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Hello From The Crohn's Side, Camp Oasis Question

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Posted 3/25/2008 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
Has anyone ever volunteered of help with one of these? It seemed like something neat to be able to help out with. I signed up yesterday to be a volunteer at the Fenton MI, camp this coming July and have not heard anything yet. Thought I'd ask around and see if anyone has any experiences wiith attending or volunteering at one.  

~Jason

Posted 3/26/2008 1:54 AM (GMT 0)
I haven't but I used to take Girl Scouts camping at a local WYCA camp here in Mich. It was a lot of fun hanging out with the kids so I imagine that it would be extra fun in Camp Oasis. And what is better is to have a volunteer that can also mentor the children by sharing your experiences. I think it's awesome that you are taking the time to do this :)
Posted 3/26/2008 4:56 AM (GMT 0)
Last summer I volunteered at Camp Oasis in Dallas.  It was a lot of fun and a good experience.  I have friends that had been campers and then became volunteer counselors after they were too old to be campers.  I thought it was awesome interacting with counselors/campers alike that had Crohn's/Colitis.  Even though Crohn's/Colitis wasn't always talked about you felt a special common bond w/ everyone there.  If anyone has the opportunity to do this I definately think they should. 

As far as the camp experience itself...It was a pretty typical camp-like experience.  They had different activities planned for the campers (arts/crafts, horses, ropes course, swimming, etc.).  Most of the campers seemed to enjoyed it and a lot of them had been going to camp for several years and look forward to going back every year.  It was a little awkward at first b/c it seemed like a lot of the campers/counselors knew each other.  Once I was able to get to know people it was fine & I had a lot of fun!

Good luck & hope it all goes well!

Jennifer

Posted 3/26/2008 5:07 AM (GMT 0)
I've worked at a camp for kids with congenital (born with) and lifelong illnesses. Some kids have IBD. I only discovered that last summer, I wish I had known earlier....
Been there for 5 summers summers so far and love it. It's regular camp and then some. They go out of their way to give the kids a magical, loving and exciting summer. There are an inordinate amount of activities and shows for the kids, they feel like normal campers. The greatest part is that they are in a place with so any other kids with similar struggles and this helps them feel so much more 'accepted' and not 'different' as most feel during the year.
Having this def. helps you relate to the kids and you're essentially in the position of a role-model and mentor. That's a great opportunity to make a positive difference in a child's life. I def. encourage anyone with the ability to do something like this.
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