Going to summer camp is considered by many kids a right of passage and it is especially significant for kids with serious food allergies. Typically, it is the first time a child goes out on their own to experience the freedom that comes with growing up. For kids with food allergies, it also represents
the first time that they will play a more significant role in taking care of themselves without the watchful eyes of mom and dad nearby.
  Mark and Lori Sandler have become pros at making life for their 8-year old son, Benjamin, safe, stress-free and fun in spite of his life-threatening allergies. Their proactive, positive approach to life with food allergies inspired the creation of Divvies, a gourmet bakery that specializes in
creating delicious cookies, popcorn and cupcakes made without peanuts, tree nuts, milk or eggs. All Divvies baked goods are made at the Divvies dedicated facility where no peanuts, tree nuts, milk or eggs ever enter the building minimizing any possibility of cross contamination.

   This year is the first time Benjamin will be going to sleep-away camp so it’s a topic that has been on the Sandler’s minds. They also receive a lot of questions from their customers about best ways to handle situations like this, so we’ve put together some tips for parents and their kids with food allergies to keep in mind to ensure the best possible summer camp experience. We wanted to share these with you as well in hopes that these tips might be helpful to you.

Choosing the Right Camp
Choose a camp where you feel confident that your child’s physical and psychological well-being will be well cared for.

  Do the camp owners/counselors fully understand food allergies and
   the psychological implications of feeling left out?
  Will your child feel happy, safe and included?
  In emergency, how close is the camp to the local ambulance corps?
   How far is the nearest hospital? Is there phone/cell service from
   all areas of the camp property?
  Know what role food plays at camp. Is it used as a reward? If so, how 
   will your child be rewarded?  Let the camp know what foods will feel like
   a reward to your child.
What is the food policy in the bunks? Make sure each camper has a
  great understanding of what the situation will be like prior to
   arriving at camp.
Trust your instincts when selecting a camp. In addition to the practical 
  concerns of safety and the camp’s ability to offer activities that interest 
  your child, your gut instinct about whether your child will enjoy a
  particular camp is a reliable barometer.

Ensure Safety and Fun While at Camp
Empower your child to be proactive and take control of managing their food allergies. Remind them:
   >Safe and unsafe food ingredients
   >Never to trade food
   >Never to eat anything with unknown ingredients and when in doubt,
     ask an adult for help
   >How to read food labels (if age appropriate)
   >To be careful to eat off clean surfaces with clean utensils
   >Review strategies for avoiding exposure to unsafe foods
   >Symptoms of allergic reactions
   >How and when to alert an adult that they may be having
     an allergy-related problem
   >How to administer (or tell an adult or fellow camper to administer)
     medication if necessary

Communicate child’s specific food allergies with camp owners/counselors in advance and create plan that accommodates the camper’s needs throughout the camp experience: in the bunk, mess hall, special trips,
during camp activities and on the bus.
Make sure camp managers and counselors:
  >Understand signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis
  >Have an adequate supply of labeled, safe, non-perishable foods for
    your child and an ample supply of medications needed in case of an  
    allergic reaction
  >Have a game plan for provision of safe food while on day trips and 
    special excursions away from the main camp
Find out if there is a designated allergy-free table in the mess hall.
  This will comfort a food-allergic child
Provide camp management with medical documentation, instructions and 
  up-to-date medication
 Minimize anxiety of being away by making sure your child feels safe, 
  comfortable and included at camp
Determine if campers are allowed to receive “care packages” and arrange
  to send allergy-free treats so your child can look forward to getting safe
  goodies from home.

Over 12 million people in the United States have to choose their foods carefully because they have severe food allergies. One out of every
twenty five kids has food allergies. Strictly avoiding allergens is the
only way to stay safe. Food allergies should not hold anyone,
especially kids, back from having fun and feeling included!

For more information, visit Divvies.com allergen -free treats
that are made to share!