Ep 112 Ontario Celiac Camp
Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –
This week I chat with two individuals involved in planning an Celiac Kids Camp in Eastern Ontario. Carmen Rupp-Eke of the Ottawa Chapter of the CCA, proposed the idea and Camp Davern near Maberly Ontario was up for the challenge. Carmen fills us in on her motivation and how she believes the campers will benefit from this unique camp. Derek from Camp Davern explains the camp programs, sports and facilities as well as how to register. The camp runs in one or two week sessions from July 5th – 17th. The website for the camp is campceliac.ca.
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
Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com
Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com
My Thoughts –
Sometimes it happens, I was approached, out of the blue to help promote Camp Celiac in Ontario. Derek reached out to me. It was a complete surprise to him, that I not only knew where Camp Davern was, but that I had previously organized a celiac kids camp for two consecutive years there.
It was an easy conversation, and brought back so many memories of me and “my kids” at camp. Very soon Derek put me in touch with Carmen, who had much of the same excitement and anxiety that I had when planning my first camp. I organized one week camps for five consecutive years, involving three different Y camps in Eastern Ontario.
Talking to Carmen, was like talking to myself that many years ago. She is wanting to make a difference for these kids, she wants them to feel like “normal” campers, and she wants them to create lifelong memories and solid friendships. I felt warm inside, because I know that’s all possible.
I did all the cooking and baking at my camps and consequently “my kids” nicknamed me “Mama Sue”. For that week, I was their Mom, at least the best parts of being a Mom. I fed them food that made them happy, I challenged them to try new foods and tastes, I invited them into the kitchen to help create gluten free magic.
One day, I had made cream puffs for dessert at dinner. Once everyone had finished their cream puff, I told them I had seconds for everyone, but they had a choice to make. They could stay in the dining hall and eat the second cream puff, or take it outside to the field and use it in a food fight. Privately, this was an experiment on my part. We all know how “special” gluten free food is, it’s expensive, and sometimes we have to ration out things until we can replenish them. To my surprise, all the kids voted for the food fight. I thought some might, and others would stay inside and covet their extra dessert. Needless to say, the food fight was epic and memorable! I’d venture to say that was likely the only food fight these kids every experienced, and I was happy to have contributed.
Celiac kids need to feel special, but they also need to feed normal. During our time at camp, “my kids” gave me so many gifts that I still hold dear today. Carmen – it’s a lot of work, but so worthwhile, and I’ll be there to help.