rite of passage Archives - Active Healthcare

5 Keys to a Fun and Safe Summer Camp Experience for Kids with Asthma and Allergies

Lisa Feierstein Allergies, Asthma, Breathe EZ, Children's Health Leave a comment   , , , , , ,

Summer may seem years away when you are wearing a scarf and lots of layers on a cold winter’s day. It will be here before you know it. What is your favorite memory of summer camp? Do you have happy memories of canoeing, campfires or maybe even sleeping under the stars? Summer camp is a time for all children to spend time on their own, make new friends and try out new activities.

As a parent of a child with asthma you already have many ongoing concerns about their daily environment and its impact on their lung health. Your apprehension is normal. As we have discussed in other asthma related posts, advance preparation is always the best strategy when choosing any activity for your child with asthma.

Summer Camp Fun

  • Consider both Traditional and Asthma-focused Camps

    An asthma-focused camp may include educational components and have specially trained staff. Traditional camps can be okay too, especially if they are willing to make accommodations for your child’s asthma.

  • Not All Camps are Created Equal

    Remember that some camps may be more asthma friendly than others. Consider your child’s specific triggers and allergens. Those who are very allergic to animals might be better off at a nature camp vs one centered on horseback riding. Those with high mold sensitivities might be better off at a camp with air conditioned cabins.

  • Review Camp Medication Administration Guidelines

    Check in with camp staff in advance to find out how medication is administered. Research how they manage daily, rescue and emergency medications. Ask your questions before camp begins. Find out which medications your child can keep with them and self-administer. Ask if they can keep rescue inhalers and epi pens with them at all times.

  • Food Concerns – From Campfire Treats to Dining Hall Delicacies

    Don’t forget about food allergies. Check out the meal and snack offerings. If your child can’t enjoy typical camp treats due to allergies see if you can send along some substitutes in advance so your child won’t feel left out.

  • Before, During and After

    Work with your child’s healthcare provider or asthma specialist to create a before, during and after plan for camp.

    Before: Are all of their medications up to date, including dosage changes related to your child’s growth since last summer.

    During: Update or create an asthma action plan to include situations that might arise at camp if your child is exposed to a trigger or allergen – whether known or new.

    After: At the conclusion of camp check in with the staff to ask how things went. This will help you plan for future camps. Don’t just ask about your child’s asthma. Ask your child about their favorite (and not so favorite) parts of their time at camp.


Camp Victory Junction

Children with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, and others with serious illnesses that would preclude them from attending a traditional summer camp program should look into the options at Camp Victory Junction.

This summer, children ages 6 to 16, with asthma can register for Camp Victory Junction in Randleman, NC. The week of July 15-19 is designated especially for kids with heart, lung, kidney, and immunological diseases. Camp Victory Junction provides a typical camp experience within a medically-safe environment.

Additional Resources

Traveling with Asthma

The Sunshine Vitamin

Children’s Asthma Camps – Find a Camp (Nationwide search)

Participating organizations include: American Lung Association, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, American Academy of Pediatrics, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, and the American Thoracic Society.

About Camp Victory Junction

Victory Junction enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camp experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering; all in a medically-safe environment at no cost to the camper or their family.

Located in the hills of Randleman, North Carolina, Victory Junction is spread across 84 acres, allowing children to do what they do best— be kids, play, imagine, make friends and enjoy the adventures and experiences of camp life.


Summer Camp for Everyone: Even Kids with Diabetes!

Lisa Feierstein Children's Health, Diabetes Leave a comment   , , , ,

CampfireMany of us have fond memories of summer camp like singing around campfires, roasting marshmallows, creating arts and crafts treasures and swimming in cool refreshing lakes. Perhaps we’ll try to suppress the memories of itchy mosquito bites, rain soaked clothing, and ‘interesting’ food offerings. Good or bad, summer camp is definitely a rite of passage.

Even though the New Year has just begun summer will be here before you know it. It might be time to plan how your children will be spending their summer. If you are a parent of a child with diabetes, you have more to consider than the typical parent as you choose a summer camp program for your child.

Advance Preparation Will Reduce Anxiety and Worry

It is completely normal for parents to feel anxious about dropping their child off at an overnight summer camp. As we have discussed in other posts about diabetes , the key to managing diabetes centers on planning and preparation.

  • Research Options: Take time to investigate camp choices based on your child’s interests. Don’t focus solely on managing their disease.
  • Ask for help: Determine what services or accommodations your child may need during camp.
  • Document Needs: Gather documentation and create a written plan of care with your child’s healthcare provider.
  • Communicate: Connect with camp staff and open lines of communication as soon as possible.
  • Network: Check in with other parents that have sent children to programs in consideration. Ask your healthcare provider for additional ideas.

 

The American Diabetes Association notes that any camp should be prepared to make reasonable modifications so that any child with a chronic disease, like diabetes, can take full advantage of camp programs and activities like any other child.

Camp Victory Junction

Children with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, and others with serious illnesses that would preclude them from attending a traditional summer camp program should look into the options at Camp Victory Junction.

This summer, children ages 6 to 16, with diabetes can register for Camp Victory Junction in Randleman, NC. The week of June 17-12 is designated especially for kids with diabetes. Camp Victory Junction provides a typical camp experience within a medically-safe environment.

Additional Resources:

Traveling With Diabetes

Diabetes Tips: Making Sure Its In The Bag

American Diabetes Association: Rights of Children with Diabetes in Camp

Find a Camp – Nationwide Search

About Camp Victory Junction

Victory Junction enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camp experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering; all in a medically-safe environment at no cost to the camper or their family.

Located in the hills of Randleman, North Carolina, Victory Junction is spread across 84 acres, allowing children to do what they do best— be kids, play, imagine, make friends and enjoy the adventures and experiences of camp life.


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