Sun Safety at Summer Camp: How to Protect Your Child in the Heat

Why sun safety matters at camp

Children spend many hours outside at camp: on the beach, in the water, on the sports field and on trips. Sunburn hurts, but it can also spoil a week and cause lasting skin damage. Heat can also make a child tired, dizzy or ill. Because children are busy and distracted, they often forget to protect themselves. A good plan, a good packing list and a camp that watches the sun together make a big difference.

What the weather is like

In July and August, southern and eastern Spain is hot and sunny. Daytime temperatures are high, the sun is strong and the sea is warm. Mornings and evenings are more pleasant than the middle of the day. For typical temperatures and what to wear, read Valencia weather in July and August.

Sunscreen: the basics

• Choose broad spectrum. This protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Choose a high SPF. Health agencies often suggest at least SPF 30 for everyday use. Many parents choose SPF 50 for children in strong sun. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice for your child's skin type.
• Apply before going out. Put it on about 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure, on all uncovered skin, including ears, neck, feet and the back of the knees.
• Reapply. Apply again at least every two hours, and after swimming, sweating or towel drying, even if the label says water resistant.
• Use enough. Most people apply too little. A thin layer gives much less protection than the label promises.

Pack more than you think you need, in a bottle your child can open and carry. A stick version for the face and a spray or lotion for the body are easy for children to reapply. Test a new product at home first to check for allergies.

Hats, sunglasses and clothing

• A wide-brim hat or a cap with a neck flap covers the face, ears and neck.
• Sunglasses that block UV protect the eyes.
• Light, loose, long-sleeve shirts help during long outdoor sessions.
• A UV swim shirt (rash guard) protects shoulders and back in the water and on a surf or paddle board.
• Closed shoes or water shoes protect feet from hot sand and rocks.

See our packing list for summer camp in Europe for the full list.

Shade and timing

The sun is strongest around the middle of the day. Good programs plan active sessions for the morning and late afternoon, and use the hottest hours for lunch, rest and indoor activities. Teach your child to look for shade, take breaks and avoid long stretches in direct sun. Ask the camp how it plans the day on hot days.

Water: drink before you feel thirsty

Children often forget to drink when they play. In hot weather, a reusable bottle that they fill and carry all day is very helpful. Water is the best choice. Fruit, soup and salads also help. Remind your child to drink more during sport and swimming, and to tell an adult if they feel unwell. Avoid relying only on sugary drinks.

Signs of too much heat

Know the warning signs so that your child can tell an adult early:

• Headache, dizziness or feeling faint.
• Very red, hot or very pale skin.
• Nausea or stomach cramps.
• Unusual tiredness or confusion.
• Muscle cramps.

Heat illness can become serious. Tell your child to stop, find shade, drink water and tell a staff member at once. Staff should know the camp's emergency plan. For general information about UV and its effects, see the World Health Organization fact sheet on ultraviolet radiation.

Water activities and sun

Water adds extra risk: the sun reflects off the surface, and children do not feel they are burning because the water cools them. Use a UV shirt or reapply sunscreen after every water session. Ask the camp about supervision and safety rules for swimming, surfing and paddle boarding. For more on activities, read summer camp activities for teenagers.

Skin types, medicines and medical conditions

Fair skin, many moles, a history of sunburn and some medicines make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Tell the camp about skin conditions, allergies, medicines and anything that may affect heat tolerance. Share the information in writing before arrival. Ask your doctor whether your child needs special advice.

What to ask the camp

• How do you plan the day when it is very hot?
• Is there shade and drinking water at all outdoor activities?
• Do staff remind children to reapply sunscreen?
• What is the plan if a child shows signs of heat illness or sunburn?
• Do you need information about allergies, medicine or skin conditions?
• Who is responsible for first aid and how many staff are on site?

How to prepare your child before the trip

1. Practice at home. Let your child apply sunscreen alone and read the label.
2. Pack clearly. Label bottles, hats and shirts with the child's name.
3. Agree simple rules. Hat on, sunscreen after swimming, a bottle in the bag.
4. Talk about feeling unwell. Explain that it is always fine to tell a staff member.

Also read homesickness at summer camp, because tired or overheated children are more likely to feel low.

Example: Naranja Camp in Valencia

Naranja Camp is a residential summer camp in Valencia, Spain, for ages 10 to 16. Campers have 20 hours of Spanish a week in classes of up to 12, and afternoons include surfing, paddle boarding, football, beach volleyball, workshops and city trips. There is one monitor for every 8 campers, staff are on site 24 hours a day and insurance is included. Ask us how the day is organized in the heat of July.

Session	Dates	Price
Session 1	4 to 17 July 2027	€2,800
Session 2	18 to 31 July 2027	€2,800
Both sessions	4 to 31 July 2027	€5,300

See summer camp in Valencia for dates and how to book.

Frequently asked questions

What sunscreen should my child take to summer camp?

A broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, such as SPF 30 to 50, that your child has already tried at home. Pack enough to reapply every two hours and after swimming.

How often should children reapply sunscreen?

At least every two hours, and after swimming, sweating or drying with a towel.

Is Spain too hot for children in July?

It is hot, but camps are designed for it. Look for programs that plan active sessions for cooler hours, provide shade and water and watch for signs of heat illness.

What should my child wear in the sun?

A wide-brim hat or cap, UV-blocking sunglasses, light loose clothes and a UV swim shirt for water activities.

What if my child gets sunburned at camp?

Tell a staff member. Staff should help with first aid and keep the child out of the sun. If the burn is severe, a doctor should see the child.

Should I tell the camp about skin conditions or medicines?

Yes. Share allergies, skin conditions and medicines in writing before arrival so staff can plan for your child.

Keep reading

• Valencia weather in July and August: temperatures, sea and what to wear
• What to pack for summer camp: a complete packing list
• Summer camp in Valencia: dates, prices, a day at camp and how to book