The 1999 PKU Family Camp was held on Saturday and Sunday September 11-12,1999. We couldn't have asked for better weather! Clear skies and comfortable 75 degree temperatures set the scene Saturday as families began arriving at the East Bay Camp in Hudson, Illinois. One family arrived with a camper, one with a tent and other families stayed in cabins or nearby hotels. The action packed day included a welcome lunch at the Camp's cafeteria, unique bug light crafts, afternoon games, and swimming. The kids worked on a special 30th Anniversary Banner which will be displayed at the Annual Meeting, November 13th.
The group had a surprise visit from a young woman with PKU who is from Czechoslovakia. She is visiting Chicago and learned about our camp from our Website (www.pkuil.org). She and a friend drove from downtown Chicago to visit us for a few hours and learn about low protein foods. Although the woman spoke very little English and no one spoke her language, we spoke the common language of PKU. We sent them home with plenty of goodies and books for which they were most grateful.
C.B. and his fiancee even stopped by for a while to bring some more low protein food samples for the young woman and to visit with old friends. The late afternoon was spent on a scavenger hunt- collecting items from the woods and sticks for the campfire. K. made friends with a wounded butterfly while C. let a walking stick take a stroll on her back! Evening brought tasty low protein pizzas, salads and luscious desserts. After such an active day everyone had a hearty appetite.
 |
Later, on the hayride, nine year old L. led us in
song while five-year-old R. helped us learn the
difference between hay and straw. R. asked our driver why
it was called a "hayride" when we were really
sitting on straw! A little later, Rollo the Clown
entertained young and old alike with magic tricks and
balloon animals. B. learned he has a new talent as a
cotton candy maker. |
 |
After the entertainment, everyone gathered around the campfire to roast marshmallows, sing songs and share stories. A twenty-two year-old film student filmed the day's event for a special project he is working on. He has PKU and is working on a film about the PKU experience. Sunday morning we had a delicious brunch including low protein bagels, muffins, fruit and cereal. The eternal camp counselor, R., led the kids to the athletic field where he wore everyone out with a wide variety of games including tug-of-war, water balloon toss, three-legged races, Simon Says and much more! |
This year's camp was a special experience for all families who attended. For a little more than 24 hours everyone put their busy schedules and endless demands on hold to spend time with others. Some people knew each other well before the camp but everyone knows each other much better now! If you missed camp this year, we hope you'll attend next year. See you next year campers!
Link back to PKU Press
October 1999
Link back to Index of PKU Press Articles
Available on the Internet