Summer camp is one of the most exciting parts of the year for kids, teens, and even young adults getting ready to work as counselors. But before the hiking trips, swimming lessons, and group sports begin, most camps require a completed sports or camp physical. These exams aren’t just a box to check — they’re an important way to make sure everyone is healthy enough to safely take part in all the activities ahead.

A sports physical helps detect any hidden health issues, such as asthma, heart conditions, or joint problems, that could cause problems during camp. Getting this quick checkup done early gives families peace of mind — and leaves plenty of time to treat any concerns before the first day of camp.

What is a sports physical?

A sports physical, sometimes called a pre-participation physical exam (PPE), is a simple checkup that makes sure you or your child is healthy enough for physical activities like sports, hiking, swimming, and other camp fun. It’s different from a regular yearly physical because it focuses mainly on things that could impact safe participation, like heart health, breathing, and joint strength.

During a sports physical, the provider will ask about personal and family medical history, especially things like past injuries, asthma, heart conditions, or allergies. They’ll also do a physical exam that usually checks blood pressure, heart rate, lungs, vision, and flexibility. Some camps might also require your child to be up to date on vaccinations, which can sometimes be done at the same appointment if needed. The goal is to catch any issues early and make sure campers stay healthy, active, and safe all summer long.

When should you schedule a sports physical for summer camp?

The best time to schedule a sports physical is about six weeks before camp starts. This gives you enough time to handle any surprises, like needing a follow-up test, a specialist visit, or updated vaccinations, without feeling rushed. It also helps avoid the last-minute scramble when appointment slots start filling up closer to summer.

If you're already getting close to your camp start date, don’t worry. Many urgent care centers and walk-in clinics offer same-day or next-day appointments for sports physicals. Some even allow online booking, so you can grab a spot quickly. Ideally, try to have the physical completed at least two to three weeks before camp begins to leave room for any final paperwork or camp health forms that need to be turned in.

Where can you get a sports physical fast?

If you’re on a tight timeline, there are several convenient places to get a sports physical quickly, without waiting weeks for an appointment. Whether you’re a parent trying to squeeze it in before camp starts or a young adult prepping for a counselor job, these options make it easy to check this task off your list.

Some of the best places to get a same-day or next-day sports physical include:

• Urgent care centers: Most urgent care clinics offer sports physicals on a walk-in basis or by appointment, often with short wait times.
• Walk-in clinics: These clinics are designed for quick visits and usually don't require an appointment, making them a great last-minute option.
• Some pediatric offices: If your child’s doctor has open appointments, they may be able to complete the physical quickly—just be sure to check availability early.
• Certain retail clinics (pharmacies with walk-in services): Places like CVS MinuteClinic or Walgreens Healthcare Clinic often offer affordable, walk-in sports physicals inside larger stores.

Many urgent care locations now offer online booking, which lets you reserve a spot ahead of time and skip most of the waiting room hassle — perfect for busy families juggling summer plans.

What to bring to your child’s sports physical appointment

A little preparation can make your sports physical appointment faster and smoother, especially if you’re trying to fit it in between work, errands, and shopping for camp supplies. Bringing the right documents and information helps the provider complete the paperwork correctly and spot any potential health issues that might need extra attention.

Before heading to the appointment, make sure you have:

• Completed camp physical forms (if provided): Some camps have their own forms that a medical provider must fill out. Bring them along, and double-check if there’s a section you need to fill out before the visit.
• Child’s vaccination record: Camps often require proof that all routine vaccinations are up to date. A printed copy or digital record from your pediatrician’s office works.
• Health insurance card (if using insurance): While many sports physicals are inexpensive even without insurance, bringing your card can help cover the cost if your plan allows it.
• Emergency contact information: Some forms will ask for additional emergency contacts beyond parents or guardians, so have those names and phone numbers ready.
• List of current medications, allergies, or past injuries: Be prepared to discuss any conditions your child manages daily, any medications they take, and any past injuries like fractures, concussions, or sprains.

Having everything ready ahead of time makes the appointment go faster — and helps ensure you leave with a completed form that’s ready to send to camp.

Book a same-day sports physical near you

If you’re racing against the clock to get ready for summer camp, don’t stress — getting a sports physical done quickly is easier than you think. With Solv, you can find walk-in clinics and urgent care centers near you that offer same-day and next-day availability. Many locations allow you to book your appointment online in just a few clicks, saving you time and making the process hassle-free.