Bleeding Disorders Foundation of New Mexico

Camp Sangre Valiente

Manual and Policy 2018

Bleeding Disorders Foundation of New Mexico

6301 4th Street NW, Suite 6

Albuquerque, NM 87107

THE CAMP MISSION

The purpose of camp is to provide a summer camping experience for children of the bleeding disorders community that is both educational and recreational. We encourage personal growth in each child by providing an excellent program.Our goal is to build a strong bond among children of the bleeding disorders community.

ABOUT CAMP SANGRE VALIENTE

Camp is above all a terrifically fun, loving, safe place to be. Many hours are spent laughing, playing games and doing all the normal things children love to do. Setting up that environment for kids with special medical needs takes a lot of planning and preparation. We aim for our campers to have a magical experience at Camp Sangre Valiente

ABOUT THIS PACKET

This camp packet contains important information that will help ensure the best experience for your camper. Please take the time to read and discuss this packet with your camper and sign it together. This ensures that parents and the camper have clear expectations for their behavior while at camp in order to have a safe and happy experience. These rules and guidelines will be in effect from the time of registration to drop off after camp. Please sign and return this form with all other completed forms. During registration one parent must stay with their camper until the child is on the bus for departure.

WELCOME

Camp is a one-week resident summer camp in New Mexico, for New Mexico children 7-17yrs old with a bleeding disorder, siblings with someone with a bleeding disorder, or children of someone with a bleeding disorder (this includes step children and adopted). Camp provides a safe, fun filled week for these special children. The community we serve has rare bleeding disorders, including, hemophilia, VWD disease, or other clotting deficiencies. Camp is a safe place where it doesn’t matter what you have because we’re all in the same boat. All rare bleeding disorders are recognized the same!

Hemophilia and related bleeding disorders can basically be described as the inability of a person’s blood to clot normally. The resulting bleeds are internal and can do damage to joints, such as, wrists, knees, ankles. Permanent damage will result from repeated bleeding episodes.

Chronic illness can be very isolating. If it weren’t for camp, the majority of children with bleeding disorders in New Mexico would not know another child with a bleeding disorder. Because of our camper’s medical conditions and family finances, many would not be able to attend a summer camp. In addition, it is a perfect opportunity for siblings and other children from our community to learn more about bleeding disorders and how to help. It is also our philosophy to provide our campers with a normal camping experience. We have specifically designed our activities and have provided the proper medical supervision (camp medical staff consists of staff from the HTC and other medical volunteers) that will enable us to “Make it Fun!!!”

The intricacies of bleeding disorders will be discussed during camp orientation. For now, we will cover the fact that they are chronic illnesses which are life-long, and for which there is treatment, but no cure. These chronic illnesses present physical challenges, health challenges, and emotional challenges. But the bottom line is, however, our kids want to be treated like all kids want to be treated- they want to have fun, and feel a part of the group.

Some of the issues that campers with hemophilia face at camp include, but are not limited to: embarrassment about a port/central line in the chest, physical limitations, frequenting the infirmary for routine medications, bleeding episodes, and lack of independent living skills. The fear of learning to self-infuse (a self-medication procedure taught at camp) is another obstacle that campers face during the week of camp. These, as well as many other obstacles, are faced head-on while attending camp, and the staff is trained to support campers as they work through their fears and anxieties about these--as well as many other-- issues.

Almost everything we do at camp is done in groups. Group activity like this calls for cooperation, compromise, and concession. We want to encourage our campers to talk out problems and learn to work together.

There will be a variety of children at camp who require treatment for a variety of childhood ailments including everything from asthma to chapped lips. They will bring their medications from home, which will be collected and dispensed by the medical staff in the infirmary.

What to Expect

Going off to summer camp is a very exciting experience for campers. It’s very natural for everyone to be anxious about the first day of camp and meeting new friends. It is our commitment at Camp Valiente to make the experience a positive one by making sure our volunteer counselors are committed to excellence and to serving as role models.

EDUCATION FOR THE CHILDREN

We know from previous experiences that children are more likely to learn to self-infuse (a home administered injection of clotting factor which can help to prevent or stop bleeding episodes) when they are in peer groups. Camp provides a perfect opportunity to learn and practice self-infusion.

We recognize that chronic illness affects the entire family, and in our community the effect can be quite profound. As examples, sisters are often carriers of hemophilia and could be the next generation of mothers of children with hemophilia.

It is a great place to learn and talk about living with a bleeding disorder. We want to be able to provide both of those experiences-spend the week not worrying about chronic illness, and be in a loving and caring environment where it is safe to explore your feelings.

