Tourette Syndrome Camps

[Lara]

Just posting this here in case anyone is interested in looking into it.

http://www.tourettecamp.com/index.php
"The Tourette Syndrome Camp USA, founded in 1994, is a residential camping program designed for girls and boys ages 8 - 16+ whose primary diagnosis is TS, and to a lesser degree, OCD and ADD/ADHD.

The goal of the camp is to allow children with TS an opportunity to meet other children, share similar experiences and coping mechanisms in a fun, safe and positive environment."

<more info. at their website>

[RemovedxShadow]

Hi,

I know a few kids who went to a Tourettes camp, and they reported it as not a very helpful place, in fact, they mentioned that it actually increased their tics during their time spent there. I have never been to one myself, but from what I've heard, I think the kids "adapt" to the Tourettes enviroment, especially if you combine someone with severe Tourettes and someone with mild Tourettes. Some people have told me that they took on others' tics as their own. Now, I don't even know if I'm in the right place to comment, but that is just what I have heard. I could be completely wrong and this may be an extremely positive and helpful experience. I have looked into it for myself before. But don't take my word for it, I'm just a kid.



-Twitchy

[Chemar]

Hi Twitchy

yes, I have heard it said by some that they "catch" other people's tics, and also that the food is so loaded with all the junk food triggers too.

it is something my son flat refused to participate in....but then he has always avoided the "special" needs label for TS

I have heard some reports tho that it is a great experience, especially for younger kids and for those suffering emotionally because of non- acceptance or stigmatization because of their tics

Carolyn has attended the camps and this year she was actually a camp counsellor, and has a very good experience of them I believe. I hope she will pop in here and give her feedback too

thanks for posting the info Lara

[carolyn_lsc]

Hi Twitchy,

This coming summer will be my 4th year as a TS camp counselor. I love the camp so much that I'll be skipping my college graduation so I can go to the camp (they're at the same time). I have never been a camper at a TS camp, only a counselor.

TS camp isn't for everyone. However, many have a blast at TS camp. Many kids look forward to it all year long. It's a place where they're accepted and they have friends to hang out with. Many keep in contact with other campers throughout the year. I'm not a kid, but I personally look forward to camp all year long. The camp I attend is a camp where the kids can just be themselves. We don't do any therapy, coping stuff, group sessions, etc. It's just like any other summer camp except all the kids have tics.

Some with tics catch tics, but they are not usually lasting tics. My first two years at camp I did catch tics, but I don't believe I did last year. I tried really hard to supress tics that I knew weren't mine, but it was very hard to do. To me even if you catch tics at camp, TS camp is very well worth attending.

Carolyn

[carolyn_lsc]

The Joshua Center runs an excellent TS camp in the Kansas City area. The information isn't updated for the summer of 2007 yet, but here's the web address. Just scroll down to Camp.

http://www.joshuacenter.com/business...?type=programs