Camp with Sickle Cell

By Megan Wright
Session 4

The rowdiest groups here by far this week are the boys and girls living in Davis Lodge (named Muscogee and Seminoles for this week.) You can hear them laughing and, more often than not, yelling their signature chant, “Sickle. Cell. Sickle. Cell.”

This awesome group of kids came to us this week from The Sickle Cell Foundation of Birmingham in Birmingham, Alabama. These 20 kids have really brought a lot of life to camp this week with their energy and enthusiasm at every program, during rainy day activities, and at evening programs like Olympics and the talent show. What is impressive about this group of kids is that not only are they enthusiastic, but they’re also a team. When given the option, these 20 kids often choose to participate in activities as “Sickle Cell” as opposed to Muscogee and Seminoles.

Sickle cell anemia is a disease that is very different than what we see a lot of at Camp ASCCA. As opposed to an everyday physical or mental roadblock, managing sickle cell anemia is a game of defense and prevention more than anything else. Especially here at camp, those inflicted with sickle cell anemia have to be careful to keep hydrated and not overexert themselves so oxygen flows through their bodies correctly.

Though preventing crises is a top priority, we aren’t taking it easy on these kids and they definitely aren’t taking it easy on themselves. If you don’t believe me, just check out the pictures from this week on Flickr. (And even if you do believe me, still check them out.)