Looking for any advice about summer camp--DS going to Diabetes Camp

[kbeverina]

He leaves two weeks from tomorrow and is excited beyond belief. I'm excited for him, but scared, too--he'll only be 8 next month. I'm not too concerned about him being homesick(though I could be wrong), he has never had a problem with that kind of thing. Just the normal worries about his medical care. I would love any advice if you have a special needs child and they have been to regular camp or a special camp. Or just stories of how it went. Thanks!

 

[dudlee930]

(This is Dudlee930's daughter, Brandelle typing!).

I am a diabetic and I used to attend and was later a camp counselor at a diabetic camp here in Idaho (Camp Hodia). The Camp was associated with the ADA and was an absolutely safe and extremely educational experience. I made friends that will last my lifetime! The staff in Idaho was made up, almost entirely, of diabetic staff (excepting the Doctor), which helps the kids learn independence and allows the staff to have an insight that only comes with experience. Not many of the kids have medical problems while they are there, the majority of the problems with the younger age group are with homesickness (which may be remedied with a phone call).

The only advise I would give is to make sure the camp is associated with a reputable group, ADA, JDF, etc. and is accredited with the national camping association. Also, inquire about the ratio of campers to staff and the number of doctors/nurses/dieticians on staff. If you have ANY questions, feel free to email me at bgwhit@aol.com.

Brandelle

 

[kbeverina]

Thanks so much for replying--it's nice to hear from a counselor! The camp is Camp Glyndon in Maryland and I had to go through the ADA when applying. I was very impressed with the information I got, the number of nurses, the fact that a team reviews the numbers every night, including a doctor, and makes adjustments for the next day. I was impressed with how many checks they do, including a midnight check and a 3 a.m. if necessary. All the supplies are provided and we had to submit sample menus. When we get there we have a meeting with the nurses and dieticians to go over meals and each child has their own meal plan. So I feel pretty good about all that. Overall, I'm very excited about him going and I hope he likes it, I guess I'm having some last minute butterflies since it's coming up so quickly. He's a really easygoing kid, makes friends easily, rolls with the punches. I try very hard to let him do everything other kids do, even spending the night with friends, but there are times when it's just not possible(like an overnight trip with a friend or relative where we can't be there to give him a shot)so he's very excited to be doing this.

Thanks, Brandelle, you made me feel much better!

 

[tink2dw]

Going to Camp is always Harder on the parent than the kid. It's our job to worry and care for our children!! But as you said you are impressed with the camp! Now while he's gone it's your chance to take some much needed care of you!!![and your partner,and relationship] Do some carefree things you haven't done in a long time!! Pamper yourself and your spouce,with good food,good conversation,and a movie thats more than G rated!!!!

Our DD has gone to camp every summer since she was 6 and has always had a great time[even though she doesn't care for hiking she will still go,and when at home complains but every year she goes on the hike anyway even when offered the chance to skip it] Dd learns important skills at camp while having fun!! And the silly songs they come home with are a Hoot!!

So, relax! and enjoy this brief respite to recharge your batteries for another year!!

 

[kbeverina]

Thank you for the reply. It's funny because the first thing my son talked about was hiking! He wanted to go out immediately and buy some hiking boots. I have not let on any nervousness at all to him--I don't want him to worry about me missing him when he's there.

You know, it took me about a month to realize that my dh and I could really enjoy that week. My sister and my parents are taking advantage of the situation and my dd will spend half a week with each of them, so we will be alone! We're going to go to the movies, go out to eat--and not worry about what time we're eating. It will be so strange not to do that whole routine. I'm so used to it that I'll notice more not doing it than I notice doing it. My dh is type I also and we've always tried to have a very low-key, ho-hum, no big deal attitude with our ds about it, but I think it will be neat for him to meet other kids with diabetes.

Thanks again--every once in a while I wonder if I'm a bad mom for letting him go so young. I just need to get over myself!