To CF camp or not to CF camp that is the question???

jimiv

New member
As March is upon us and summer is closing in, it is time to lock in summer travel plans and such. Thanks to a shortened holiday from school is LA, I have an interesting dilemma. There are three summer camps that I wanted Parker to be able to go to for their one week session. They have moved their schedules around so they are all on the same week. My three choices is a traditional sleep away camp in East Texas that I went to as a child, a day camp for the cub scouts in the area (Parker is a Webelos), or a camp run by the Lions Club of Louisiana for children with Pulmonary issues. I understand that CFF frowns on "CF Camps" out of concern for risks of infections and things of that sort; but I have also heard that having children with chronic illnesses go to camps with other children with the same problems can be helpful to break down feelings of isolation. Does anyone have any ideas on the subject?
 

jimiv

New member
As March is upon us and summer is closing in, it is time to lock in summer travel plans and such. Thanks to a shortened holiday from school is LA, I have an interesting dilemma. There are three summer camps that I wanted Parker to be able to go to for their one week session. They have moved their schedules around so they are all on the same week. My three choices is a traditional sleep away camp in East Texas that I went to as a child, a day camp for the cub scouts in the area (Parker is a Webelos), or a camp run by the Lions Club of Louisiana for children with Pulmonary issues. I understand that CFF frowns on "CF Camps" out of concern for risks of infections and things of that sort; but I have also heard that having children with chronic illnesses go to camps with other children with the same problems can be helpful to break down feelings of isolation. Does anyone have any ideas on the subject?
 

jimiv

New member
As March is upon us and summer is closing in, it is time to lock in summer travel plans and such. Thanks to a shortened holiday from school is LA, I have an interesting dilemma. There are three summer camps that I wanted Parker to be able to go to for their one week session. They have moved their schedules around so they are all on the same week. My three choices is a traditional sleep away camp in East Texas that I went to as a child, a day camp for the cub scouts in the area (Parker is a Webelos), or a camp run by the Lions Club of Louisiana for children with Pulmonary issues. I understand that CFF frowns on "CF Camps" out of concern for risks of infections and things of that sort; but I have also heard that having children with chronic illnesses go to camps with other children with the same problems can be helpful to break down feelings of isolation. Does anyone have any ideas on the subject?
 

jimiv

New member
As March is upon us and summer is closing in, it is time to lock in summer travel plans and such. Thanks to a shortened holiday from school is LA, I have an interesting dilemma. There are three summer camps that I wanted Parker to be able to go to for their one week session. They have moved their schedules around so they are all on the same week. My three choices is a traditional sleep away camp in East Texas that I went to as a child, a day camp for the cub scouts in the area (Parker is a Webelos), or a camp run by the Lions Club of Louisiana for children with Pulmonary issues. I understand that CFF frowns on "CF Camps" out of concern for risks of infections and things of that sort; but I have also heard that having children with chronic illnesses go to camps with other children with the same problems can be helpful to break down feelings of isolation. Does anyone have any ideas on the subject?
 

jimiv

New member
As March is upon us and summer is closing in, it is time to lock in summer travel plans and such. Thanks to a shortened holiday from school is LA, I have an interesting dilemma. There are three summer camps that I wanted Parker to be able to go to for their one week session. They have moved their schedules around so they are all on the same week. My three choices is a traditional sleep away camp in East Texas that I went to as a child, a day camp for the cub scouts in the area (Parker is a Webelos), or a camp run by the Lions Club of Louisiana for children with Pulmonary issues. I understand that CFF frowns on "CF Camps" out of concern for risks of infections and things of that sort; but I have also heard that having children with chronic illnesses go to camps with other children with the same problems can be helpful to break down feelings of isolation. Does anyone have any ideas on the subject?
 

JazzysMom

New member
There are always risks when a camp of kids get together. A group of CFers would be at higher risk in general, but IMHO teaching hand washing, common sense rules & general precaution should be enough.

I do believe that the feeling of isolation can be broken down if among others who have health problems as compared to a camp where everyone is "healthy". It depends on the child I suppose. If they feel like they need to relate to someone who has health issues (even if not necessarily CF) or if they feel out of place in a camp where everyone is healthy, then I would think that would guide you toward the one for the Pulmonary issues.

