NF Youth Camp Goals For Indiana

The INNF Network seeks to start a summer camp in Southern Indiana for children between the ages of 7 and 15 who have Neurofibromatosis type 1 and type 2. INNF is a donor-supported non-profit organization. Your donations will help us meet the goals for providing a safe and fun environment for children with NF 1 and 2.

Why

The INNF Network wants to sponsor a camp in Southern Indiana in order to provide an enjoyable, safe and educational out-of-doors experience for children with neurofibromatosis 1 and 2. The camp would provide a unique learning atmosphere for children to acquire the skills necessary to manage their disease. A list of activities provided could be:

• Sports
• Crafts
• Swimming
• Boating/Canoeing
• Horse back riding
• Nature

With emphasis on fun, the camp will offer a unique learning atmosphere for children to acquire (according to their developmental levels) new skills in caring for their disease. The camp experience instills confidence for the self-management of neurofibromatosis 1 and 2 in addition to meeting the special medical, dietary, and educational needs of each child; The camp will offer exposure to peers who are facing similar situations with their disease. Positive attitudes toward coping with neurofibromatosis 1 and 2 are nurtured through encouragement and example.

How

The general camp program will be managed by counselors who are knowledgeable in camping and guidance skills. Our goal is to provide a full-time medical staff of physicians, nurses and dietitians who provided 24-hour care for camper's needs. Medical staff members receive special training in NF1 and NF2 prior to camp. The constant presence of the medical staff allows the use of every "teachable moment" in dealing with a question or issue when it is most significant to the child.

During the child's stay at camp, every effort is made to maintain a healthy Bible-based diet. In order to do this, all children are placed on an individual meal plan when needed for health and or religious purposes. This meal planning will be based on information provided by the parents, legal guardian or doctor. Every effort is made to maintain the home lifestyle.

Who

Any child age 7 - 15 with NF type 1or NF type 2. All applicants are considered on an individual basis in the order they are received. The camp committee reserves the right to select camp participants based on our ability to provide for their needs in a safe and lawful manner. The INNF network is an equal opportunity provider and does not discriminate based on race, creed, religion, national origin, gender or special needs. Financial assistance will be awarded on the basis of need as long as funds are available. The camp would last for a one-week period (7 days).