For many of us, camp brings back memories of new
friends, warm nights around a campfire, arts & crafts, and days
full of laughter and fun activities. Why should that be any different
for our children? It shouldn’t! That is why the forefathers
of our bleeding disorder community decided to create their own camps.
Hemophilia camp is a place filled with fun and laughter, offering
a carefree camp experience that everyone deserves while maintaining
the precautions demanded by a bleeding disorder.
Nearly every state has a camp specifically for people
with bleeding disorders. The few treatment centers or chapters that
do not will often arrange to transport the camper to the nearest
camp location. Typically, camps last from five to seven days and
are staffed by knowledgeable personnel, treatment center staff,
industry professionals, and “veteran” hemophilia campers.
Activities may vary from state to state. Most will
include activities such as arts and crafts, fishing, rope or challenge
courses, swimming, horseback riding, and sports of all kinds. With
so much fun, there is also time to learn. Education about living
with a bleeding disorder is a primary focus at camp. Children can
usually begin attending camp around the age of seven, a great age
to begin to learn more about hemophilia and von Willebrand’s
Disease. One of the goals of camp is to provide an opportunity to
learn to self-infuse. Great role models and positive peer pressure
is very effective at accomplishing this. At camp, one can often
find an entire room lined with infusion stations occupied by a child
learning to stick himself. Many times you will see the old pros
(by that I mean teenagers) working with the little guys and celebrating
in their successes. Learning to self-infuse is a monumental accomplishment
and every stick is a big deal.
While most camps have primarily been geared for
the seven to sixteen-year-old child with the bleeding disorder,
many camps now allow siblings as well. Some states have weekend
retreats for women with bleeding disorders and camp or outdoor excursions
for the men. Many also have family weekend camps so that fun, friendship,
and support is available for all members of the family.
Sending your child off for the first time is a daunting
experience for anyone. As parents, it seems to go against every
fiber of our being to put our little ones on a bus full of strangers.
From the time my son started camp, about 6 years ago, I had a realization:
I reasoned that with his HTC staff at camp, my son was probably
safer there than at home with me. While I missed him terribly the
week he was gone, my knowledge of the level of care he had available
kept me sane. Keep this in mind when your child goes off to camp.
It may help you too! The week will be over before you realize it.
When the bus rolls back up, much to your dismay, you will find out
he didn’t miss you nearly as much as you missed him. Kind
of a let down after the week you had, but you will be happy at how
content and excited he is and how much he is looking forward to
next year.
Now that we have gone over how to keep your sanity,
let’s talk about how to prepare for camp. It is recommended
to keep your child on their regular medications for the week of
camp. Medications for conditions such as ADD/ADHD should be continued.
In addition to packing these medications, you will need to include
enough factor and supplies for a week of prophylaxis doses plus
two extra doses. If your child has a mild bleeding disorder and
is treated on-demand, it is recommended to send no less than two
doses. If your child is severe and is treated on-demand, it is recommended
to send a dose for every day he or she will be gone.
Along with medical supplies, following is a list
of items that your child will need. Keep in mind that specific camps
will have other required items depending on the activities offered
and on the location and weather of the camp. They will provide you
with a checklist.
General Supply List:
• Sleeping bag or sheets and a blanket
• Pillow
• 3 towels (2 for bathing, 1 for swimming)
• 3 wash cloths
• Soap, shampoo
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Comb
• 2 pairs of sneakers (they will get dirty)
• Socks and underwear for every day, plus a couple of extras
• Clothes for every day, plus extras
• Swimsuit
• Sandals (I recommend something water friendly)
• 2 sets of sleep clothes
• Flashlight
• Camera
• Playing cards
Most camps do not encourage electronic devices such
as Ipods, gameboys, cell phones, etc. Do not send money, there will
be no need for it. Any additional questions should be directed to
your local chapter or treatment center.
Camp is a wonderful experience for our children.
It is a rare chance for them to be with a group of children who
experience the same struggles they do. Camp fosters a sense of independence
that nothing else can duplicate. The kids are given an opportunity
to realize that they are not different from anyone else. In addition,
the time at camp is a rare opportunity for the parents. After the
first year or two of sending our child away, we can actually enjoy
the week without our child as we learn not to worry the entire time.
For many, it allows a chance to spend some extra time with our non-bleeding
disorder children. Some parents even use this week to sneak away
for their own little vacation. While I may not be ready to jump
on a cruise ship as soon as my son gets on the bus, I have learned
that he will be just fine with out me. He will be home in five days,
completely exhausted, happy, and maybe even a little smelly. Yet,
he is already ready to turn around and go back in a heartbeat! You
and your child will truly enjoy their week at camp!
Attending Hemophilia camp has a huge impact on our
children. It gives them a sense of independence and gives them tools
to deal with everyday struggles. Hemophilia camp gives our kids
memories for a lifetime and relationships that last just as long.
Most treatment centers will begin taking camp registrations
in March, April, or May depending when the camp will take place.
Many camps fill up very quickly. Call your Hemophilia Treatment
Center and ask to be placed on their camp mailing list. When you
get your registration form, be prompt about turning it in. This
will help the Treatment Centers and the Camp Committee plan appropriately.
If you would like help locating the camp nearest you, feel free
to call Tammy Davenport directly at 936-628-3263 or e-mail her at
tdavenport73@aol.com.
Back to Tammy's page.
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