Parents, is your child’s camp SunSmart Accredited? Did you know that a blistering sunburn at a young age can double one’s risk of developing melanoma? Studies show that most of the skin's damage occurs before the age of eighteen; it is vital, therefore that children in particular develop SunSmart habits early in life.

Our SunSmart programme is a school and summer camp based programme, which aims to increase the awareness of our youth about the importance of practicing SunSmart behaviours while outdoors. We also seek to influence individuals who are responsible for protecting others such as parents, teachers, camp counsellors, friends and other family members with SunSmart behaviours. Ultimately, our goal is to prevent the dangerous outcomes of sun exposure such as premature aging, skin leathering and skin cancer. 

When choosing a SunSmart Camp do you ask if they are SunSmart accredited?

Camps that are SunSmart accredited have been through a Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre SunSmart training programme.  The number one criteria is a written SunSmart policy which provides clear, evidence-based guidelines that help to minimise UV exposure and skin cancer risk.

These policies must be shared with parents, staff and campers.   These policies will include how the camps will adhere to an monitor the 5 key steps to sun safety:

1. SLIP on sun protective clothing, long-sleeved shirts with collar, long pants
2. SLOP on sunscreen, 20 to 30 minutes before going outside. Use broad spectrum with SPF 30+ and REAPPLY every 2 hours
3. SLAP on a broad-brimmed hat that will protect your face, ears and neck
4. SEEK shade between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm
5. SLIDE on close fitted, wrap around sunglasses with UV protection

Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, but our children need adult guidance to help protect them from UV exposure, reducing their risk.

We encourage parents to as potential camps if they are SunSmart accredited or check our website for a list of current SunSmart camps.

For the camps it is an easy process - they register attend a training session where we assist each camp in developing and implementing their policy, the participating camps receive emergency hats, sunscreen and sunglasses and are periodically inspected for compliance.