CAMP BLUE SPRUCE
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Mission Statement
Our vision is that all children and families with food allergies have a sense of belonging, trust and community. We offer inclusive, safe, and supportive opportunities for children and families living with life-threatening food allergies and related diseases.
About This Cause
Our ground-breaking programs are highly regarded by people living with food allergies, celiac and other related conditions. Camp Blue Spruce is the only overnight camp in the country dedicated to kids with food allergies and builds trust and independence; Food-Free Fun provides educational and community events in Portland for newly diagnosed families; and Allergy Pals USA provides online peer mentorship and social support focusing on confidence and advocacy. These programs consider the social and emotional impacts of living with these diseases. When a group shares food, they identify as a family, a team, a tribe and are connected socially, culturally and spiritually. Kids with food allergies are often excluded from the table, causing disparities in social inclusion and emotional development. Extracurricular activities, community events, parties, restaurants, and standard camp settings cause anxiety. Rarely feeling safe, they never feel like they belong. Constantly managing food allergies results in serious negative social and personal consequences. One in three children with food allergies report being bullied specifically because of their food allergy, causing lower self-confidence and distress for both children and parents. Teenagers and young adults with food allergies are at the highest risk of fatal food-induced anaphylaxis. Our impact on the community is clear. 87% of campers said camp improved their self-confidence and over 90% valued the sense of community. “This was the best week of my life! I made a lot of new friends and camp also made me more confident with my allergies.” 11 y.o. Camper 2019 Participants in our community events appreciate the support and inclusion. “Thank you so much for this event. I cannot tell you how hard it has been for my kiddo. She spends a lot of food holidays crying. She has not stopped talking about the event since.” Egg Hunt participant 2019 Participants in the online mentoring program appreciate connecting with other kids who get it, learning to advocate and self-manage, and have fun with each other. “Talking to people who have the same anxieties helps my child feel not alone.” Allergy Pals USA parent 2019 Your support as a volunteer or financial donor will change lives! Thank you!