CCFA Camp Oasis anyone?

[AntsMommy]

Just curious if anyone's child has ever participated in the summer camp for children/teens with IBD? The NY camp is only about an hour away from us and Anthony really wants to go and meet other kids with CD. I think it is great and I really hope he gets selected to go! We did the online application tonight.

TIA!

 

[Lisa]

I've never even heard of it.....interesting!

 

[Dexky]

Kelly, we have a camp near us called Camp Courageous. They have separate weeks for children with several conditions. They don't however have a crohns/UC week but EJ's liver condition qualified him. I think he would prefer to be around other kids with crohns but he absolutely loved the camp and is going again this summer. He has been to church camps and conservation camp on Kentucky Lake but this is the one he wants to go back to. I'm sure Ant will love having the opportunity to meet kids with similar problems. Good luck with the application!!

 

[DustyKat]

Sounds great Kelly and it's fab that Ant is keen to go! Good luck with the application, I'll have my fingers and toes crossed..............

:goodluck::goodluck::goodluck:

Dusty.

 

[AZMOM]

Kelly - He will love it! Claire went to Camp Cruz (Arthritis Foundation) camp in AZ last summer and had the greatest time. We also did a weekend as a family that was terrific. This summer she'll go to Camp Courageous Kids (Dexky mentioned that) - arthritis week.

Just like we love this forum, it's good for our kids to know they aren't alone either!

Hugs,

 

[My Butt Hurts]

Here's an old thread from one of our members who has been to Camp Oasis.
I think she was a high school junior or senior at the time.
http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=6378&highlight=camp

 

[dreamintwilight]

I think Camp Oasis is a great idea! I actually was interested in being a counselor at a camp like this, but it sounded like counselors are usually selected from previous camp-goers.

So, guess I won't be doing it, haha. I was a counselor at a leadership camp in high school and it was so rewarding and fulfilling to be a part of something like that. I hope he gets to go!

 

[AntsMommy]

Thank you all for the replies! He is really excited and I really hope he gets selected. This could make a tremendous difference in dealing with his CD. I think meeting other kids just like him would be wonderful.

Online app is submitted, giving GIs there part to fill out today. Fingers crossed!

 

[Jenn]

Found this old thread in a search and wondering about other kids' expericences with going to camp?

Alex heads off to CCFA Camp Oasis Painted Turtle, north of L.A. tomorrow for 5 days on his own for the first time. I'm sure he'll have a great time - despite the video game withdrawals! Still a nervous mom tho!

 

[crazycanuck]

Well he is likely to meet my Aunt there. I'm fairly sure she is volunteering there again this year. Also if he is really lucky Pearl Jam does a private concert there every few years as the lead guitarist has Crohn's. It's by her accounts extremely well done and when school is done I'll be volunteering next year in Washington.

 

[Twiggy930]

Yay for camp!!!!!!!!!! I hope Alex has a great time! I LOVED camp as a kid. My kids remain skeptical and now, with Crohn's thrown in the mix, I fear that I will never get my son to agree to go... Please let us know how it goes.

 

[DustyKat]

I hope Alex has a magical time at camp! Bless him...

Ah heck, we will all be nervous right along with you Jenn!

@crazy...wow! and good on you for volunteering! :thumleft:

Dusty. xxx

 

[AZMOM]

Claire's at camp right now and LOVES camp. . She's at a "medically fragile" kids camp but the kids' diagnoses are mixed. I know Alex will love it.

J.

 

[Jenn]

There's no contact, but I'll call the counselor and check on how things are going. Don't pick him up til Wed.... hum-dee-doo. ... I do have a list of their activities and it looks so fun - horses, fishing, rope course, archery, pool, (Shamu shaped donated by Sea World), basketball gym (donated by Lakers). What a great opportunity!

 

[Jmrogers4]

My son went for his 3rd year at Camp Oasis in Washington, he would not miss it for anything. It amazes me everytime he comes back from camp how much more confident and in control of his Crohns he is. If his GI is talking about a new medicine/procedure you can bet he has talked or knows someone at camp that is on it/has had it done.
The friends he has made are a huge support group for him and they stay in contact throughout the year, he does not know anyone else in town his age with Crohn's. They seem to talk a lot more when one of them is going through a flare, changing medicines, etc since in their words "No one else can really understand how I feel"

Jenn,
Jack has several friends at camp that went to Painted Turtle and absolutely loved it, only reason they are going to Camp Oasis now is they moved.

Jack chooses camp over any other activity, he had to choose between playing on the All Stars baseball team or going to camp and he chose camp. We have to plan family vacations so it does not interfere with camp.

Sorry this is so long but I just can't say enough about what a positive experience camp is. He is actually looking forward to becoming an LIT (leader-in-training) for camp when he is a junior and senior in high school.

 

[Farmwife]

:thumright:Wow, that sounds great.:thumleft:
Memories from camp last a life time.
Trust me their's a couple of them I try to forget.:ybiggrin:
What happens at camp, stays at camp.:shifty-t: Thank GOD!!!!:biggrin:


Farmwife

 

[kimmidwife]

We looked into camp oasis for Caitlyn but she ended at a a place called camp simcha special. It is for kids with any illness except cancer (they have a separate one for kids with cancer). She was there for two weeks and had the most amazing time ever. I think it was really good for her to see that many kids suffer with many different things and that she is not alone.

 

[Jenn]

Got Alex back yesterday and he had an amazing time. So much fun, he wants to return next year! I really missed him, but it was a good break for me from all the responsibility, I haven't had for years. They gave us a video photo montage and it really moved me to see the kids with so much joy and happiness and silliness. What an amazing opportunity for them to take a small break from their serious lives. If you get the chance, jump on it!

 

[kimmidwife]

So happy to hear he had a great time!