Summer Camp: A Safe Bet

Camp is a positive experience for the whole family. It’s fun for the kids, and moms get a break. By the time my sons were old enough to go to camp, I was emotionally ready. In fact, I thought, “A whole week without infusing? Please, take them!” It was their vacation and my vacation from doing factor. It gets tiresome doing factor and even more tiresome arguing with my boys when they don’t want to do it.

Of course, they don’t argue with anyone at the camp about doing factor! Most kids tend to behave better for everyone else than they do for their parents. If I had to send them to a camp where the staff didn’t know about bleeding disorders, they wouldn’t even be going. But their camp is run by a nonprofit organization and staffed with nurses from the hemophilia treatment center (HTC). An HTC nurse is at the camp at all times.

In fact, Adam was a little skeptical at first about going to camp, but he felt better knowing that the nurse from our treatment center was going to be there. Adam is comfortable with her. My sons also complained that they wouldn’t know any of the other kids at the camp. But they made some real connections with the other kids and now look forward to seeing them every year. As for safety, it’s a non-issue. I never worry when the boys go to hemophilia camp. In all the years they’ve gone to camp, I’ve never gotten a phone call. (If the boys had a bleed, they were treated right there, by the same people I'd take them to if it happened at home.)

If you’re a mom who’s considering sending your son to a hemophilia camp, I suggest asking about the activities they have at the camp. I’d also find out if they have older camp counselors with bleeding disorders and what kind of educational programs they offer, because I think camp should be a learning experience as well.

Bottom line, I think camp is a great experience. I’ve never once worried about the boys’ safety and they have had some really fun times there.

Are you interested in learning more about hemophilia camps in the US?

Do you have a child who might benefit from attending a hemophilia summer camp, or a teenager who might be interested in being a counselor? If so, contact your local chapter or HTC to find out if they sponsor a summer camp or can recommend one in your area. You can also visit the National Hemophilia Foundation’s Web site for a directory of summer camps for children with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.