The Gum Family at SRNA Family Camp

There are so many wonderful things about SRNA Family Camp at the Center for Courageous Kids (CCK) that I will probably forget to mention some of them. But from the moment you arrive you can tell that you are in for a treat. From the warm greeting at check-in to the thrill of meeting your den counselors, it’s so easy to adjust to life at camp!

As you get to look around the place, you find there is no shortage of things to do, not to mention the activities that CCK has planned for you. Our family has a wide range of ages (four kids between six and fifteen years old, no comment on the parents’ ages), as well as ability levels. Finding activities for everyone equally is usually a challenge. But at CCK the counselors “buddy up” with the campers so that everyone gets to experience the activities at their own pace. This also gives the parents some one-on-one time with each of the kids, which in a large family can be a challenge. This time also provides a great opportunity for the campers to meet each other away from their parents.

Another great aspect of camp is the afternoon break. The younger kids can take naps while the older children socialize and share favorite activities. The adults congregate to discuss solutions to the day-to-day problems that can arise with a child diagnosed with TM. Talks hosted by specialists in rare neuroimmune disorders provide another source of useful information. These educational resources are a valuable tool for parents with a child living with TM.

The meals are another great part of camp. Feeding such a large number of people isn’t easy, but CCK handles it beautifully! In addition to the main course, they offer a vegetarian option as well as a fruit and salad bar. All meals are served family style with a couple volunteers from each table delivering each meal. The open table seating allows for a floating social meet-and-greet with both campers and counselors. There is a unity or bond that forms when we all sit together, talk and laugh, and share the responsibility of cleaning up after each meal. It’s more than just food, it’s a bonding experience.

CCK is a great camp, and we are very thankful that SRNA has been able to provide this experience to our family. Not only are the activities fun, the campers resilient, the counselors courteous, the facilities more than accommodating, but CCK also takes care of the daily details of life – like food and lodging – which gives each family the chance to bond together. It’s an experience that our family looks forward to each year. We owe tremendous gratitude to SRNA for providing this camp adventure.

~ The Gum Family