Health and Safety Basics at Camp WeHaKee

Camp WeHaKee has a wonderful on-site Health Center that we call the "Band Aid". It’s staffed all summer long by licensed Registered Nurses (or similarly credentialed professionals). The center is fully equipped to handle minor injuries and illnesses and even stays stocked with an AED. Every counselor goes through camp-specific emergency training before the season ever begins.

What is the Band Aid?

The Band Aid is our resident Health Center, and it’s much more than just a typical nurse's office. It has private bedrooms where campers can get some quiet rest if they aren't feeling well. Our nurses make it a point to know every girl by name within the very first day. They have the supplies and the expertise to handle everything from minor scrapes to the moderate health situations that sometimes pop up when kids are busy being active outdoors.

The nurses who staff the Band Aid aren't just seasonal hires. They’re experienced medical professionals who bring decades of clinical experience to Hunter Lake every single summer.

What happens if my daughter needs medical attention?

Most of the time, the Band Aid can handle whatever comes up. Whether it's a minor injury, a headache, a stomach bug, or a few blisters, the nurse has seen it all and will take care of it right on-site. Your daughter will get the proper care and rest she needs, and we’ll monitor her throughout the day until she’s back to her usual self.

If she needs care that goes beyond what we can provide at the Band Aid, she can have a virtual urgent care appointment with a licensed provider. For anything more serious, she’ll be taken to the nearest medical facility. Both Hayward and Ladysmith, Wisconsin, have clinics and full emergency rooms within 30 minutes of camp. Plus, paramedic and ambulance units from Sawyer County serve our area directly.

For anything beyond routine care, we’ll call you immediately. You’ll never have to wait around to find out how your daughter is doing.

Who else is trained for emergencies?

It isn't just our nurses who are prepared. Our counselors and other staff are trained in specific emergency procedures before the very first camper arrives. About 25% of our staff are certified lifeguards. Because we have a 2:1 camper-to-staff ratio, there’s always a trained adult nearby. Whether your daughter is at the waterfront, on the trails, in the barn, or in her cabin after lights out, she’s in good hands.

We always have at least two staff members present at every activity. Counselors also sleep in rooms adjoining each cabin. This setup is the reason a counselor can often notice if something seems off before a camper even has to ask for help.

What do I need to submit before camp?

We need a completed Camper Health History form and a copy of your family's medical insurance card before the session starts. This form is how we make sure our nurse knows your daughter’s needs before she even arrives. If she has specific health requirements, allergies, or chronic conditions, please include them. The more information you share, the better we can look after her.

Any medical costs that happen outside of the Band Aid’s on-site care are the responsibility of the family. We’ll always call you before anything significant takes place, but it’s a good idea to confirm that your insurance covers out-of-area care before the summer begins.

What about emergencies at night?

Camper Care doesn't stop when the sun goes down. Staff are present in the cabins overnight, and our counselors are trained to handle emergencies around the clock. The Band Aid nurse is always on-site and reachable throughout the entire summer. If your daughter needs attention at 2:00am, she’ll get it. That’s just how camp works!