There are people with strong feelings on this, but when it comes down to it.....like everything else its what your family decides. Just take precautions no matter what & have good communication with the camp staff no matter which one & I think things will be fine.

I would ask your child was his thoughts are if any!
 

JazzysMom

New member
There are always risks when a camp of kids get together. A group of CFers would be at higher risk in general, but IMHO teaching hand washing, common sense rules & general precaution should be enough.

I do believe that the feeling of isolation can be broken down if among others who have health problems as compared to a camp where everyone is "healthy". It depends on the child I suppose. If they feel like they need to relate to someone who has health issues (even if not necessarily CF) or if they feel out of place in a camp where everyone is healthy, then I would think that would guide you toward the one for the Pulmonary issues.

There are people with strong feelings on this, but when it comes down to it.....like everything else its what your family decides. Just take precautions no matter what & have good communication with the camp staff no matter which one & I think things will be fine.

I would ask your child was his thoughts are if any!
 

JazzysMom

New member
There are always risks when a camp of kids get together. A group of CFers would be at higher risk in general, but IMHO teaching hand washing, common sense rules & general precaution should be enough.

I do believe that the feeling of isolation can be broken down if among others who have health problems as compared to a camp where everyone is "healthy". It depends on the child I suppose. If they feel like they need to relate to someone who has health issues (even if not necessarily CF) or if they feel out of place in a camp where everyone is healthy, then I would think that would guide you toward the one for the Pulmonary issues.

There are people with strong feelings on this, but when it comes down to it.....like everything else its what your family decides. Just take precautions no matter what & have good communication with the camp staff no matter which one & I think things will be fine.

I would ask your child was his thoughts are if any!
 

JazzysMom

New member
There are always risks when a camp of kids get together. A group of CFers would be at higher risk in general, but IMHO teaching hand washing, common sense rules & general precaution should be enough.

I do believe that the feeling of isolation can be broken down if among others who have health problems as compared to a camp where everyone is "healthy". It depends on the child I suppose. If they feel like they need to relate to someone who has health issues (even if not necessarily CF) or if they feel out of place in a camp where everyone is healthy, then I would think that would guide you toward the one for the Pulmonary issues.

There are people with strong feelings on this, but when it comes down to it.....like everything else its what your family decides. Just take precautions no matter what & have good communication with the camp staff no matter which one & I think things will be fine.

I would ask your child was his thoughts are if any!
 

JazzysMom

New member
There are always risks when a camp of kids get together. A group of CFers would be at higher risk in general, but IMHO teaching hand washing, common sense rules & general precaution should be enough.
<br />
<br />I do believe that the feeling of isolation can be broken down if among others who have health problems as compared to a camp where everyone is "healthy". It depends on the child I suppose. If they feel like they need to relate to someone who has health issues (even if not necessarily CF) or if they feel out of place in a camp where everyone is healthy, then I would think that would guide you toward the one for the Pulmonary issues.
<br />
<br />There are people with strong feelings on this, but when it comes down to it.....like everything else its what your family decides. Just take precautions no matter what & have good communication with the camp staff no matter which one & I think things will be fine.
<br />
<br />I would ask your child was his thoughts are if any!
 
T

Terry

Guest
I am leery about the CF camp. In my confused opinion, it would be the best emotionally for the child. But the germ issue is scary. Marissa does most of her coughing while she is asleep. It would be impossible for her to sleep in a room with other people and not infect them if she started culturing something after the camp physical.

On the other hand I have read from other grown CFers about how their parents let them go to CF camp and it was the best experience in their life. It's another one of those coin toss issues.

Good Luck!

Terry
 
T

Terry

Guest
I am leery about the CF camp. In my confused opinion, it would be the best emotionally for the child. But the germ issue is scary. Marissa does most of her coughing while she is asleep. It would be impossible for her to sleep in a room with other people and not infect them if she started culturing something after the camp physical.

On the other hand I have read from other grown CFers about how their parents let them go to CF camp and it was the best experience in their life. It's another one of those coin toss issues.

Good Luck!

Terry
 
T

Terry

Guest
I am leery about the CF camp. In my confused opinion, it would be the best emotionally for the child. But the germ issue is scary. Marissa does most of her coughing while she is asleep. It would be impossible for her to sleep in a room with other people and not infect them if she started culturing something after the camp physical.

