The summer is gearing up, and camps have already begun! For some Cook Children’s patients, the joys and anticipation of camp are dancing through their minds. Camp is nothing short of magical. There is something so fulfilling about stepping out of your normal day-to-day life and stepping into a space filled with encouragement, joy and challenges that make you feel like you are literally on top of the world. New friendships are created, fears are overcome and new discoveries are made – about self, others, and the world.

For patients at Cook Children’s, a week at summer camp can feel impossible given physical, medical and emotional challenges. For the parents and caregivers of these patients, fear takes over at the thought of every possible bad scenario. This is where Camps for Kids at Cook Children’s takes the wheel. Camps for Kids exists to provide a camp experience for children that are not able to participate in a traditional camp due to physical and medical needs.

Cook Children’s has offered camps to patients since 1981 and partners with camps around Texas to host a week or weekend. Currently camps are held at Camp John Marc, Camp Carter, Camp for All, Camp Mak-A-Dream and Camp El Tesoro. Camp Sanguinity was the first camp offered in the summer of 1981 to children with cancer and their siblings. In 1995, more camps were added to the summer line up. Camps for Kids was established in 2001 as an official camp program to support more diagnoses and populations. 

Today, Cook Children’s Camps for Kids offers 14 week long summer camps and 15 weekend camps throughout the year. These camps serve many different populations of patients which requires a large number of medical staff and volunteers to ensure that each camper is safe and has the best experience possible. Teams from all over the medical center and across multiple departments come together to direct and staff camps. Many Cook Children's team members use their own time to volunteer at camps throughout the year. It is a beautiful collaboration of many different parts of the Cook Children’s community coming together to serve.

Summer Camps include:

• Camp Reynal – Kids with kidney disease
• Camp Mak-A-Dream – Young adults with cancer
• Camp Discovery (day camp) – Kids with ADHD
• Camp TLC – Kids with spina bifida
• Camp Oasis – Kids with Chron’s and colitis
• Camp MDA – Kids with muscular dystrophy
• Camp Moss – Kids with heart disease
• Camp Lancelot – Kids with Type 1 diabetes
• Camp Sanguinity – Kids with cancer and their siblings
• Camp Jubilee – Kids with sickle cell anemia
• Camp Spark (day camp) – Kids with epilepsy
• Camp Ailihpomeh – Kids with hemophilia
• Camp Hope – Kids with HIV
• Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro (Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro de la Vida) – Kids who have experienced the death of a loved one

Many of the weekend camps are family camps which provides another level of support to patients, siblings and family unit. Having the opportunity to process and learn together while also experiencing the magic of camp and activities alongside one another strengthens these patients and families.

Weekend Camps include:

• Camp ID – Families from Infections Disease clinic
• Camp O’Hana – Families of cancer survivors
• Camp Courage – Teen sibling camp
• Camp Strong – Families from Cook Children's rehabilitation unit
• Camp Believe – Teens with bladder exstrophy
• Camp Renal – Teens with kidney disease
• Camp Rheumies – Teens with a rheumatology diagnosis
• Camp RISE – Families who have experienced a trauma
• Camp Morning Star – Families who have lost a child
• Camp NOW – Families from neuro/oncology
• Camp Rise – Teens with Type 1 diabetes
• Camp E.E.G – Family with a child who has epilepsy
• Camp LIGHT – Teens with cancer
• Camp Star – Teens from rehabilitation unit
• Camp Tecumseh – Families of patients with HIV

What Makes Camp Special

 “Camp is important for kids for so many reasons," says Katie Campbell, CCLS, Camps for Kids Coordinator. "There are the universal reasons like the opportunity to be exposed to new things, learn new skills, develop their independence, and build new friendships. What makes Camps for Kids special is that it provides kids with an opportunity to attend camp that may not qualify for other camps because of their medical needs. Camps for Kids allows kids to attend camp and meet other kids who have similar diagnosis or shared experiences. The community that is created around those shared experiences provides perspective for campers and adults involved and decreases the amount of isolation kids feel based upon their diagnosis. Meeting someone else who also gets chemotherapy, had to have heart surgery, needs insulin, or has a brother or sister who has to go to the hospital for a long time is powerful. Camps for Kids has been able to grow the weekend family camp program over the last ten years and the opportunities to create community and provide support to one another has been healing for entire families as well.”

