Children’s Medical Center (www.childrens.com) will hold its second annual Food Allergy Camp from August 6-10 at Camp Sweeney in Gainesville. The groundbreaking program, one of the first in the nation, had a successful 2011 debut.
This year Children’s is giving 53 kids with food allergies the real camp experience in a safe environment. With only 15 spaces left to fill, applications for children ages 7-15 are due June 11. The cost to attend is $500 per child.
A registered dietitian from the Children’s Food Allergy Center will create menus individually tailored for each camper’s needs. The top eight allergens — milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanut, tree nuts, fish and shellfish — will be completely avoided. Kids will have safe meals along with two snacks provided each day.
“I’m having so much fun that I don’t even miss my family,” said Caitlyn Nguyen, 8, at last year’s camp. Nguyen is allergic to wheat, oak, barley, rye, eggs and milk.
Camp Sweeney counselors and Children’s professionals will staff the event. The counselors have been trained through UT Southwestern Medical Center and have received extensive education through Children’s Food Allergy Nutrition Program. They are all certified lifeguards and qualified in CPR and first aid.
A nurse practitioner, registered nurse and dietitian in the food allergy field will accompany Dr. Andrew Bird, clinical director of the Food Allergy Center at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, and Elizabeth Chapman, director of Ambulatory Services. Dr. Bird is also an assistant professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Allergy and Immunology at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
“Knowing that our son was safe while eating, and in good hands while having the time of his life was indescribable,” said the parents of a 2011 camper.
With the rise of food allergies in children, The Food Allergy Center at Children’s works towards finding a cure and improving the quality of life for the children and families dealing with food allergies.
Children interested in attending the camp may download an application online at http://www.childrens.com/specialties/food-allergy-center/events/. The application link is located on the right side of the page. Completed applications and payments should be mailed to Caroline Nixon, Food Allergy Department, Children’s Medical Center, 1935 Medical District Drive, F6.04, Dallas, TX 75235. Completed applications also may be scanned and emailed to foodallergy@childrens.com or caroline.nixon@childrens.com.
