Despite the fridgit temperatures outside (or maybe because of them) I am thinking of the coming summer months.  In particular I am weighting the merits of sending my son to summer camp.  My son is almost ten and desperately wants to go to overnight summer camp in the deep woods of Canada.

Summer camp has been a source of great joy and growth for my older children.  It seemed as though they would live the entire year in anticipation of summer camp.  The friends, the physical challenges, and the personal accomplishments all make for very sweet and lasting childhood memories.  This year my daughter will be portaging through the vastness of Algonquin Park  while she completes her Leader in Training program through the summer camp that she loves.   My husband and I offered a summer cruise through the Mediterranean, but fine cuisine and room service could not compete with the sense of adventure and personal pride that she derives from her camp experiences.  The kids said no to cruising and continued to beg for summer camp. 

I know how badly my son wants to go, and to be fair his sisters were at summer camp well before they turned ten.  My reluctance is that my son has an anaphylatic reaction to venom insects; wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets.   I know he will benefit from the responsibilities and independance that this camp fosters.   I know he will make many friends and share many laughs, but how do I quell my own fears for his safety?  Thankfully he will have his Moxie Pouch (equipped with two injectors) with him at all times.  Nonetheless I worry. 

I discussed my concerns with the camp director who very honestly stated that they have had emergencies that were dealt with successfully.  He stressed that there is a risk and I appreciated his honestly.  He promised that the counselors will all be trained to administer the Epipen(s) if needed.  Here are the points that help to make this a little more palatable;

1.  He will carry his Epipen(s) with him at all times inside his Moxie Pouch.
2. Campers are never left alone.  At least two and likely three counsellers are with each cabin of eight campers at all times.
3. The camp has emergency plans in place in terms of dealing with a reaction and contacting the ambulance.
4. He will have Benadryl with him as well. 
5. He and his camp counselors know how to administer the Epipen as well.

My son has rightly told me that I cannot wrap him in bubble wrap.  (Although, I think that is an excellent idea!)  :) 

I would be interested in the thoughts of other parents who have dealt with issue or who are thinking about it.  Any further suggestions, opinions or comments would be greatly appreciated. 

I will send my son to camp.  He and the camp will be cognizant of the risks and the action plans.  And I have no doubt that he will come home safely and thank me for the time of his life.  I also have no doubt that I will not sleep well until he is home safely again.  Such is the life of a mom.

By: John Stewart August 21, 2007 12:12 PM - Most Canadians who could die from a severe allergic reaction do not carry with them medication that could save their lives, a survey by a Mississauga pharmaceutical company has found.
The survey of 1,502 Canadians released today was commissioned by King Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with Anaphylaxis Canada. It shows that only one-in-five Canadians at risk for an anaphylactic attack remember to carry an epinephrine auto-injector (better known by the brand name Epipen)‚ with them at all times.
An injection of epinephrine is the definitive treatment for someone experiencing an anaphylactic attack, which can be fatal in minutes if untreated.
The survey, done by Leger Marketing OmniCan, found Canadians know little about how to treat allergic reactions, which can be triggered in some people by something as simple as a bee sting or taking a bite of something which contains nuts.
Ninety-seven per cent of Canadians know that such incidents can be fatal but just 45 per cent know that immediate administration of medicine through the pen, which is injected into the thigh, is the best treatment.
“The results of this survey emphasize the need to educate Canadians about life-threatening allergies and how we can all work together as a community to protect the safety of people who are at risk,” says Laurie Harada, executive director of Anaphylaxis Canada.
“Since it is often difficult for people to avoid exposure to different allergens, it is important to make sure that an allergic person’s family, friends, and teachers are educated about their allergies. These people should be ready to assist in the event of an emergency.”
One to two per cent of Canadians, or about 600,000 people, are at risk because of common triggers such as food, exercise, drugs, insect stings and latex.
People experiencing anaphylaxis should use an epinephrine auto-injector at the earliest signs of reaction and then call 911 or be taken to an emergency room.
Other results of the survey found that: 60 per cent of Canadians support a peanut ban in schools and child care centres, but only 27 percent support a peanut ban in all public places; seven out of 10 Canadians agree that restaurants and cafeterias should be required to list all ingredients on their menu products, even if it costs diners more; and, 50 per cent of respondents think the food industry is doing a good job of  declaring dangerous allergens on package labels.
King Pharmaceuticals maintains its Canadian head office on Argentia Rd. in Meadowvale.

Do you have helpful advice for other families coping with allegies in the home?