Kids on the Move to Camp Massawippi
For the first time since its founding in 2004, the Kids on the Move Camp run by the Quebec division of the Arthritis Society has found a home at Camp Massawippi in Ayer’s Cliff. Acting as host, this year, to 42 children from across Quebec and New Brunswick, the Kids on the Move Camp is the first and only camp in the country providing a bilingual environment specifically adapted for children with rheumatoid diseases.
“Camps are really popular in Quebec, there is this culture of summer camp,” said Dr. Sarah Campillo, a pediatric rheumatologist at the Montreal Children’s Hospital and the camp’s founder.
“The goal of our camp is really to allow children with rheumatic diseases to experience camp like any other child. The difference here is that we adapt to their needs as opposed to them having to adapt to a regular camp.”
Campillo, who lives with arthritis herself, said that she was inspired to create the camp based on her own positive experiences attending similar camps in the United States as a child.
“When I trained as a pediatric rheumatologist, I thought we should have a camp in Quebec as well,” the doctor said, explaining that having an environment specifically designed to serve the needs of the children normalizes their reality in a way that they simply do not get to experience anywhere else.
“In their regular school environment they have to explain to teachers and friends that they have arthritis,” Campillo said. “There’s often a misconception that kids cannot have arthritis, and they have to explain to adults that yes, childhood arthritis does exist. It’s real. They’re not faking. They’re not lazy. Some days they may be in a lot of pain.”
Kloe Sauvageau is now in her third year at camp. In reflecting on her experiences, the twelve year old clearly showed an appreciation for a space where everyone is in the same sort of situation.
“In my school no one else has arthritis,” Sauvageau said. “Here, you can connect with these people.”
The camper said that she feels fortunate to be in a space with such good adaptations and kind, relatable people.
“The nurses take really good care of us,” Sauvageau added. “They’ll help us and then five minutes later we’re back in the game.”
Campillo explained that the camp operates with a significant medical team to help support the 42 campers present this year but also relies on tools like folding chairs and magic bags to help relieve the aches and pains of a long day.
“The majority of these children live with chronic pain and fatigue,” the doctor said, adding that one of the major factors that motivated the camps move to Camp Massawippi is the waterfront access. Swimming, she explained, is one of the least challenging physical activities that people with arthritis can engage in.
Fifteen-year-old Emma Lebouthillier, at camp for the first time this summer, was certainly making the most of the waterfront on Tuesday morning. Although she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 12, Lebouthillier joined other campers for a morning of adapted waterskiing.
“So far this is the greatest experience of my life,” the camper said, explaining that although she was nervous at first about trying out the new sport, the support and guidance of the team from Camp Massawippi quickly wiped those fears away.“at first when you get into the water it’s stressful but you get into it and it is really exciting,” she continued. “(The lifeguards) are right beside you so you know that you are safe.”
Each camper took to the water sitting on an adapted water-ski and flanked by two lifeguards. The trio was then pulled in a small loop on the lake by Denis Martin and a third lifeguard, Caroline Ferland.
“We have a great team, they’re quick, they’re on the money, and they know what they’re doing,” Martin said, explaining that the two accompanying the adapted skier are responsible for safety, but also for making sure that the child enjoys him or herself.
“Some kids come just for the water skiing,” Ferland said, sharing that the program is one of the biggest drawing points for Camp Massawippi in general.
“I just love it, everything is just awesome,” Lebouthillier said “I was new here but I made friends so fast. People were just so excited.”
“It’s one big happy family,” Sauvageau agreed. “All the people here are really nice, even if they don’t know me.”