Mary Anne Schall, Regional Coordinator

 

Welcome to a new chapter in the life of your family—summer camp!  Camp can provide the opportunity for your child to widen horizons, make new friends, and discover new strengths.  However, despite all these advantages, you, as a parent, may have mixed feelings about sending your child to camp.  After all, nothing takes more trust than handing over the care of your child to others. 

 

Making the decision

There are several important considerations with regard to camp.  Among these are:

1.      Is your child ready for camp?

2.      Which camp is right for your child?

In deciding about your child’s readiness for camp, ask yourself how they handle sleepovers at friends or grandparents.  Is your child homesick after a few hours or can they spend the entire night?  How does your child interact with others?  Are they comfortable making new friends?  Is he/she shy, but a good listener until they get to know people?  Exploring these questions may help determine whether your child is ready for the camp experience.

 

Hemophilia camps are not all alike.  In Wisconsin, families have three camping experiences from which to choose – Camp Courage in Minnesota, Camp Warren Jyrch in Illinois, and Camp Bold Eagle in Michigan.  These camps have different physical settings, philosophies, counselor mixes, and expectations of campers.  Check with the staff at your hemophilia treatment center or chapter and with the parents of other campers for their thoughts and experiences.  You may wish to learn how the camp teaches self-infusion, which medical staff will be participating (they may or may not be someone with whom your child is familiar).  Learn what activities are planned and how the camp handles children who are homesick.   It may also help to call or visit the camp prior to sending your child. 

 
Saying “yes” to camp is a big step.  Once you’ve made that important decision, you can take comfort in knowing  your child is about to enter a safe place that will help him to grow, build new skills, and become more resilient – just as it will you!