Kids with kidney problems are just like any other kids save for the fact that they suffer from kidney dysfunction like enlarged kidneys, narrowing of urethra, cysts, stones, infection, inflammation, etc. Blame it on birth defects, acute hypertension or diet, most chronic kidney diseases in kids, are however, treatable. Timely doctor invention, treatments and care can ensure that your child too lives a normal childhood.
It’s no fun to be sick, no matter the cause. But the good news for kids with kidney problems is that they too can live a normal childhood and go to Summer camps and have all the fun under the sun, learning new skills and overcoming new challenges. And guess what, most of the summer camps offer their programs for free.
One such camp is the Northwest Kidney Kids which is offering a flagship program, ‘Teen and Family Kidney Camp’ to kids with chronic kidney disease (either on dialysis or with a transplant) and their family members.
This no-cost retreat for children will be held at the Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center in Turner, Oregon in August 2014.
If you are worried about your kid being left all by himself in a summer camp, know that the Kidney Camp experience offers a safe environment for children, teens and families to come and participate in educational activities. Not just that, it also hosts various programs for parent enrichment, emotional support, camaraderie and networking.
What more, in this camp, the participants are given important information to help them manage all challenges associated with kidney disease. Besides getting professionals help and support, the children and parents bond with other families with similar issues and develop friendships that extend beyond Camp.
The foremost benefits of Kidney Camp is to encourage campers to see life beyond their disease, at the same time help them deal with their emotional issues and empower them to achieve lifelong success.
The camper ratio at Kidney Camp is 20 teens at Teen Camp; 50 children with kidney disease; and 100 family members (parents and siblings). The Camp will have 200 members, including counselors, volunteers and medical staff.
If you are keen to attend the Kidney Camp, please e-mail Erica at program@nwkidneykids.org
Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
26 million American adults have CKD and millions of others are at increased risk.
Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure.
Heart disease is the major cause of death for all people with CKD.
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best estimate of kidney function.
Hypertension causes CKD and CKD causes hypertension.
Persistent proteinuria (protein in the urine) means CKD is present.
High risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension and family history of kidney failure.
African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, American Indians and Seniors are at increased risk.
Three simple tests can detect CKD: blood pressure, urine albumin and serum creatinine.
National Kidney Foundation too organizes camps for children with chronic kidney disease. Campnavigator’s Special Needs summer camp advisory team says “Summer Camp provides children with chronic kidney disease the opportunity to enjoy an exciting summer camp adventure complete with the great outdoors, campfires, sing-a-longs, water activities and new friends! Each year more children participate in the Kids’ Camp experience.” CampNavigator, an online summer camp information portal lists multiple special needs camps empowering parents to explore summer activities for their gifted children and Campnavigator.com team invites children to join special needs camps this summer for an unforgettable adventure.
Do you need help in identifying perfect specail needs camp for your child feel free to reach info@campnavigator.com or call 1-855-campnavigator ( 1-855-226-7628)
