At the Music for All Summer Symposium, we know how important it is for students away from home to get the support and care they need to thrive. This is especially true when a camper is sick, has regular medical needs that require attention, or even if they just happen to scrape their knee.

Thankfully, the camp medical team works hard every day and night to make sure each student is happy and healthy with all of their needs met. The medical team’s sole responsibility for the duration of the week is the health, safety, and well-being of the campers.

If at camp you have a medical concern, the person in charge of the team is Erin Bergland. As one of the veteran members of the Music for All Summer Symposium staff, Nurse Erin started her work with us as a SWAG in 2001. In 2002 she became a nurse here at camp and started leading the team in 2006. Every year since, she has worked to provide the best, and safest experience for all campers.

Joining her team this summer are Tamara Bowen, Jill Forbess, Holly Geraci, and Jerri Morris. When looking for members of the camp medical team, Nurse Erin makes sure that they are trustworthy, excited, maintain a positive attitude, and ready and wanting to work with all the students.

While Nurse Erin has been coming to camp for many years, some of the medical team members, like Nurse Holly are excited to be sharing their skills for the very first time. Working with Nurse Erin previously, Holly wanted to find a way to give back to the students and music. With a background in both medicine and being a principal flautist, she looks forward to the opportunity of working with Music for All and the Summer Symposium.

As amazing as our medical staff is, it is important for all campers to be prepared for their week away from home. When packing for camp, make sure to pack all medicines you need in their original bottles. Nurse Erin suggests that it is a good idea to only bring as much medicine as you need for the duration of the week. Along with this, make sure to bring any support equipment you might need, such as knee or ankle braces. This support equipment, as well as any over-the-counter pain relievers (i.e. Advil), and any EpiPens or inhalers do not need to be turned into the medical staff and are allowed to be kept on hand and managed by the students. As for specific medical prescriptions, visit the Nurse station at registration and the medical staff will speak with you on the best way to manage when and where the prescription will be stored and administered.

(Special Note: We do ask that MIDDLE SCHOOL campers turn in ALL medications, including over-the-counter pain medications to the nurses at registration.)

While at camp, there will be 24/7 medical service for all campers. The medical team will be able to administer first aid, provide generic over the counter medication to students, provide emotional support (i.e. for homesickness), and be a frontline of contact when deciding if a camper needs a doctor visit. If a student does need further assistance they will be transported with official supervision to a local urgent care facility, and if necessary, to the medical center emergency room.

Our SWAG team members have the most contact with students throughout the week, so it is important that they work closely with our medical team to ensure the health and safety of all campers. The medical team and the SWAGs meet before camp to discuss various scenarios including diabetic needs, allergies, and how to deal with emergencies.

Campers will be in good hands at the Music for All Summer Symposium, where Nurse Erin and her medical team are always here to watch for students’ safety and help make sure campers have the best experience they can!