We are particularly excited to let you know about a new program called Camp TAG – The Allergy Gang. For the three million children in the U.S. with food allergies, going to camp can be tricky, and some even miss out on this opportunity due to concerns about food. FAAN created a 5-day, half-day camp for kids ages 3-12 who have food allergies, and their siblings.
Camp TAG is a day camp where kids with food allergies can just be kids!
The camp is being held in three locations across the country this year, one of them being at the Sandy Spring Friends School in Sandy Springs, Maryland. From August 15 through August 19, kids will gather to enjoy games, arts and crafts, music, dance, and sports. We will also provide some education to the campers about food allergy management. Ultimately, the kids will get to know other kids with food allergies and understand that they are not alone.
Food allergies are often misinterpreted as a stomachache, or even a runny nose and itchy eyes, when, in fact, they are potentially life-threatening – the CDC reports that food allergies result in over 300,000 ambulatory-care visits a year among children – and there is no cure. The only way for the 12 million Americans with food allergies to prevent a reaction is to avoid their allergens altogether.
Our theme for FAAW this year is “Be a FAAN Hero.” We hope that you will take some time during the 2011 Food Allergy Awareness Week to learn how to help keep people with food allergies safe. Please visit our website at www.foodallergy.org or give us a call at 1-800-929-4040. And for more information about Camp TAG, including how to register, please visit www.foodallergyevents.org.
Jennifer Roeder is the director of marketing and media communications for FAAN.
Editor’s Note: Please check out our online exclusive Food Allergy Resources (see related link above) for more information and pick up a copy of the June issue to read Forbidden Fruits: Handling Food Allergies in Children both written by Deborah R. Huso.
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