DS (11) is going to Nature's Classroom next week. He has never been away from home for that long, and of course, I'm worried about his severe nut allergies and asthma. I've covered all the bases and taken all the precautions to be sure DS will be safe, but still... I'm putting on a confident and encouraging front for DS's sake. He is nervous about going. I don't want him to know my true feelings because that will make things worse for him. This is a trip the 6th Grade class in our town takes every year. It's an awesome educational opportunity, and everyone I've talked to, parents and kids alike, have raved about what a wonderful experience it was. We're all going to be fine, right?!?

By Dawnk777 on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 - 10:04 am:

Yes, you're going to be fine! Of course, it's easy for me to say that, since it's not my kid and my kids don't have allergies.

There used to be a kid at the school I work at, who had a severe cinnamon allergy. She got different desserts on the days that the hot lunch included a cinnamon-y dessert. She never had a problem at school.

By Melanie on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 - 10:23 am:

Of course you will all be fine! You've covered your bases. It's well known now, even with people who don't have to deal with them, that nut allergies and asthma are something to be taken very seriously. I am sure the camp has dealt with it before. T will be just fine and will have a blast!!

FWIW, Alec is gone this week to his camp. It's very strange not having him here and not being able to contact him. I know he is having a great time, but I am ready for Friday when I get him back!

By Happynerdmom on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 - 10:24 am:

I'm sure he'll be fine, although I certainly understand your anxiety. I'm sure you've taken every precaution, so all that's left is for him to have a great time! And I'm sure you'll be fine, too, but I know you'll be better when he's back home.

By Kaye on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 - 12:20 pm:

My 11 year old went off to boy scout camp this summer. He too has asthma (and JRA). I hated really every minute of it, not being able to talk to him, etc. Well by day 4 they call me, he isn't feeling good, they really blew it over. So I talked with him, and knew he would be okay. Well when he got okay, he was really just barely okay, he had a flare they didn't recognize and give him his meds. I was so unhappy and unimpressed.

However I tell you this because, my son LOVED it. Even though he wasn't 100% he still talks about different things they did and the friends he made. He would of been happy if he came home with one leg.

So what I would do differently, first I would be very firm with the nurses that this is very serious, I would talk to them in person and make sure they know MY child. I would explain his medications and say, these are not optional, he is too take them daily. (my son's meds are an as needed thing, we decided that camping he needs them). I would ask if she has seen some one have an anaphalatic reaction before.

By Vicki on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 - 03:12 pm:

I can promise you that your ds isn't the first one to go there that has asthma and nut allergies! I believe they have a nurse on staff while the kids are there and I know our school nurse went along too.

I am sure it will be fine!! Deep breaths!

By Enchens on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 - 07:09 pm:

YES! We are all going to be fine. You've taken all the precautions. Everyone has raved about it. He's going to have a good time.

And we are going to be here for you when you need some comfort.

By Breann on Thursday, October 18, 2007 - 04:15 pm:

Of course it will all be fine!!
Our 3rd graders here go on an overnight fieldtrip. It's at a campground with cabins and a mess hall and everything. Reminds me of the location on The Parent Trap movie. I was a nervous wreck sending my DD, but it's a long standing tradition here, and it's always a good, safe activity for the kids. She went and had a wonderful time. Everything was fine!
I'm sure there will be lots of "staff" there watching out for the kids. Our overnight fieldtrip had 2 doctors, a dentist and 6 nurses to watch out for our 120 3rd graders.

By Trina~moderator on Sunday, October 21, 2007 - 03:37 pm:

Thanks for the support, ladies! All bases have been covered and precautions taken. Other than being there myself, which isn't an option, there is nothing more to do to ensure Ty's safety. We drove out to see the camp yesterday. DH and I both wanted to know where Ty will be, just in case. I think it also helped to ease Ty's fears to actually SEE the camp beforehand. He is all packed and ready to go tomorrow morning. Sniff...

Melanie, how did A do?? Did he like it?

Now, to see how B does without her big brother. I sent two cards to the camp for Ty to receive during the week while there. I asked B to sign one and draw a picture if she wanted. She shook her head and looked to be on the verge of tears. I explained how Ty may be homesick and would love to hear from her. Then she took the card, signed it "BB" (her special nickname coined by Ty) and drew a sad, crying face. She didn't have to say a word, but I know she's going to miss him. Neither will openly admit it, but I'm sure they'll miss each other.

By Dawnk777 on Sunday, October 21, 2007 - 11:01 pm:

Awww. She might end up liking more time with you, though.

By Melanie on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 09:59 am:

Trina, he had a BLAST. He came home telling story after story of everything they did. I sent hime with a couple disposable cameras, and I can't wait to get them developed. He loved the counselors working with them and had fun making new friends. There were 9 kids in his cabin-3 from each school-plus a teenage counselor. They got along great and just had so much fun together. It is definitely an experience he will always remember.

T will have a great week. I hope B does okay without him.

I am looking forward to hearing all about it!

By Vicki on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 07:51 pm:

How did it go this morning?

By Trina~moderator on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 09:12 pm:

Oh, he was fine this morning, but he has never had separation issues. I helped him lug his stuff in and then he took off and went to class. I figured he might do that so I hugged and kissed him at home before we left. Hee hee... However, I wonder how he's doing tonight. He would kill me if he knew I was posting this, but he still sleeps with his special blanket. I tucked it inside his pillow case.

So far B is OK. Right now it's a novelty having her parents all to herself. LOL!

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - 02:39 pm:

Aww, sounds like they are both doing well!

By Trina~moderator on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - 06:23 pm:

I got a call from the camp nurse this morning. She had some questions about Ty's asthma meds. Then she commented about what a nice boy he is. "Such a gentleman, and very conscientous about his asthma and food allergies." Good to hear!

By Tink on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - 07:09 pm:

That kind of comment just warms a mom's heart! Glad to hear the nurse is on top of things.

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - 11:42 pm:

I have grown men in the clinic, who depend on their wives to know what the meds are. If I had a dollar for everytime I've ever heard, "My wife knows what they are..." I'm glad your son knows all about his meds.

By Trina~moderator on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 09:03 am:

Tink, yes, the fact the nurse called to double check on meds. gave me peace of mind. It was also very nice to hear her compliments.

Dawn, really?! I'm so glad my DH isn't like that. LOL!

Ty is coming home tomorrow! I'm looking forward to picking him up. I sure hope he's doing OK.