Ep 90 Celiac Kids Camps 2019
Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –
This week have the immense pleasure of speakers to campers who attended two celiac kids’ camps, one in Kelowna BC and the other the Rod McDaniel Celiac Kids Camp outside of Calgary. The kids were very animated about their camp experience and got very excited when we chatted about food and the friendships they have made. My thanks to Selena DeVries RD, who organized the Kelowna Camp and you find her website at www.healthbean.ca, as well Cheryl Richmond, who organized the Calgary camp and Cinde Little who helped with the camp, and setting up the interviews with the campers.
I have links to a couple of the recipes from Selena and the BC Camp for you.
Cauliflower tater tots – https://www.sarahremmer.com/easy-cauli-tots-recipe/ (adapted to be GF)
Banana bread – https://food52.com/recipes/23573-grain-free-banana-bread
Sue’s Websites and Social Media –
Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com
Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com
Facebook – @acanadianceliacpodcast
Twitter – CeliacPodcastCA
Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com
Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com
Instagram – @suesgfbaking
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL
(search Sues Gluten Free Baking)
Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com
Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com
My Thoughts –
What fun it is to talk to kids about celiac disease and how they’re coping. As parents of kids who have to eat a gluten free diet, we are often more concerned than they are. At a summer camp, the kids are able to just be kids. They don’t have to explain their diet or any limitations they might have, to anyone.
I remember when I organized a similar camp and was able to let the campers step away from being different and just be have fun. Once, I made double the dessert we needed for dinner, cream puffs to be exact – and once everyone had eaten one, I gave them the option of having a second or taking them outside and having a food fight with them. Gasp! – I understand gluten free food is expensive and it is shameful to waste it, but kids who eat normal food, seem to be able to have food fights, sanctioned or not! It just seemed right to me to allow the campers the same fun. It was great to see their faces when I announced the possible food fight. They weren’t even sure what a food fight was.
I told them the story of when I was a kid and my Mom had a great idea of a gift I could give my brother for his birthday. A can of whipped cream – not to eat to but to have a food fight with. We each got our raincoats on in the front yard, and were each armed with a can of whipped cream. We ran and sprayed the whipped cream and has so much fun. When we were each out of ammo, to my surprise, my Mom handed my brother a second can. This was his real birthday present – running after his little sister and making a mess.
My food fight inspiration is a memory I will never forget, and for some of my campers, years ago, I know it was the highlight of their week at camp also. Childhoods are made of memories. Memories that fill us with joy as we grow older and have our own children. Selena, Cheryl, Cindi, and all the camp helpers have made some lifelong memories for these campers. Who knows, they may be making one of the recipes for many years, or take up archery as a sport, or keep their camp friends on Facebook forever. We just have to let them grow up to find out.