Jessica Russell, CCLS shares a few thoughts from campers: “One of our campers was excited that she met someone else who had similar medical experiences as her. She said, ‘She’s basically just like me!’ Another camper shared that she feels like camp is a second home.”

Kimberly Sheehan, RN is a former Emergency Department nurse and long-time camp volunteer. For 10 years she has been volunteering at Camp El Tesoro De La Vida for children who have experienced the death of a loved one. She is also a Warm Place volunteer and helps facilitate a sibling grief group every other week. She sees the differences between regular group therapy and a week at camp. She shares how quickly the children at camp connect on the first day. They are asked to stand up with their peers depending on the loved one that they have lost – father, mother, brother, sister, grandparent. This is how they start their week. Sheehan says that they initially look incredibly sad and then look around and realize that all the people standing with them know exactly how they feel. She said this is the moment when conversations begin between campers about their losses. “These kids have been given a safe place where they get to talk about all the feelings they have associated with losing a loved one. The uniqueness of camp is that they are living in a cabin with kids their age who l know exactly how it feels to lose someone and they are forced to live together all week and navigate their emotions together,” says Sheehan. She says a week at camp changes how they show up to group therapy. They are more willing to process and talk after a week at camp.

Sheehan goes on to explain one of the most profound aspects of camp. “This camp is so different because these kids are so open in therapy time during camp. They may be crying because they verbalized something out loud that they have never been given the opportunity to say before, but then an hour later, they are playing in the pool or doing archery. It gives them the opportunity to feel all the big emotions and sit with those emotions for a little bit of time while also realizing these feelings are not permanent and they can recover. I truly think that makes them realize they can feel big emotions and still go about their day/life.” The same is true for kids with a medical diagnosis. They realize that they can face the challenge of their diagnosis while still climbing the rock wall all the way to the top!

From soaring through the air on zip-line to swimming for the first time ever to catching their first fish, patients experience the thrill of being brave and capable outside of medical treatments or grief. They get to experience joy alongside their bravery. From stargazing under the Texas sky to creating a stunning piece of art, campers get a moment to process their challenges and fears. Sitting around a dining table with new friends who have shared the same hard as each other is empowering and comforting. The work of camp goes beyond a week or a weekend. It is a life-changing and life-giving experience.

A child life specialist with Camp Morning Star, a camp for families that have lost a child, shared a powerful story. She shared of a family that experienced huge challenges following the death of one of their children. One sibling was struggling with their own new medical diagnosis and had retreated into a very dark space. Their pain was apparent in all aspects of their life. At the end of a weekend together at Camp Morning Star, the sibling’s mom shared that the weekend together was the first time she had seen her child’s old self begin to resurface, and she was so grateful. During this same time of sharing, another mom shared that she also had lost a sibling at a young age and had a period of darkness in her life. She took the opportunity to encourage this mom to remain present for her child. This is the beauty of camp. Nothing compares to families coming together, getting to know one another over a weekend, and then encouraging and supporting one another through their challenges.

"Cook Children's at its best"

Camps for Kids continues to grow and offer more camps and opportunities to Cook Children’s patients and families. “I know that I am biased, but I believe that Camps for Kids is a shining example of Cook Children’s at its best. The amount of partnership it takes to provide a high-quality program takes commitment and engagement from the entire multidisciplinary team- doctors, nurses, advance practice providers, child life specialist, chaplains, respiratory therapist, physical therapist, clinical therapist, pharmacists, nurse educators, social workers, creative artists, facility dogs, and volunteers. Experiencing the teamwork is impressive and only strengthens the relationship the teams have with one another within the medical center,” says Campbell.

