During the six-day camp children with Hemophilia and other bleeding disorders are provided the opportunity interact with other children living with the challenges of a bleeding disorder. Immersed in a fun, nurturing environment, campers learn first hand ways to manage their disorder both medically and socially. During the camp session, children will have the opportunity to practice valuable skills and learn life long lessons in mixing factor, self-infusing and controlling bleeds.
In order to attend Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorders Summer Camp you must be a 2019 member of Hemophilia of Iowa. HOI membership brings you information, resources and access to the activities that are fun for the while family. Your family can join other families that make up our vibrant and growing community. By becoming a member of HOI you and your family will receive the latest news and updates within your community.”
At camp, children and teens make new friends, explore the world around them, and learn that “I can” has more power than “I can’t”. In an environment created just for them, children learn real life skills, develop self-esteem and gain a sense of independence and community.
Whether children are playing, exploring nature, conquering new heights or becoming part of the camp family, they are creating memories that last a lifetime. Plus children and teens are gaining resilience and a reawakened zeal to take care of themselves that lasts long after they’ve returned home.
24 hour nursing staff and on-site physician’s provide medical oversight during Diabetes Camp.
Elective camp programming provides campers with a range of wholesome outdoor camp activities.
Connect and learn with peers facing the same daily challenge of living with Hemophilia & Bleeding Disorders.
“We normalize the experience of being a kid with a bleeding disorder.” With peers who also have bleeding disorders, campers often make connections for the first time with other children they can talk to on the same level. “The kids can finally say, ‘It’s okay for me to be me entirely. Here I’m a part of something really big.’”
Although campers come home with a whole new set of physical skills, they also gain personal skills. Camp is about building citizenship, character and leadership. Children learn how to share, cooperate in a group and differentiate between right and wrong.
Being able to articulate what their bleeding disorder is constitutes a developmental milestone for the children. At camp children are given the opportunity to learn more about their bleeding disorder and over time, become advocates for the Bleeding Disorder Community.
Campers, counselors, directors and parents alike mention that camp has a way of changing children. As they make a new set of friends, campers gain self-esteem and learn how to lead.
Children who meet at camp most often become life long friends and find themselves in the middle of one of the strongest support systems available.
Hemophilia Camp is open to children ages 6-17 with Hemophilia or other bleeding disorder. Campers are allowed to bring one sibling or guest along to camp with them.
Michelle has been involved with Camp Tanager for over 15 years. As a member of the camp staff, Michelle graduated with her nursing degree and went on to work with the Bleeding Disorder Community at UIHC. Michelle plans, coordinates and attends Hemophilia Camp each summer.
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