Before our move to Boston, Marnina and I volunteered at Camp Oasis, a week-long summer camp that enriches the lives of children living with IBD. Established by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, the camp provides a supportive community that is beneficial to the campers’s growth and understanding of IBD. The camp is replete with a full physician staff, including doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals. The staff ensures that campers follow their medication, diet, and lifestyle regimens prescribed by their doctors back home. As counselors, Marnina and I provided guidance, safety, mentorship, and sometimes nursing duties. During camp (we attended the Pennsylvania location), we noticed that the campers learn best from each other. They learn that they are not alone; there are other people out there who truly understand their situation. The campers share their IBD stories and build confidence through these friendships.
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