Camp is truly remarkable. It is a magical time when all things feel right in the world and weight is lifted off of hearts and souls. New friendships. New healing. New experiences. Camps for Kids allows children to be present in the reality of their life while realizing that their reality doesn’t have to limit their fun or their reality of also being a kid! Campbell states, “Camp makes a difference for everyone involved.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting children in swim lessons as young as 12 months old to reduce the risk of drowning. The AAP says always keep in mind that swim lessons are just one of several important layers of protection needed to help prevent drowning.

“You are never too old to learn how to swim,” said Jillian Mitchell, community health program coordinator at Cook Children’s Health Care System. “There are instructors who specialize in teaching adults or co-teach adults and children.”

The National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) provides parents with a printable questionnaire to help identify the right swim program for their children. They suggest some questions for the program you are looking at, including asking for information about the instructor’s experience, swim lesson curriculum, length and frequency of classes. 

“Choosing the swim instruction style is a personal choice, and it should be an informed one,” Mitchell said.

Before choosing a program, the AAP recommends keeping your child’s emotional maturity, physical and developmental abilities and limitations, and comfort level in the water in mind.

“It is important to consider what unique needs your child has in addition to visiting a school, asking questions about their curriculum or teaching philosophy,” Mitchell said.

Swimming lessons teach the basics of swimming and, for toddlers, it introduce them to get them comfortable with water, teaching them physical movements in the water like kicks and “ice cream scoops” with their hands. It also shows them how to get in and out of the water. Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) teaches infants and toddlers how to roll in the water in emergencies.

When should you sign up a child for swimming lessons?

The AAP says most children are ready for swim lessons by age 4. However, parents of younger children should look into classes that allow a parent or caregiver and child to be in the water together with an instructor, whether swimming lessons or ISR. The AAP explains that by age 4, children can usually learn basic water survival skills such as floating, treading water, and getting to an exit point.

What is Infant Swimming Resource (ISR)?

Parents may feel their child is ready to learn as young as 6 months old. ISR instructors are unique in that they work specifically with infants. ISR focuses on teaching children to roll onto their backs, float, and rest. It is designed to give children instinctive reactions to emergencies if they find themselves in the water unexpectedly. Children learn how to “float, swim, float” until they reach the edge and can exit safely or be pulled out of the pool by an adult.

Cook Children’s recommends asking questions and choosing an instructor/school that fits families’ budget, schedule, and child’s unique needs.

How do parents talk to their kids about the flooding in Central Texas?

First, allow the child to approach you and see what type of questions they have. Let them speak freely and stick to age-appropriate facts, while also validating their emotions or what they might be expressing.

You do not want to give them too much information or detail because they may become more overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious about the situation.

How do you make your child feel comfortable approaching you with their concerns and emotions?

We always want the child to approach us without us putting our perspective into the situation. I would try sitting at the table together, bringing out what they love best. For example, a 5-year-old might like to color, or a 12-year-old may enjoy crafting. Let them take part in the activity and ask them how they feel about the recent events.

 If they do bring it up, this is when you can put them at ease by talking through their feelings. You can tell them, "Okay. Let's do this activity together and as we're doing this activity, let's express how we are feeling."    

Let them guide the conversation. Listening and answering questions age appropriately while reassuring them.

Why is it important to have conversations with your children?

We must talk to them because not talking about it can cause trauma, distress, anxiety and even PTSD. Children might see the news and reflect on themselves, thinking, "It could happen to me."

Parents and caregivers should explain that you are there for them. If the child is going to camp and has concerns, families can come up with a plan to offer reassurance.

What should parents do if their child is worried, but they, too, are grappling with their own emotions?

If you are not ready to have the conversation, we can assist them or have the other parent/ caregiver step in.  It is always great to have someone who is calm and collected, rather than someone who is anxious, overwhelmed and distressed, because you will just pass on that anxiety to the child.

Cook Children’s wants to reassure parents and caregivers that you are not alone. If you are not ready to have the conversation, you can seek professional help.  Learn more about Cook Children's behavioral health services or to schedule an appointment for your child, contact 682-885-3917.

