As parents, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing our kids making memories and learning new skills during their summer break. And for those who have little ones who are passionate about tennis, sending them to a summer tennis camp seems like the perfect choice.
However, with all the fun and excitement also comes responsibility as we want to ensure our kids’ safety at all times. In this blog post, we will discuss some essential tips for keeping your children safe at summer tennis camp.
Sun Protection
Sunstroke is a risk for everyone during the warm summer months, particularly young children who may not realize when their bodies have become overheated. Commonly referred to as heatstroke, this form of hyperthermia can cause nausea, headaches, weakness, confusion, and flushed hot skin without the presence of sweat.
Beat the heat by ensuring your child has the proper sun protection, which includes hats, sunscreen with a high SPF, and breathable and moisture-wicking clothing. Make sure the tennis camp provides frequent activity breaks in shady areas and that the children have access to water throughout the day.
Hydration and Heat Safety
We all know that dehydration can seriously affect our health, but did you know that dehydration can also impair a player’s performance on the court? Various reports have found that tennis players can lose up to 7.17% of their upper body strength and 19.2% of their lower body strength due to dehydration.
Children under the age of four require two to four cups of water per day, children age four to eight need five cups, and those nine to 13 need seven to eight cups of water per day.
Not only should your child be equipped with their water bottle throughout the day but they should also drink plenty of water before camp starts. Coaches and instructors should remind players to replenish water loss, electrolytes, and carbohydrates throughout the day.
Injury Prevention and Emergency Preparedness
While tennis is a low-risk sport for injuries compared to other summer activities, serious wrist, arm, knee, and ankle injuries can occur. Talk to the camp staff about their emergency preparedness plan, as well as policies and procedures for injuries that might occur while your child is at camp.
Teaching children proper warmups/cool-down exercises, correcting their techniques, and using appropriate equipment can all help prevent injuries from occurring. A certified tennis instructor can also teach players how to follow through with their movements and use their bodies to their advantage. If your child has previous injuries, make sure to notify the camp staff ahead of time to prevent permanent re-injury.
Supervision and Safety Protocols
These safety procedures extend beyond emergency preparedness. They also include the staff/camper ratios, qualifications of supervisors and instructors, and the rules of conduct on the property. All aspects of the tennis camp’s property should be safe the tennis courts, washrooms, and lunch areas. Find out if the camp is on private property or if it shares amenities with the public.
Other non-tangible safety protocols you should consider include the camp’s policies on harassment and bullying. It is important to ensure that each member of the staff has undergone police background checks, has experience working with children, and is certified to teach tennis.
Communication and Transparency
Whether it is your child’s first time at a summer tennis camp or their fifth time, parents and guardians will feel more comfortable about leaving their child in another person’s care if the camp has open communication. A well-organized tennis camp will be transparent and include parents and guardians in all communication.
Ask about the camp’s communication process. Will you get regular weekly updates on your child’s progress? Will you be notified if your child falls or suffers a minor injury? Just as a collaborative partnership between teachers and parents can support your child’s academic future, a healthy collaboration at summer camp can be just as successful.
Learn About the Safety Practices of Bayview Village Tennis Camp
Looking for a safe and fun environment for your child this summer? Bayview Village Tennis Camp offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level tennis camps that focus on skill development. Our Tennis Canada-certified instructors work to teach kids not only how to have fun with tennis, but also how to play smart and safe. Contact us today for more information and to book your child’s spot before our tennis sessions sell out!