It’s Almost Spring: Time to Plan for Summer Camp! PIDD ADVOCATE TEAM
A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER:
For the parent of a child with special medical needs, selecting a camp demands careful consideration. Fortunately, there is a wealth of guidance provided by camp websites, support organizations, and even the manufacturers of your child’s medication. Most camps that serve the primary immunodeficiency disease (PIDD) community are nonprofit and staffed by trained professionals who volunteer their time and skills. These camps typically have one or more weeks dedicated to specific illnesses or conditions. Many of these camps operate free of charge to campers, and some offer free transportation to and from camp, including airfare. Camps designed for kids with medical needs will have doctors and nurses on staff around the clock, facilities for medical emergencies, and routine treatment (including infusions) for your child. The staff will be well-versed in PIDD and have an established working relationship with the nearest hospital, including transport in case of emergency. These camps aim to keep your child well, introduce them to children with similar medical needs, and offer a real camp experience.
• Your child’s age • Sleepover or day camp • Length of stay • Special dietary needs • Accreditation • Medical staffing and facilities • Recommendations from others
GETTING STARTED: There are several websites to help you choose a camp, including: • veryspecialcamps.com • acacamps.org
Once you have narrowed your search to a few camps, it is always wise to contact each camp to discuss your child’s specific needs. As you will see in your search, there are many camps offering to serve your child, but the most wellestablished camps include: • Dream Team Foundation: dreamstreetfoundation.org • Serious Fun Network (founded by Paul Newman): seriousfunnetwork.org • The Center for Courageous Kids: thecenterforcourageouskids.org
A nice way to ease into the idea of camp is to attend a family camp weekend where parents and siblings can attend. It allows children and their families to sample all the camp has to offer. After a weekend, you should know if a full week is a good option for your child and your family. Camp can be a wonderful, confidence-building experience for both your child and the family. If you start doing your research now, you can embark on this adventure confident, comfortable, and enthusiastic. ♦
CONTACT US Phone: 866.442.4679 Fax: 877.588.8470
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