When should you seek out professional help?

 If your child is having symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• Feelings of overwhelm
• Feelings of helplessness
• Jittery
• Difficulty concentrating
• They are not able to do their daily routine.

Learn more about Cook Children's resources online and behavioral health services.  Families can access mental health resources 24/7 through MHMR by calling 1-800-866-2465.

Summer has begun, which means more outdoor activities and finding ways to cool down. Cook Children's Health Care System experts share tips for parents on how to keep children safe and prepared for the heat, from cooling down at the pool to summer travel safety.

As the 4^th of July approaches, we are sharing the latest drowning data from Cook Children’s Health Care System. As of January 1 to June 18, there were 20 drownings treated at Cook Children’s, two of which were fatal. Most of these patients have been in the 5-year-old and under age group.

So far in 2025, there has been a decrease with 18 drownings and two fatalities. Most drownings in 2025 have occurred in a swimming pool or spa, second highest were bathtub-related.

While most drowning encounters were not fatal, drowning injuries can result in severe effects, especially on a child’s brain development. Drownings can happen silently and quickly. A submerged person might not attract attention or appear to be in danger.

Cool Down: Water safety and drowning prevention

Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury and death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause for kids 5-14 in Texas.  Eighty-eight percent of drownings occur with at least one adult present. 

• Wear swimsuits with bright colors that are easily detectable in water.
• Designate an adult Water Watcher to ensure constant visual supervision of children in and around water.
• Implement 15-minute shifts for Water Watchers.
• No Distractions: The Water Watcher must have no distractions, including conversations, phones, reading, or consuming alcohol.
• Communication is key: Talk with all caregivers (family and friends) about your child’s swim ability or water competency skills.
• Never assume that adults will be watching, but rather verbally confirm it before leaving your child in their care.
• Barriers: Locks, alarms, and pool fences can help keep unsupervised young children from entering swimming pools.

Fun in the Sun: Boating Safety

The risk of drowning in open water triples at age 15. Setting safety expectations with the whole family ahead of time is paramount. Most drowning fatalities in natural water are not related to boating. Texas law requires that all children 13 and under wear a life jacket while on a boat. Cook Children's Health Care System supports over 60 Loaner Life Jacket Stations in North Texas lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. The goal is to make sure no child or adult drowns at a public lake because they did not have access to a life jacket.

• Make sure life jacket usage is mandatory, along with adult supervision.
• Toe In/Vest On Policy: If a toe is in the water, a life jacket goes on.
• Life Jackets: Must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved.
• When your life jacket is on, ensure that it is buckled on your child as directed.  Always. 
• Know water conditions before getting into open water. Water conditions in lakes and oceans can vary daily.  

Heat Safety

Spending too much time in the heat can lead to heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

• Stay hydrated: Water is best, but other fluids count if they do not include caffeine.
• Hot car danger: Make a habit of double-checking your backseat each time you get out of the car.
• Watch out for hot buckles on car seats, as these can cause burns on your child’s skin.
• Be aware of heat illness. Know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Sun’s Out, Fun’s On

When it comes to sunburn, prevention is key. 

• Use a zinc oxide-based sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.
• Cover skin with SPF clothing.
• Apply sunscreen generously and frequently, 15 minutes prior to sun exposure.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming.
• For infants: Keep them out of direct sunlight, especially during peak hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Keep their skin covered with lightweight pants, a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, and a wide-brimmed hat. 
• Wear sunglasses: Look for sunglasses that protect your child’s eyes from at least 97% of the UV rays. 
• If you are worried about any burn, even if it seems minor, consult your child’s pediatrician.

Fireworks
Fireworks can cause severe injuries that are both harmful and painful to children. Children should never handle fireworks. Even seemingly harmless sparklers can heat up to more than 1,200 degrees, making them dangerous for young children.

• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a professional display.
• If setting off fireworks at home, adults should only set them off in a “kid-free” zone.
• Adults should not hold fireworks in their hands or keep any part of their body over them while lighting.
• Avoid accidental burns: keep children away from bonfires and grills.

Camp ID’s Growing Impact
Suzanne Whitworth, M.D., division chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Cook Children’s, was the first physician to attend Camp ID in 2011, demonstrating early medical support for the program.

The camp's reach has significantly expanded, particularly with the involvement of Natalia Chaimowitz, M.D., Ph.D., who has been instrumental in spearheading Cook Children's Immunology Clinic since 2022. Thanks to Dr. Chaimowitz's leadership and the clinic's support, Camp ID now proudly hosts 19 families, a testament to its growing impact.

“We hosted the 2025 Camp ID in March and doubled the size of our attendance this year with 19 families,” Nurse Practitioner Rachael Scott, said. “It’s the one weekend a year families really look forward to and one family even said it was the first family vacation they’ve ever had!”

The Camp ID Experience
“I’ve always believed that one of the most important things in life is the connection we make with others,” Stroud said. “That is what camp is all about—making new connections, friendships and memories.”

At Camp ID, campers have the opportunity to make friends and participate in unforgettable activities - like fishing, playing ball, climbing a ropes course and having campfires - all while feeling safe with on-site medical support. They also go beyond traditional fun and build supportive, lasting relationships with others who share similar life experiences.

“I believe what our patients and families love most about camp is the opportunity to meet and connect with other families who are going through similar medical and life experiences,” Daniele Gibbons, MS, a certified child life specialist, said. “Seeing our patients and families build new relationships, try new things and experience the spirit of camp brings our staff so much joy!”

Many families have had the experience of a lifetime and look forward to camp every year. 

The Large Family: Attending Camp ID Since 2018
Alison and Daniel Large have been bringing their kids to Camp ID since 2018. Their son, Carter, who has an immune disorder and is a patient of Dr. Chaimowitz, first experienced the camp at just two and a half years old.

“For children with immune disorders like Carter, Camp ID at Camp John Mark is more than just a weekend camp—it’s a life-changing experience,” Dr. Chaimowitz said. “It gives them a chance to step outside the routines of medical care, build lasting friendships with others who understand their journey, and experience the joy of simply being a kid in a safe, supportive environment.”

Despite facing significant physical challenges, including navigating life in a wheelchair, difficulties with gripping and eating, and frequent hospitalizations (22 visits in 2019 and 15 in 2020), Carter has demonstrated remarkable persistence and an unyielding spirit. His journey has not only cultivated incredible mental strength within himself but has also profoundly inspired his entire family.

“Being hospitalized can be so difficult because you want to do everything in your power to care for your kid and try to make their experiences easier,” Alison said. “It’s also hard on parents and Cook Children’s is great about helping you feel better.”

Camp staff and medical staff work together to operate Camp ID, which creates a safe environment where kids can simply be themselves and share the magic of camp.

 “I recommend other families to try the camp 100%! Camp ID is amazing and the staff and volunteers is so fantastic,” Alison said. “They really work to build up your kid and your family!”

Alison and Daniel’s daughter, Cadence, also loves camp and the opportunity to meet other siblings. Alison and Daniel say being with others who are walking the same path fosters a sense of community and understanding.

Register for Camp ID 2026
When: February 27 – March 1, 2026

Where: Camp John Marc (4925 Greenville Avenue, Suite 400, Dallas, TX 75206)

Registration opens in the fall. All Cook Children’s Immunology Clinic patients will receive a “save-the-date” in October. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis with a waitlist available once all spots are filled.

Have questions? Email Betty Stroud: betty.stroud@cookchildrens.org.

Sophia Price, with Cook Children's Trauma and Injury Prevention says Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth reported its first snakebites of the season in late April and early May, including its first copperhead bite in May. In 2024, the Cook Children's Health Care System treated 30 snakebites, with the first reported in March.

Jay Pearson, P.A., a physician assistant with Cook Children’s Trauma Services, offers crucial advice for parents on keeping children safe from snakebites. Price recommends avoiding walking in tall grass and wearing protective boots. She also warns that at night, snakes may rest on warm surfaces like driveways or sidewalks. Price emphasizes that individuals should never attempt to touch or handle a snake, even if it appears dead.

North Texas is home to three species of pit vipers:

• Copperheads
• Cottonmouths (also known as water moccasins)
• Rattlesnakes

A snakebite can cause localized pain and swelling that may spread as venom progresses. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and an increased heart rate. In severe cases, patients may experience difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, or bleeding disorders.

If a snake bites a child, seek immediate medical attention at the closest emergency department.

What to do if bitten by a snake:

• Do not try to capture, photograph, or kill the snake.
• Do not apply ice, tourniquets, or attempt to suck out venom.
• Immobilize the affected limb and keep it at heart level if possible.

How snakebites are treated at Cook Children's:

Once at the hospital, patients with moderate to severe envenomation may receive antivenom, which is readily available at Cook Children’s Medical Center.

Patients are closely monitored for symptom progression and may require hospital admission for observation and supportive care. 

The first outbreak-related cases were reported on May 13 in Collin and Rockwall counties. Alice Phillips, M.D., director of ambulatory quality and safety, advises parents to be aware but not alarmed.

“These cases remain small in our region. If your children are vaccinated, nothing about activities needs to change,” Dr. Phillips said.

Cook Children’s Health Care System continues to work with local public health departments on any report of measles cases. The Texas Department of State Health Services in April recommended that children between 6 months to 11 months traveling to or living in an area with an active measles outbreak receive a vaccination.

Dr. Phillips explained that the best way to protect a child from measles is the MMR vaccine. One dose offers 93% protection, and two doses provide 97% protection against the virus.

DSHS has designated these counties as outbreak areas: Cochran, Dawson, Gaines, Lamar, Lubbock, Terry, and Yoakum.

Currently, the Tarrant and Denton County health departments, where Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth and Prosper are located, have not issued this recommendation.

“If that changes due to a rise in cases, we will update,” said Dr. Phillips.

However, Dr. Phillips noted that families planning to travel outside of the United States, should be aware of regions where the MMR and/or Hepatitis A, vaccine is recommended for infants between 6 and 12 months.  She encourages parents to check with their pediatrician.

“If your kids are vaccinated, they are safe and protected,” said Dr. Phillips.

iCan Bike

Cook Children’s recently co-hosted a five-day camp, iCan Bike, with iCan Shine, an organization that offers a variety of programs to enrich and impact the lives of children with disabilities. Over a week, riders learn how to independently stabilize a bike with the help of volunteers as they gradually discover the skill and joy of riding a bike. The bike camps occur in the summer months, typically in June or July, and consist of 75 minute sessions per day with a maximum of eight riders per session. Parents, teachers and therapists describe the results as miraculous!

iCan Dance

iCan Dance is a program in Fort Worth, TX, that teaches people with disabilities to dance. The camp takes place over five days and encourages people to find joy through dancing. At the end of the week, the participants get to show off their new dance skills by performing in a big recital. The foundation of the iCan Dance program is patience, as it takes a patient understanding of each dancer to create an effective dancing program. The staff and volunteers at iCan Dance want to see people with disabilities believe in themselves and learn a new skill!

Sunshine, outdoor adventure, new experiences, camaraderie and memories — it’s the stuff summer camp is made of.

Each summer, more than 14 million kids and adults attend a camp. Doing so can contribute to a child’s love for nature, their willingness to try new things, social awareness, independence and resilience, according to the American Camp Association (ACA).

“Camp really provides kids an opportunity for independence and to be exposed to things they don’t get exposed to during a traditional school year,” said Katie Campbell, Child Life manager and Camps for Kids coordinator at Cook Children’s Medical Center. “It’s an opportunity to challenge themselves to try something new, to make new friends and to establish community with their cabin.”

But sending your child off to camp can be scary. How do you know it’s a safe place for them physically, mentally and emotionally? Are the people you are trusting to care for your child at camp qualified?

