Camp Shomria is located in an area of the country that has a dense population of ticks, including the deer tick. It is the deer tick that is responsible for the transmission of Lyme disease. These ticks are often found in woody and overgrown brush areas. We take special care to limit the potential of attracting ticks:
Signage: We have signs around camp explaining how to identify ticks
Actions: Campers must wear closed shoes and socks whenever in nature or on the farm. Counselors are trained to do tick checks every night with campers. We make it fun, with a tick-check song sung at random points throughout the day!
Prevention: Ticks are largely present in high grass. At Camp Shomria, there is someone mowing the lawn at all times to keep the grass low, and we clear paths and brush areas. Before campers arrive, we spray the grounds with tick repellent.
If a tick is noticed and removed within a 24-36 hour period the likelihood of getting Lyme disease is significantly decreased. The Camp Nurse is knowledgeable in matters related to ticks, including proper tick removal and post exposure treatment.