Allergies at camp

By Alexander
June 22, 2009

Dear Alexander,

(Q) The school year is about to finish and I’ll be going to a soccer camp during the summer where no one knows anything about my allergy to milk and eggs. My school teachers and classmates were so great with my food allergies, but now I have to start all over. I almost don’t want to say anything, but I know my parents will be sitting down to talk with the coach about what I can and can’t eat for snacks. Do I really have to tell the other kids in the camp?

(A) As you get older, it is harder to tell other people about your food allergy. However, this is the time that it is most important. Everyone is new at the camp, and everyone is getting to know one another. There will be food at camp, so you should find one or two friends whom you will be spending a lot of time with that you can talk to about food allergies. You don’t need to announce it to the world, but having a few people around you who know what foods you should avoid and how they can help if you have a reaction is a smart thing to do. You’ll be setting up a safe network of people, just like the one you have at school right now.

Remember, food allergies do not define who you are. They are just a small part of you that others need to know about so they can help you stay safe.

Good luck!

Your friend,

 Alexander

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchrionicle.com

Source: Faan Kids