Navigating Allergies and Restrictions: My Experience at Camp
Introduction: Being a 16-year-old with severe allergies to nuts, following a vegetarian diet, and being gluten-free due to medical conditions can sometimes make finding suitable meals challenging. Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a three-night stay on a college campus, where all meals were provided by the camp. Determined to make the most of my experience without compromising my dietary needs, I took the initiative to communicate my restrictions with the camp director and the catering company. Little did I know that this simple act would not only benefit me but also contribute to the overall preparedness of the camp. In this blog post, I want to share how reaching out and planning ahead helped create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone involved.
Planning Ahead: Knowing that my dietary restrictions might pose a challenge during the camp, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I reached out to the camp director to inquire about the catering company responsible for the meals. Armed with this information, I sought the contact details of the head chef. With the guidance of my mother, I reached out to the chef, explaining in detail my allergies, vegetarianism, and gluten-free needs.
The Chef's Appreciation: To my surprise, the chef was not only understanding but also appreciative of my proactive approach. They acknowledged that my early communication allowed them to adequately prepare and plan for my meals. This interaction taught me an important lesson - that my actions could make a difference not just for myself, but for others as well. By calling ahead, I inadvertently helped the catering team create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone at the camp.
Individualized Meal Preparation: During my stay at the camp, I noticed a stark difference in the way my meals were handled compared to previous trips. Each meal was prepared separately, ensuring that there was no cross-contamination with allergens. The catering team served my meals in containers that were free of allergens, marked with clear indications of my dietary restrictions. Despite the special accommodations, the team took care to serve my meals in the same way as everyone else's, ensuring I didn't feel singled out or excluded.
Reducing Anxiety and Finding Comfort: Having struggled with anxiety surrounding meals in the past, this camp experience was an incredibly comforting one. With each meal, my anxiety levels diminished significantly. The knowledge that my dietary needs were being taken care of and the effort put into ensuring my safety and enjoyment allowed me to fully immerse myself in the camp activities and forge lasting memories with my fellow campers.
The Power of Planning: This experience taught me an important moral lesson - never be afraid to ask for accommodations and plan ahead. By reaching out to the camp director and chef, I not only ensured my own well-being but also contributed to the smooth running of the camp's catering operations. Taking the initiative to communicate our needs helps create an environment where everyone's dietary requirements can be met, fostering inclusivity and understanding.
Conclusion: My experience at camp highlighted the importance of proactive communication and planning when dealing with dietary restrictions and allergies. By taking the initiative to reach out to the camp director and head chef, I inadvertently created a safe and inclusive environment for myself and my fellow campers. This experience served as a reminder that we can make a positive impact by advocating for our needs, and in doing so, we contribute to the well-being and enjoyment of others. So, remember, never hesitate to ask and plan ahead, because by doing so, you are not just helping yourself but also supporting the greater good.
~Krish Desai
