PORTLAND, Conn, -- The state Department of Public Health said Monday that it wants to keep your children safe at summer camp in the wake of the H1N1 flu outbreak.

At the YMCA's Camp Ingersoll in Portland, camp officials said they're busy getting ready for a summer season with 600 campers.

Summer Camps Taking Precautions Amid H1N1 Fears

But, they said, there's a new precaution this year: The DPH has asked all licensed camps to protect campers from H1N1.

"I don't think there's any greater risk at camps than there are at schools," Camp Director Patrick Connelly said. "Camps are now prepared -- licensed camps are now prepared -- and we're taking some precautions.

When word came from DPH, Connelly said he decided to first ask more of parents. He said he wants to make sure that any child with possible exposure stays home for seven days.

"We're asking them, please, if their children are showing any flu-like symptoms, to please keep them at home," he said.

He said the camp will also increase how often things like door handles and drinking fountains are cleaned. He added that there would be plenty of hand sanitizer to go around.

"We have a registered nurse that's on our staff and we have a local physician who consults with us, so we've talked with him," Connelly said. "Our nurse is aware of our policies, and we're ready for the summer to start."