SPECIAL CAMPS FOR SPECIAL KIDS

In the U.S.A, summer camps for children with chronic illnesses are now very popular. The camps started in 1970s for children with long-term illnesses like cancer. Today, there are hundreds of camps for children with illnesses like asthma, diabetes or epilepsy. Parents are very happy about these camps. They say that these camps are a safe and enjoyable experience for their children. They say that their children don’t feel different in these camps because they are with other children like them. They feel like normal kids.

These camps are just like other camps for kids in the U.S.A. Campers take part in many outdoor activities. These activities are fishing, swimming, and team sports. Campers can also put on plays.

Andrew Frascella is twelve years old and he is at one of these camps. The camp is called “Camp Great Rock.” He says, “They have this zip-line there. It’s really high above the trees. You get strapped on and go flying.” This camp is for epileptic children. Sandra Cushner-Weinstein started this camp. It has a 24-hour team of doctors and nurses. They normally work at a hospital. They understand the children. Sometimes a child has an attack at the camp. Nurses and doctors explain what happens to the other children.

Parents think that their children are learning more about their illness. They also say that their children feel better about having the illness. The campers meet other children at the camps. These children also have the same health problem. This helps the children make friends easily. It also helps them feel less lonely.

Joe Frascella is Andrew’s father. He says that before the camp Andrew felt bad about his illness. He thought he was different than other kids and never wanted to be friends with them. Now Andrew feels better. He is a friendly person now. Joe says the camp helped Andrew a lot.

Weinstein and a team of scientists did a study. They tracked children who went to Camp Great Rock for three years. The study found the camps have positive effects on the children.