The SpecialMoms Parenting Magazine 2nd Issue | Page 36

Sending Your Kid With Food Sending Your Kid with Food Allergies to Summer Camp I >>>>Lauren Kossack f your kids are like mine, they are counting down the days until summer break. For me, summer was filled with long days at the pool, playing with friends and attending reminded, however, that every new phase of life and every new thing that I do with my little men frightens me to some extent. Whenever I resolve to push forward through the worries and concerns, 99% of the time it goes well, and I’m so glad that I didn’t let the fear prevent my little men from experiencing life. camp. I attended all sorts of camps. Over the course of my elementary and early middle school years I attended music camps, craft camps, sports camps, and outdoor camps. When I was a bit older, I even went away to week-long camps. I love to stay busy and meet new people, so camps were a perfect way for me to do all of those things while learning something new. Camp is no different. As a mom, I had always envisioned sending my In the hopes of continuing to conquer those fears, I’ve signed my oldest up for two weeks of day camp for this summer. Of course as a food allergy mom sending our kids to camp doesn’t just begin with registration and end with dropping them off at camp. We still have lots to do to ensure that our children are safe while at camp. This isn’t an exhaustive list, however it will get you started and give you things to think about. Every child has different needs and food allergies that vary in severity. Our food allergic children can enjoy summer camp, too. We just have to take extra steps to ensure their safety. Here’s to a happy and safe camp experience! • children to summer camp. Camp is not only a good way for children to stay busy or learn something new but it builds character, allows each child to step outside of their comfort zone and above all, it teaches independence – something we all want for our children. However, now that both of my little men have life-threatening food allergies the thought of sending them to camp frightens me a bit. I’m facebook 36 twitter