and Human Services (NHDHSS) requires ALL campers to be fully vaccinated and provide written proof of vaccination. Pemi expects all campers who are medically eligible to be up to date on vaccinations. Should your son(s) not be up to date on vaccinations, contact Director Kenny Moore (ken @ camppemi.com).

When you (or your doctor’s office) submit your child’s Physician Exam form, you MUST include your child’s most recent immunization record with the form (all pages together as 1 PDF file/fax).

Measles Vaccination

Your child should have TWO (2) doses of the measles vaccines, typically given as the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR). Alternatively, laboratory testing (titers) proving immunity will fulfill documentation. See the following links for more information on measles and the necessary vaccination:

Tetanus Vaccination

Your child’s tetanus should be up to date before camp starts. Children between the ages of 7 years and 11 years old should have at least 3 tetanus vaccinations, usually given as DTaP, with the last vaccination at age 4-5 years of age. At age 11 years, typically a child will receive a Tdap vaccination.

If your son takes prescription medication, over-the-counter medications, vitamins/supplements on a DAILY or REGULAR basis, OR emergency medications such as an inhaler or epipen at camp, we ask that you choose from one of the following flexible options to help ensure your child’s medication arrives on time to Pemi.

OPTION 1: Bring your child’s medication to camp on arrival day
(or send your child with their medication via plane/chartered bus to be checked-in upon arrival by designated Pemi Chaperones. )

OPTION 2: Send your child’s prescription to Pemi’s local CVS pharmacy at least 7 days prior to your child’s arrival to camp:
345 Highland St Plymouth, NH 03264
(p) 603 536-4079

Please review Pemi Medication Procedures to ensure you have all necessary forms and permissions completed in order for Pemi to administer medication to your child.

Campers who require emergency/rescue medication for asthma or food allergies should have their physician complete an action plan for our health care staff and counselors. Pemi has epi-pens available in multiple locations throughout camp and in our vans. Emergency medication and action plans will accompany campers when they leave camp for sports competitions, hikes, and camping trips.

Click here for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) blank Asthma and Anaphylaxis plan [PDF]

If weight loss or poor dietary habits is a concern for your child or your child takes a medication that may suppress his appetite during the day, please speak with a medical staff member about policies or procedures to monitor weight loss at camp. While our meals are bountiful, well balanced, and nutritious, children are typically much more active at camp and it is normal to lose a few pounds in the summer.

We will send an email regarding our training, policies, and procedures specific to ticks and head lice before camp begins. Please talk with your son before camp starts about: How to be “head lice smart”

Do not share personal items such as hairbrushes, combs, towels, and hats.
Speak up about any concerns while at Pemi, including if sensing a tingly or itchy scalp.
NOTE: We will ask that you do a thorough head check for lice on your son 1 week before camp starts and again the day before he arrives at camp.

How to be “tick smart”

Use caution in tick-likely areas by wearing long pants and tucking them into socks, and using bug repellant.
If a tick has attached to bare skin, go to an adult to have it removed properly. Never try to pull off or squeeze an attached tick with fingers.
Consider sending your camper with a bug repellant that contains DEET. Keep in mind that up to 30% DEET is recommended for children.
Campers should practice checking their privates (“where bathing suits go”) and will be encouraged to do so routinely at camp in a private setting.

Swimming is allowed only at certain specified times in designated swimming areas and is always closely supervised, with trained counselors on duty. Pemi uses the Red Cross “buddy” system, and certified lifeguards supervise all swimming activity.

Pemi staff gathers pre-season for a week of comprehensive training. In addition to instruction from professional educators in lesson planning and teaching skills, all staff members discuss and practice conflict management skills, learn about characteristics and needs of camp-age boys, and are certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. Pemi’s philosophy is for all members of the community to be inclusive, respectful, and nurturing.

Drivers of camp vehicles are age 21 or older and are trained and authorized by camp directors.