Camp helps convey the message that there are plenty of activities that people with bleeding disorders can do if they take the proper precautions and play safely. Camp can be so much fun that a kid who is having a hemophilia problem (known as “a bleed”) will not want to stop playing to take the time to go to the infirmary for a treatment. They need to learn that the time it takes to treat a bleed or to prevent a small bleed from becoming larger is less time than it would take to recover from a serious bleed or injury.

OUR COMMITTEE

Camp exists because of the dedicated members of our camp committee who planned and envisioned, and purchased, met and debated, and ultimately created the only camping experience for children of the bleeding disorders community in New Mexico. Camp has a support team made up of volunteers, Sangre de Oro (SDO) board members and Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) staff that plans camp on a year round basis. We are backed in our efforts by our golf committee with fundraising for camp and creating a strategic plan to reach more children in NM. Our golf committee takes a very special interest in supporting camp.

CORECAMP COMMITTEE MEMBERS

• Camp Director : Alfonso Jaramillo
• Co Director: JJ Mitchell
• HTC Medical Director: Dr. Shirley Abraham
• Claudia MacKaron, Monica Gonzales, Maria Chavez, Felix Garcia, Sophia Minjas, and Rob Williamson

Camp is staffed by volunteers. The overall philosophy of the staff of camp is “THE CAMPERS ALWAYS COME FIRST!” As staff, we always put the needs of our campers ahead of our own.

PARENT/ CHILD ATTENDANCE

Camp is a youth camp and parents of participating campers with bleeding disorders will not be allowed to attend as camp counselors or volunteers at camp.

Occasionally special circumstances arise requiring Sangre de Oro, Inc to revise the camp policy. If appropriate, at that time, the board of directors will discuss and potentially make changes if needed. We value the dedication of all our volunteers and thank them for their understanding.

What shouldn’t my campers bring to camp?
Cell phones
Ear buds
Video games
Personal CD players / stereos / iPods
Expensive jewelry / watches
New or expensive clothes
Money Toys and card games / Weapons
Alcohol and drugs
Personal sports equipment (unless otherwise specified)
Vehicles
Animals

What should my campers wear to camp?

Children should wear clothing suitable for an active day at camp. Appropriate items would include shorts, t-shirts, light jackets (for chilly mornings), and athletic shoes (no sandals). One piece bathing suits must be worn unless covered by a t-shirt. Modest clothing must be worn at all times.

Please label all items sent to camp with the child’s first and last name. Our camps use discovery and play as a major part of our camp program, thus we encourage you to dress your child in clothing that you do not mind getting dirty or stained with art materials in the course of your child engaging in a fun activity.

Unacceptable clothing and accessories include, but are not limited to:

• Gang-related attire
• Excessively tight or revealing clothing
• Short shorts
• Clothing that exposes the stomach or midriff
• Low-cut blouses
• Spiked jewelry
• Chains
• Clothing or accessories promoting:
• Drugs (including alcohol and tobacco)
• Sexual activity
• Violence
• Disrespect or bigotry toward any group
• No bad language or negative symbols on clothing

General Rules

•Listen to the staff and follow their directions

•During camp time, camper should remain in their camps unless given permission to leave.

•Campers should not be alone at any time while in camp.

•No cell phone or electronics are allowed. If you have one, please give it to a counselor.

•Please do not climb trees.

•Please respect nature; do not pick leave, grass, and do not harm plants or animals. Please do not throw sticks or stones.

•Keep camp clean. This includes picking up litter, no writing graffiti, and replacing any camp equipment after you use it.

•No fighting. If you have a problem, walk away from the situation and tell a counselor.

•Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times.

•Campers should always strive to be caring, honest, respect and responsible.

•Follow all of Fort Lone Tree rules while at camp.

Code of Conduct

Our Code of Conduct states that Sangre de Oro is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all of our members. To ensure safety and comfort for all, we ask individuals to act appropriately while they are at camp. This applies to staff and campers. We expect persons coming to camp to behave in a mature and responsible way and to respect the rights and dignity of others.

Our code of conduct does not permit language or action that can hurt or frighten another person or that falls below a generally accepted standard of conduct. Specifically this includes:

• Angry or vulgar language including swearing, name calling, and shouting;
• Physical contact with another person in an angry or threatening way;
• Any demonstration of sexual activity or sexual contact with another person;
• Harassment or intimidation with words, gestures, body language or other menacing behavior; Behavior which intends to or results in the theft or destruction of property;
• Carrying or concealing any weapons or devices that may be used as weapons.

Please be responsible for your own personal comfort and safety. If someone’s behavior threatens your personal comfort or safety, please ask that person to refrain. Staff are trained and expected to respond to any reported violation of our code of conduct. Please do not hesitate to notify a staff person if you need assistance. We want to help!

Camp Valiente director and the named panel will investigate all reported incidents.

Expectations of Campers

Campers are entitled to a pleasant and safe environment while participating in the CampValiente program. We know that everyone is not always going to get along or agree on things, especially when competition is involved. However, we expect that these disagreements will be handled in a non-violent and nonthreatening manner. We want everyone at camp to feel that they are in a safe environment where they are valued. All campers should use their number one resource when an unexpected altercation happens, that is to self-report to the counselor in charge right away.

Camp Valiente reserves the right to withdraw a participant from our program if he or she is unable or unwilling to adjust to our schedule and program.

On the first day of camp, all camp expectations and guidelines will be covered and explained by camp administrators and staff.

Please review with your child daily the types of behaviors that we expect (outlined below) and perhaps even spend some time discussing their importance in order for your camper to have a successful time at camp.

•Friends Helping Friends! Honesty and respect will be the basis for all relationships and interactions. Reach out and make a new friend. We respect each other and the environment. If we listen to others; they will listen to us. Use your magic words, please and thank you often. Be courteous with the words you use. Inappropriate language, verbal threats, fighting and tactics used to humiliate or intimidate another simply WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

•Social Inclusion: Teamwork and cooperation will be the basis for including every one. Politeness and courtesy go a long way. People are responsible for their actions. Use positive language at all times. Speak for yourself, not anyone else. Encourage others by avoiding put downs, who needs them? Show respect. Every person is important. Keep your hands and feet to yourself at all times. You are not allowed to touch another camper/staff member in a negative way.

•Building a community: Every child is part of camp. You are here to make new friends, play with old friends, learn new games, try something new, build on an old skill and just have fun. Respect all staff, counselors and other campers. The proper use and cleanliness of the cabins, equipment, supplies, etc. is the responsibility of all. Clean up is important and we need your support. Not only do we respect each other but also we respect our camp environment by putting litter in its place, by not destroying property that belongs to camp or to others and putting equipment up in its proper place. We are all responsible for our words and our actions. Be responsible for personal belongings. More things are lost than found. Leave important things at home. Stay in program areas with your counselor – running away is not acceptable. Cooperate with staff and follow directions. They know best how to keep you and your friends safe.

SETTING UP RULES

It is a good idea to begin the camp session with a cabin discussion about the rules of camp. Rules define behavior and kids do well when there is structure.

Each cabin is charged with making up their own rules, and of course, the rules will be different for the different age groups at camp. Younger cabins might have a rule about touching other people’s stuff, where an older cabin might have a rule such as respect other people’s property. There are many ways to establish the rules of the cabin. You can have a cabin meeting and have the kids help make up the rules. You can write them down and post them inside. You can establish them before the kids get there and let them add some. Just keep it simple. A few simple rules will go a long way. Camp has several general rules that should be incorporated in the cabin rules. They are:

1. No rock throwing
2. Campers must stay together in their group with their counselors
3. We do not allow bad language, teasing, or fighting
4. We do not allow cabin raids or vandalism

Discipline guidelines

Campers are entitled to a pleasant and safe environment while participating in this program. We will make every effort to help your child adjust to our camp. The director and panel reserves the right to withdraw a participant from our program if he or she is unable or unwilling to adjust to our schedule and program.

Good behavior will be encouraged in a positive manner. The staff will work cooperatively with parents, keeping them informed of behavior problems and methods used to teach and guide them toward socially acceptable behavior. Behavior problems that cannot be resolved cooperatively will result in your child’s dismissal from the Camp. Certain abusive behaviors will result in immediate dismissal.

If your child needs to be disciplined acceptable measures may include; stern verbal warnings, time-out from activity, removal from activity and placed with staff away from group, removal from camp. Forbidden discipline actions include:

Physical punishment, striking a child, roughly handling or shaking a child, restricting movement through binding or tying, forcing a child to assume an uncomfortable position, or exercise as punishment; enclosure in a small confined space; punishment by another child; separation from the group so that the child is away from the hearing and vision of a staff member; withholding or forcing of food or rest; verbal remarks which are demeaning to the child; punishment for toileting accidents; and punishment by applying unpleasant or harmful substances.