Choosing a Camp

The ACA is a good place to start when determining what to look for in a camp, according to Megan White, camp director of Camp John Marc, a residential Dallas-Fort Worth-based camp serving children and families living with a chronic illness and physical challenges, and a Cook Children’s Camps for Kids partner. The ACA is an accrediting body for camps and is considered the industry’s gold standard for best practices when it comes to safety, staff training and risk management.

“It's a resource that is intended to be used for any parent at any stage to learn about the camping industry,” White said. “I would definitely encourage parents to read up on and learn about our best practices in the camping industry and to find out the qualifications and accreditations of the camp before you send your children to one.”

What makes a good camp? According to a study commissioned by the ACA, campers who experience a sense of belonging, supportive youth-staff relationships and learning that is both experiential and reflective report the most positive attitudes and outcomes from camp.

But safety should be a top priority, too, White says.

“The two most important things that I would say are what are their abuse prevention and camper safety protocols as it relates to mitigating risks at camp.” White said. “One thing that we always say here at Camp John Marc is we can have the best camp cookies, the most comfortable camp beds or the coolest camp store, but if our campers aren't safe, then we’re not doing our job to the best of our abilities.”

While some of this information can be found on a camp’s website, White says to never be afraid to pick up the phone and talk directly to the camp director about their protocols and policies.

“Sometimes this will give you a more honest read on how important these things really are to the camp than what you can get from a manicured website,” White said.

Tips for Parents

If you are preparing to send your child off to camp, be it sleep away or just for the day, White and Campbell share the following tips for making the experience a positive one for you and your camper. 

●       Don’t be afraid to ask questions about certifications, camper-to-counselor ratio, staff training, camp schedule, etc.

“Communication is key. Ask questions about the schedule the camp follows, where they get their staff and the ratio in regards to campers and counselors. That's important information that needs to be pretty easy to get and for families to inquire about. Don’t assume that it's a popular camp so it will be safe, but make sure that, for those things that are important to you around your child's safety or knowing who will be taking care of them, you get an answer.” – Katie Campbell

“I encourage parents not to get distracted by all of the cool amenities but to focus on the two most important things of how do they train their staff as it relates to preventing child abuse, and what are they doing to ensure a culture of safety. What does that look like for all of their employees, including their kitchen and housekeeping staff and their facilities team? What is their camp culture of safety? These are questions any camp director should easily be able and willing to answer.” – Megan White

●       Make sure your child understands personal boundaries and how to ask for help if they feel uncomfortable.

“I really think that parents should have a conversation with their kids at any age about appropriate and inappropriate touch. We teach that a camper should never be touched anywhere that their swimsuit would cover. For males and females alike, that is a good benchmark for their physical safety. I also encourage parents to have a conversation with their kids about asking for help and give their children permission to tell someone they are uncomfortable — whether that's someone in my cabin is making me uncomfortable or an adult that is in the area is making me uncomfortable. Give your children the permission and language to find another adult they trust and ask for help.” – Megan White

●       Include your child in the process of choosing and preparing for camp.

“Camp is good for everyone, but not every camp is good for every child. You have to find the right camp for your son or daughter to make sure it's meeting their needs or their interests.” – Megan White

“I think it’s important to involve kids in the whole process of shopping or gathering what is needed for camp and allow them to help pack their bags so that they understand the packing system you are using. This makes them more confident about the new experience.” – Katie Campbell

●       Be prepared for outdoor activities and weather changes. 

“One minute it could be hot and 100 degrees and the next it could be storming. Make sure that your child has everything they might need for the week, even if it seems random. We don't necessarily always need a rain poncho in Texas in July, but just having it and other little things like a flashlight might turn out to be really useful.” – Katie Campbell

“Pack plenty of sunscreen and a water bottle. We always recommend closed-toe shoes so that you don't stub a toe or get a splinter in your foot.” – Megan White

●       Send them with things that will make them feel more at home.

