Re: emo changes & Camp Barnabas(MizKit)

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Thanks for your reply to my post. Sorry for the delay in my own reply. It was great to hear that you work at a similar camp. I think you are right about maybe developing long term relationships while there. I wasn't really thinking about long term friendships. But, I can see where meeting other kids his age with similar health issues could really foster long term friendships. I think a lot of the fears my husband and I had are our own fears. Most people I have spoke to regarding camp agree with you. As an adult I have far more knowledge and understanding of his health issues than he does. I can easily find info and support when I need them. I can only imagine how he feels only having a nine year old's perspective of the situation. It is up to his father and I to make these opportunities for

support available to him. I think if his older brother went to the camp's sibling program is would help him and (me) out a lot. Thanks.

in MO.

son, Nick(9) liver disease 09

Subject: Re: emotional changes & Camp BarnabasTo: Date: Monday, March 30, 2009, 12:03 PM

I work at a camp for kids with physical disabilities every summer and the kids there always say that camp is the only place where they feel NORMAL. Every camper has issues of some sort and the focus is on what they can do, and to find a way for them to participate in every activity they are interested in. The kids do not feel self-conscious about needing help to move around or having to take meds or any other medical issues. When they talk about their problems they all have a common frame of reference, so they understand what each other is going through. Kids need that kind of support just like everyone else. A good camp will give your child new experiences, new skills, new friends, an a new way to look at their illness. With the internet many kids develop active friendships that expand their lives. Nick can learn that being "sick" does not define who he is.

One other benefit is the rest of the family can have a break from being caretakers. Other children can enjoy more attention from their parents, and parents can plan activities that might be too stressful for the challenged child, or have some time to just relax. If your son wants to try it, I say-Go For It!Take CareMizKit emotional changes & Camp Barnabas

Hello everyone,

I have a question for you all. My son, Nick, 9years old who struggled with symptoms and problems since last fall was diagnosed with liver disease in 1/09. Since this time he has changed. He was not a strong student at the beginning of the year, but since the illness and missing school he has lost confidence in his ability. His teacher is great, and just conferenced again with us about these issues. He is moody, overly emotional, tears up but does not cry often, and is doing poorly in school. He has a best friend who is a great little buddy. They hang out a lot. But he is obviously having a bit of emotional changes.

Anyway, his teacher mentioned Camp Barnabas here in MO. Summer camp with different weeks geared towards kids with different issues. They make summer camp available to kids who would not be able to go to other summers camps without special modifications being made. They are on line and have a week for kids with chronic illness in July. They also have a siblings program that our older son who is 14 could go to. Siblings have some interaction, but not all the time. Scholarship possibilities also available.

The problem is when I spoke to my husband about the camp he thought I was jumping the gun. He thought maybe Nick would go and see all the other sick kids and suddenly label himself as "sick" or think he is as bad off as some of the others might be. I was thinking this would show Nick that there are a lot of kids out with health issues just like him, and show him how they can, and want to get out, and try hard, and have fun to. I thought it would be fun for him to get out and do some things that he might otherwise be able to do this summer b/c of his enlarged spleen and such.

I haven't even mentioned it to the kids, and my husband hasn't had a chance to look at the web site yet, but I was wanting to get some other opinions about this. Anyone have thoughts or experiences with this issue or Camp Barnabas?

Thanks so much,

in MO.

son, Nick (9) liver disease 09

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