The Long, Dry Summer at Camp

Summer Sleepaway Camp Options for Children that Wet the Bed

Your son is ready for sleepaway camp. He’s independent, makes friends easily and loves sports. Yes, he’s ready for camp in every way – except one. He still wets the bed.

What’s a parent to do? You’ve undoubtedly tried all the different steps to make this problem go away: limiting evening beverages, utilizing those nighttime alarms and “potty pagers.” It’s frustrating enough to miss out on sleepovers. And now summer camp. Is there anything you can do?

While bedwetting is one of the most potentially embarrassing things that can happen to a child at camp, it’s more common than you think. Most sleepaway camps are used to dealing with this problem and will make special accommodations to avoid embarrassing your child.

Most camp directors prefer that you let them know about bedwetting ahead of time. If staff members are armed and aware, they can be proactive in helping. Counselors should be careful to use discretion where warranted. The counselor should find some quiet time to speak with your child in private, to let him know he is aware of the condition, and to figure out a game plan for how deal with it. The child and counselor can even work out a "secret" signal for the morning to let the counselor know if bedwetting has occurred. Then, after all the other kids have gone off to their morning activities, a counselor can remain behind to strip the bed. Linens can be replaced before the morning activities are over, so no one is the wiser! Summer camp counselors will often place children who wet the beds closer to the bathroom, so they can wake them up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom less noticeably and so they can remove the bedding more easily, when necessary. You should also provide instructions that may help the camp, such as limiting caffeine and fluid intake before bed.

And finally, talk to your pediatrician. There are some exciting new treatments out on the horizon. Of particular interest is a nasal spray administered just prior to bedtime called DDAVP. Though not a viable long-term option, (it only works for as long as the child is actually on the medication,) short-term use can be quite effective for keeping children dry for important events such as sleepovers, vacations and -- of course -- sleepaway camp. Results typically appear within the first week -- often the very first night. About 70% of children started on DDAVP will become completely dry.

So, is this the right time for sleepaway camp? Maybe not. But don’t rule it out completely. We’d be happy to work with you to find a camp that is sensitive to your child’s problem and is committed to making camp a successful, happy experience for your child. Contact the Camp Specialists to learn more.