On the other hand I have read from other grown CFers about how their parents let them go to CF camp and it was the best experience in their life. It's another one of those coin toss issues.

Good Luck!

Terry
 
T

Terry

Guest
I am leery about the CF camp. In my confused opinion, it would be the best emotionally for the child. But the germ issue is scary. Marissa does most of her coughing while she is asleep. It would be impossible for her to sleep in a room with other people and not infect them if she started culturing something after the camp physical.

On the other hand I have read from other grown CFers about how their parents let them go to CF camp and it was the best experience in their life. It's another one of those coin toss issues.

Good Luck!

Terry
 
T

Terry

Guest
I am leery about the CF camp. In my confused opinion, it would be the best emotionally for the child. But the germ issue is scary. Marissa does most of her coughing while she is asleep. It would be impossible for her to sleep in a room with other people and not infect them if she started culturing something after the camp physical.
<br />
<br />On the other hand I have read from other grown CFers about how their parents let them go to CF camp and it was the best experience in their life. It's another one of those coin toss issues.
<br />
<br />Good Luck!
<br />
<br />Terry
<br />
<br />
 

NoExcuses

New member
i didn't hang around CFers when i was young and i don't think it affected me at all.

in fact, i think it helped me understand that i'm not defined by my CF. i went to camp with non-CFer's .... I didn't need to go to a special camp for others like me.

so i personally don't buy into the whole we need to be with others like us in order to feel good about ourselves. CF is only a small part of who I am....

oh yes, and the germ thing is not worth it either. you can't rely on kids, no matter how much you educate them, to have proper CF hygiene. Why risk a bug that could make her sicker for the rest of her life???? just doesn't make sense to me.

send her to a camp with kids who don't have CF. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

NoExcuses

New member
i didn't hang around CFers when i was young and i don't think it affected me at all.

in fact, i think it helped me understand that i'm not defined by my CF. i went to camp with non-CFer's .... I didn't need to go to a special camp for others like me.

so i personally don't buy into the whole we need to be with others like us in order to feel good about ourselves. CF is only a small part of who I am....

oh yes, and the germ thing is not worth it either. you can't rely on kids, no matter how much you educate them, to have proper CF hygiene. Why risk a bug that could make her sicker for the rest of her life???? just doesn't make sense to me.

send her to a camp with kids who don't have CF. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

NoExcuses

New member
i didn't hang around CFers when i was young and i don't think it affected me at all.

in fact, i think it helped me understand that i'm not defined by my CF. i went to camp with non-CFer's .... I didn't need to go to a special camp for others like me.

so i personally don't buy into the whole we need to be with others like us in order to feel good about ourselves. CF is only a small part of who I am....

oh yes, and the germ thing is not worth it either. you can't rely on kids, no matter how much you educate them, to have proper CF hygiene. Why risk a bug that could make her sicker for the rest of her life???? just doesn't make sense to me.

send her to a camp with kids who don't have CF. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

NoExcuses

New member
i didn't hang around CFers when i was young and i don't think it affected me at all.

in fact, i think it helped me understand that i'm not defined by my CF. i went to camp with non-CFer's .... I didn't need to go to a special camp for others like me.

so i personally don't buy into the whole we need to be with others like us in order to feel good about ourselves. CF is only a small part of who I am....

oh yes, and the germ thing is not worth it either. you can't rely on kids, no matter how much you educate them, to have proper CF hygiene. Why risk a bug that could make her sicker for the rest of her life???? just doesn't make sense to me.

send her to a camp with kids who don't have CF. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

NoExcuses

New member
i didn't hang around CFers when i was young and i don't think it affected me at all.
<br />
<br />in fact, i think it helped me understand that i'm not defined by my CF. i went to camp with non-CFer's .... I didn't need to go to a special camp for others like me.
<br />
<br />so i personally don't buy into the whole we need to be with others like us in order to feel good about ourselves. CF is only a small part of who I am....
<br />
<br />oh yes, and the germ thing is not worth it either. you can't rely on kids, no matter how much you educate them, to have proper CF hygiene. Why risk a bug that could make her sicker for the rest of her life???? just doesn't make sense to me.
<br />
<br />send her to a camp with kids who don't have CF. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
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