Yep, I Sent my Food-Allergic Kid to Camp (gasp!)

Today, Logan set off for an overnight voyage with his 2nd grade class. These adventures began in Kindergarten so we pretty much have the routine down. However, it took some bumps in the road (and awesome parents of other food-allergic kiddos) to figure out the food part! Yep, the dreaded food part. But it CAN be done. However, let me preface that we are fortunate that none of our allergies/sensitivities are life-threatening. However I believe that food sensitivities are just as detrimental from a long term perspective, so I take food sensitivities seriously. Make sense?  

One lesson I've learned, is that with any school activity, it's our job as parents to keep our kids safe when it comes to food allergies and sensitivities. The kitchen staff, camp counselors, front office staff, etc. all do the best they can. They really do care and are trying to help. They may even say things like, "Oh, we have it covered. We are gluten free," or "the camp kitchen is really good at handling food allergies, etc." STOP RIGHT THERE (you should be hearing the screeching of brakes right now!).

In my humble experience, that is NOT enough. Unless that camp cook or front office staff has your exact same allergies and reactions, they really don't get it even if they say they have it all covered. But, do understand that they truly mean well. It's not their fault, it's just the way it is, and our job as the parent is to keep our kid safe. 

Here are my TOP 10 TIPS to keep your kids safe at camp.

Food Allergies and Camp - 10 Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe 

1) Speak with the kitchen cook
It may take a while to get a hold of them, but be persistent and don't wait until the day before the event. Start your calls through your school's front office staff AT LEAST a week prior! Two weeks is probably ideal and don't be shy with reminder calls. Remember, your child is not the only one with food allergies so the office staff may be making many calls and is very busy, especially when trips are taking place.

2) Request the COMPLETE event menu
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Evening Treats. Really probe them about each time food will be served, because they just might forget to mention snacks or "treats" they give the kids after dinner.

3) Don't stop until you get that menu! Be extra polite, but persistent.

4) Did I mention be polite? 
Just remember that they are doing the best they can and it's our job to protect our kids, but it can all be done with kindness and empathy on both sides. Imagine how hard it is at home feeding your family, now multiply that by a lot and throw in several different kids all with different food allergies. Oyve! I feel for the camp cooks and staff. That's why I try to make it easy for them to feed and ultimately help me protect my child.

5) O.K., with complete menu in hand, you can now ask questions
Is this chicken breaded, will there be a sauce or dipping sauce, what are the ingredients? Then, for ANY or ALL items, you can ask to send substitutes. If you are unsure of something they are providing, be safe (not sorry) and send a substitute. Trust me on this one! ** Again, be kind and helpful in your approach and explain that you will label everything with your child's name and send it in a cooler bag. **

6) Pack them EXTRA snacks!
Your kiddo may need it if the kitchen staff forgot to tell you they do Smores at night by the campfire! Yep, this really happened. Grrr. Being prepared is really key!

7) Type up a quick note and make copies
In your note, detail the following:

1) What you are sending, 2) What each food is a substitute for, and 3) A list of your child's allergies

Make at least THREE copies. Give one to the teacher, leave one in the cooler bag, and put one in your child's bag/back pack. You may also have a trip nurse, so give them a copy as well.

8) Review the list with your child
On the night before the trip/event, run through the list with your child so they are aware of what the camp is serving and what are their SAFE SUBSTITUTES.

9) Feed them well before they leave! -- not that you wouldn't, but you know what I'm sayin'
On the morning of their trip/event, feed them the best, most nutritious and hearty breakfast that you can orchestrate. That way you have peace of mind.

10) Now breathe YOU DID IT!
They are off and well taken care of because of your awesome preparation. Good job Mom! Now you can relax and they can enjoy the event just like the rest of the kiddos!

BONUS TIP!   Make friends with the parents of the other food allergy kiddos (for so many reasons really!). That way, when these trips and events take place, you can all work together and even split up different parts of the menu. We did this last year and it was so nice, but that was also a trip where the kids had chaperons, and so two allergy parents went along. Don't you just love that name, allergy parent?  Yep, that's you!

What are YOUR tips and tricks for school day trips or overnight events with food-allergic kiddos?

Find more helpful tips on our Pinterest allergy support group for kids:
Nourishing Friends