Camp Emerson – An Extraordinary “Allergy Aware” Summer Camp | Food Allergies Rock!

I had a great childhood. I played baseball, rode bikes with friends, played hockey on the pond and played maybe one too many video games! However, there was one common connection to everything I did – I was close to home.

With all of my food allergies, summer camp was only something I heard about through movies. Although my summers were great, they were generally confined to an area that circled around a particular epicenter – my kitchen.

This is why I am THRILLED to hear of places like Camp Emerson in Massachusetts. As a proclaimed “Food Allergy Specialist”, they pride themselves in providing a worry-free experience for campers and parents alike.

What’s really impressive is that they “walk the walk” too…and then some with incredible attention to details. Here are some of the things that impressed me most about Camp Emerson that could give peace of mind to prospective parents:

The Food Situation

They are peanut, tree nut, shellfish and sesame free.
They have successfully supported children with up to 9 anaphylactic allergies.

The Kitchen Situation

A team of Registered Dietitians prepare the menu with you prior to camp.
Parents are able to review the menu in advance and read all labels.
They have dedicated equipment and kitchen area to avoid cross-contamination.

The Staff Situation

All staff are trained on anaphylaxis emergency procedures (including EpiPen training)
There is on-site medical staff (pediatrician, nurses) trained in allergies.
The directors have food allergies and truly “get it”.

I can go on, but I recommend you take a look at their brochure all about campers with allergies: http://www.campemerson.com/future_families/food_allergy_specialist.

It wasn’t until college that I entered the summer camp world as a staff member at a camp in Ontario. It was an incredible experience that kept me coming back – 5 summers in total! It opened my eyes to the value of camp and the countless benefits it provides children. Camp Emerson has generously supported my tour and DVD as a sponsor, and I am thrilled to endorse them, as I believe they are trailblazers setting gold standards for how camps can accommodate allergic campers. They share my belief that food allergies shouldn’t be a barrier for summer camp.

I know their spaces are filling up fast, but here are more details for this summer:

Camp Sessions: