During the early years of a child’s life, their skin is especially vulnerable to UV radiation. Even one or two blistering sunburns significantly increases a young person’s risk of developing skin cancer and melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer later in life.

Camps across Ontario, including owners, directors and their staff should develop and adhere to a Sun Safety Policy to help protect campers from excessive and unprotected sun exposure. Children and youth need special attention as they require additional assistance. By providing education on safe sun practices and messaging to parents, and providing constant reinforcement by counsellors and camp nurses, you can help prevent skin damage and skin cancer. Additionally, the youth are at a high risk because an individual’s lifetime sun exposure occurs by the age of 20, as children spend a majority of their time outdoors during their youth.