FAAM Camp 2019

For a second year, FAAM hosted a "camp" for the children in our food allergy community, their siblings and parents. Food allergy is a family-managed diagnosis so we want families to have fun together, learn together and support each other.

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We enjoyed an afternoon and evening at the local recreation center. Campers participated in positive activities that helped build confidence and self-esteem. Children learned that they are not alone in their diagnosis, had fun with their friends, and were encouraged to live well with food allergies! While parents chatted with FAAM's medical advisor, Dr. Jay Lieberman, campers visited the "Land of Can", focusing on who they are and what they can do. They made a tin can accordion book that included the Citizens of Can constitution, things they were good at, things they wanted to learn, and positive words to describe themselves. They also raced to build the tallest structure and played musical noodles using the 13 tenets of Can. Afterwards, campers had a blast in the gym with Josh Nix, focusing on what their bodies can do. They conquered everything from burpees to relay races to playing "The Blob". Mr. Josh left them with the empowering message of how they are all super heroes and can do anything! I heard one camper telling his parent he couldn't wait to see his coach again. Before heading out to the Splash Pad to cool off after a fun afternoon, parents picked up allergy friendly samples donated by our in-kind sponsors. They also had the chance to talk with Grace Workman, a representative from Kaléo, the FAAM Camp 2019 Presenting Sponsor.

We can't thank our wonderful volunteers enough for working so hard to make camp fun and meaningful for our FAAMily! Getting to know each other better and supporting each other are two of the best things about FAAM, and that wouldn't happen without members working hard behind the scenes at our events.

Thank you, Kaléo, for helping us make a difference in our food allergy community!