difficult child 1's Camp Counselor called last night...

[gcvmom]

and at first we were really worried, 'cuz ya know, we have a difficult child and any call from camp can't possibly be a good one.

Well, turns out, all the boys in his cabin were wanting to get their heads shaved into mohawks last night, so the counselors were calling all the parents to get permission.

Boy, was I relieved!

We gave a whole-hearted yes to the new haircut. Afterall, it's summer and it's only hair. It will grow back before school starts.

I just hope he remembers to take a picture!

 

[Shari]

OMG that's wonderful.

WHERE did you find a camp like that??? With people open minded enuf to btoher calling parent before blurting out "NO!".

You'll have to share that photo.

 

[gcvmom]

Shari, this is a camp for kids with serious medical problems -- it's part of the Paul Newman Hole-in-the-Wall camps. The one near us serves a variety of different groups, including Crohn's & Colitis, which is why my difficult child qualifies. At this particular facility, they work very hard to help these kids forget that they have any kind medical issue. In other words, they let them be kids, and in a very safe, structured, fun and loving environment.

We are very fortunate to have found this camp. It is staffed 24/7 by nurses and at least one specialist M.D. The counselors go through rigorous training, including psycho/social needs of the kids. And since they don't charge families a dime to send their kid to the camp, we don't hesitate to fundraise for it when we can.

I know difficult child is having a good time.

 

[Shari]

That's so awesome! Most camps would look at your kid like they were two-headed, shout "NO" and let WWIII begin....

I'm impressed.

 

[susiestar]

How wonderful!! This last year Wiz has had some of the most bizarre hair around. It is naturally wavy and gets big like a mushroom if it isn't trimmed. Of course he isn't getting it trimmed much (we are stockpiling photos to show HIS kids!). He just has lots of wild colors put in.

This is the first time I have heard a review of the hole in the wall camps from the camper side of things. It is nice to know that it is what it is advertised to be (and more from the sounds of it!). My kids ahve always picked it as a charity to support, and having feedback that does not come from the program itself is great to hear.

 

[CrazyinVA]

gvc, my Oldest went to Crohn's camp (through CCFA) when she was younger.. it's an amazing place isn't it ?! I'm so glad your difficult child got that opportunity.

 

[gcvmom]

Shari, Susie, yes it is an amazing place! I'm delighted to hear that Wiz and your family have supported this charity before. It is very much a worthy cause, in my opinion.

Crazy, this particular session at this camp is also sponsored by our local CCFA chapter. They bring kids from all over the western US, including Hawaii, for each of the two sessions that camp is held. There are about 120 kids hosted each week. I'm glad your difficult child also got to experience this kind of camp -- it is so important for many of these kids who spend so much of their time feeling crummy to be able to have fun and just be a kid for a change and not have to worry about people thinking they are weird for having to take so many medications, or only eat certain foods, or spend so much time in the bathroom, or miss so much school because of their illness. They get to forget about all that for a few days.

I wish there were more camps like this for kids with difficult child-type issues. I'm hopeful that the one difficult child 2 is at this week turns out to be HIS version of this kind of camp!

 

[DammitJanet]

Im glad difficult child is having fun. Over here we have the Petty Camp, Victory Junction, which is for chronically ill kids. It was founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam who died at New Hampshire Raceway. Gosh I will never forget that day. They actually got the idea after doing a motorcycle ride to raise for funds for a Hole in the Wall camp. Oh...in case you dont know, the Petty's are Richard Petty! As in the King of Racing...lol.

 

[Wiped Out]

I'm glad camp is going well! Would love to see those mohawk pictures!