It’s summer camp season, especially for kids with a bleeding disorder! Attending summer camp is an excellent way for your child to engage in physical activities that appeal to him in a supervised setting designed for children with bleeding disorders.

At camp, your child will develop physical skill and build his self-esteem. Summer camp offers something that’s hard for parents to provide at home: a chance to fly away from under your protective wing. For no matter how you try to grant your child freedom, your shadow is everywhere in his young life, and your relationship with him is probably intense. Being on their own, without parents to please or look up to, is a step toward
maturity that most kids welcome.

How do you know if your child is ready for camp? Watch how he handles sleepovers. Is he homesick after only a few hours? Is he comfortable staying all night? Has he stayed with friends and neighbors as well as close relatives? If he handles sleepovers comfortably, he might be ready to try a bigger adventure.

Selecting a Camp
All hemophilia summer camps are not created equal. They have similarities and differences. Here’s how they are alike:

• At a minimum, each camp is staffed with a nurse (usually an HTC nurse). Most have a social worker, physical therapist, and doctor on staff. Some have several nurses and doctors on staff with a fully outfitted medical clinic.
• There are daily medical checks and infusions for injuries.
• Most camps teach self-infusion—perhaps a good reason to send your child to camp.

Here’s how they differ:

• Some camps are mixed, enrolling children with bleeding disorders and children with other blood disorders or disabilities.
• Some are only for children with bleeding disorders.
• Some are for both boys and girls.
• Some allow families to stay, and some allow only siblings.
• Most are for specific age groups.
• Some provide extensive training for counselors, while others rely on untrained volunteers.
  Each camp has its own philosophy. They all offer different activities.

Consider the following list before deciding on a camp for your child. If one camp doesn’t meet your expectations, use these questions to find a camp that does:

• How long does camp last?
• Is camp only for children with bleeding disorders?
• Are there any costs?
• How is infusion taught?
• Which age groups will attend?
• Are families allowed to attend? Siblings?
• What training do counselors receive? Do they have bleeding disorders?
• Are there special events, like overnight camping, river rafting, or talent shows?
• How is discipline handled? What rules are children expected to follow?
• How is homesickness handled? Can my child call home, or is this discouraged?
• What is the camp philosophy? Is there a religious, ethnic, or regional theme?
• What is the ratio of counselor to campers? Suggested ratios are 1:6
  (one counselor to six campers) for ages 6 to 8; 1:8 for ages 9 to 14; 1:10
  for ages 15 to 17.
• Who are the counselors? What is their training?
• Who are the medical staff? Can I meet them personally?
• What menu is offered? Can the camp accommodate special dietary needs?
• Which activities are offered?
• What are the protocols for medical emergencies?

Typical camp activities include archery, swimming, boating, canoeing, volleyball, board games, ping-pong, tennis, tower climbs, hikes, nature walks, woodworking, crafts, and scavenger hunts. Some camps o er rappelling, ropes courses, whitewater rafting, and horseback riding. If your child is interested in a particular activity, find out if the camp offers it. If possible, visit the camp to get a feel for where your child
will stay.

Camp is a big step: exciting, fun, and can make enormous positive changes in your child’s life!