Lice Prevention Policies and Procedures

🐛 Head Lice

When one of our campers is found to have lice or nits in their hair, we will immediately follow our Lice Prevention Policies and Procedures.

Prevention and treatment are most effective when home and camp work together. In the past, Camp Gan Israel has successfully prevented mass outbreaks, and we aim to continue working together to isolate this nuisance.

What We Will Do:

• Staff will inspect campers’ heads each morning before entering the bunk for at least two weeks after the last untreated nit/louse is found.
• Please allow a few extra minutes for drop-off, as inspections may take time.
• No camper with live lice or untreated nits will be allowed to stay in camp unless a dermatologist confirms the nits are dead.
• Camp staff will pay extra attention to cleaning rugs and toys that could transfer lice.

How Parents Can Help:

• Check your child’s head regularly for lice or nits.
• Treat lice immediately if found and notify the camp.
• Keep long hair tied back to minimize spread.
• Maintain clean bedding, car seats, couches, and carpets.

Camp Procedures if Lice Are Found:

1. Children with live lice or untreated nits will be sent home and not permitted back until 24 hours after treatment with an insecticide. Herbal/botanical treatments are not sufficient.
2. After treatment, a no-nit policy will be enforced. Campers with treated nits/eggs may return with a note from a dermatologist confirming they are dead.
3. Camp staff will inspect children’s heads every few weeks. In the event of an outbreak, inspections will occur every morning before entering the bunk for at least two weeks after all known lice have been treated.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation. Head lice are a nuisance but not a health threat. Controlling lice is a shared responsibility between parents and the camp.