“If there are things from home that help kids feel safe — a stuffed animal, a favorite blanket or something like that — make sure those things are included.” – Katie Campbell

“I encourage parents to send their child with a journal or give them a place or a tool to help them reflect and write about their experience. A Polaroid camera can be great for this, too. A lot of times children get home and parents ask about camp and their campers are too tired or can't remember what happened. So give them at least some tools to record their memories and experiences.” – Megan White

Normally, it's time for kids to pack their bags, kiss their parents goodbye, get on a bus, and head to Camp John Marc. Last year, 1,081 kids, 175 employees and 231 volunteers went through some form of this ritual.

But as we all know, nothing is normal right now.

The circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic meant the cancelation of all summer camps. Well kind of, because while kids won't be going away this summer, they can experience camp from the comforts of their homes.

For several years now, a volunteer program called Happy Camper brought the camp experience year round to the medical center. This summer, Cook Children's will bring a new program called "Happy Camper at Home" to kids who would have attended a diagnosis-specific camp.

Katie Campbell, Child Life manager at Cook Children's, said a lot of kids count on camp for their socialization during the summer. Cook Children's Camp for Kids allows patients to learn about their diagnosis and be encouraged by others who share their same challenges.

"A lot of the kids who have chronic illnesses, at school they may be the only person in their class with diabetes, or they may not know anyone else at school with asthma," Campbell said. "They get a chance in the summer to go camping for a week with kids who are just like them. It doesn't feel as isolating or different. That's something campers will miss this summer is having that opportunity to be with people that share the same challenges and seeing their medical team in a different location. It's different to see their doctor in their regular clothes when you come to the clinic vs. shorts and T-shirt or in their trunks swimming at the pool with you."

So while kids wouldn't be able to attend, the experience to be a part of camp life was too important to cancel entirely. With a lower census than usual because of COVID-19, Child Life specialists focused on creating a different camp environment from home.

"Once we decided to shift gears and do something different, we started meeting weekly, and then everyone got creative and hit the ground running," Campbell said. "Our hope is for kids to opt-in virtually. They will get to come by the medical center in mid-June and pick up their 'swag boxes' with a bunch of branded camp stuff as they would usually get. They will get things like a T-shirt, a flashlight, water bottles, a deck of cards, those kinds of things. But then we also started to think about what activities we could offer the campers."

A YouTube page with content created by Cook Children's Child Life Zone staff will be available for the campers to watch. Just like any other summer, the campers will receive a mix of fun and education through watching YouTube. The YouTube channel will be available to all kids, even for those who aren't a part of the camps.

The channel will offer cooking, crafts, games and scavenger hunts. The medical teams related to a child's specific condition will provide short diagnosis education videos. Plus, kids can watch the Laughter League, Cook Children's clown program, perform comedy and circus skills, origami lessons and more.

More confined to the campers themselves, a private Instagram account will be available during the summer, which will be the home of a live talent show, dog visits, crafts and more.

"The hope is to build a little bit of a community within Instagram," Campbell said.

Campbell has been at Cook Children's for 21 years, and this is the first time that her summer won't center around attending or planning a camp. She said she would miss going, but this summer will offer some unique positive aspects that generally wouldn't take place.

"One cool thing about doing camps virtually is for the first time we'll be able to include kids with cystic fibrosis in our camping program," Campbell said. "Those kids can't go away to camp because of isolation restrictions around having CF. They can't be together in a community setting. So it will be neat because those kids will be able to engage in camp programming when they haven't formally had camps they could attend in the past."

Another interesting aspect of virtual is that other family members will get a taste of what camp is all about during the summer. Other than Camp Sanguinity, siblings of patients aren't allowed to go to camps.

"I think it will be fun to see what conversations kids will have with their parents and siblings about what happens at camp," Campell said. "My hope is it fills in some of the blanks for families of why camp is so important. Maybe, parents get a chance to watch over their kids' shoulders or the brothers and sisters share in some of the activities. I hope it brings the spirit of camps into everybody's house, and other people in the families benefit from it."