BLOOD matters - Société Canadienne de l'Hémophilie

Hemophilia Ontario
Healthy YOU Camp, Camp Wanakita
October 22 to 24, 2010
p Members of the Frank family (front of
canoe) and the Dakran family (in back) with
Robin Nobleman, TCOR RSC.
by Jeenetha Kulasingam
Camp is one of the greatest experiences of life, and the participants
of Healthy YOU Camp concur that they had a wonderful time. Over 100 members
plus staff from the bleeding disorders community across the province
attended the camp. Families began arriving at 3:30 pm, with the last family
joining us at 8:00 am on the Saturday morning.
YMCA Camp Wanakita staff was well prepared with creative and active
programs for children and youth. From high ropes, to survival games, from
camp fires to the talent show, to crafts—great fun, new experiences and new
friends were part and parcel for each day. The older youth 17-25 were treated
to workshops with Joe Rich, MSW and Larry Borins, MSW, two terrific experienced
professionals who talked about relationships, what parents should
know and stress management. Parents who attended also had the pleasure of
listening, learning and participating in Joe Rich’s three workshops.
Larry Borins was kind enough to send in some of the responses from his
session with young people between the ages of 11-14. The question that was
asked of the group was, “What should parents know about growing up with
hemophilia”
Youth Responses
• “Parents are over-protective.”
• “We can think for ourselves and are independent!”
• “Not to worry so much about us.”
• “When kids hit a certain age they start to realize that they can take care of
themselves and a parent being overprotective is not necessary.”
Blood Matters Fall 2010 /9