My Thoughts on Episode 17 with Cindy Casper on the Rod McDaniel’s Celiac Kids Camp

I was somewhat unsure when I first inquired with the Calgary Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association about interviewing someone regarding the summer children’s camp.  I had organized a camp myself through the Kingston chapter, but that was years ago.  I worked very hard to make the camp something special for the kids over the five or so years it ran.

My concern was whether I would want to talk more about my camp than theirs.  Cindy Casper was a terrific guest to have on.  She knew lots about the camp and we answered most questions that listeners might have.  She helped me stay on track.

I hadn’t realized how emotional thinking back to my camp days would be.  I think I did a pretty good job trying to talk about the Calgary camp and not my camp memories.  Sorry to anyone who got confused or distracted.

The truth is that organizing and holding a specialized camp was a very emotional experience for me.  Don’t get me wrong, it was exhausting; took months to put together and wasn’t a success until all the kids arrived safely into their parents’ arms on the final day.  Oh, I did leave one thing out, I did all the cooking and baking – everything food related was up to me.  Stressful? Yes, but rewarding? You better believe it was.  I was just starting my bakery when we had the first camp, so by then I was quite accomplished at making a variety of gluten free things.  Some things the kids had not tasted before (or since).

One strategy I had was to make a menu book, listing everything we would be eating every day, including the brands of things that were bought/donated.  After each meal, the kids were asked to rate everything they ate and make any notes they wanted.  We also posted on a board what the meals would be for the entire day.  That way the kids could eat more, or less, depending on how much they were looking forward to the next meal.  It gave the kids some control over their diet, something they didn’t often have.  The parents were anxious to look over the menu books at the end of the week to help them understand the importance of food to their kids, and just maybe discover something new.

Camp was a great opportunity for me to please kids with food in an unthreatening, but exciting environment.  These kids still hold a special place in my heart.  There has been talk about a reunion of sorts, as they are young adults now and many still communicate on social media.  Truth be told, there is nothing I’d love more than to cook and bake for my “kids” again.  So, I guess the reunion is at my place – date to be determined.