Summer Camp!

Hey guys, Im volunteering at a childrens scripture union camp starting this friday, for two weeks. Ive done it for the past two years. Thing is-all the meals there are catered and you eat with the team leaders.

Breakfast at 8:30, Lunch at 1:00 and Dinner at 5:30. From being there before I know all the food is yummy and the chefs are real nice. They know I have an ED, and they make dairy free stuff for those of us who are lactose intolerant. But Im used to eating certain foods that I know are high in calories to help me gain weight, at the same time trying to "normalise" eating and get on with my life. Therefore I want to go and eat with people and have what everyone is having and be normal, but I also want to have enough in the day. Any suggestions for what I could do so that I can be normal like the rest of the team and have enough in the day?

I do not know a lot about this, but I think you may want to buy some high cal bars, ensure drinks, peanut butter....nuts?? can u sneak around food? maybe u can have a snack, I do not think it would be wrong if u eat a bar n drink some ensure while kids are changing activities or anything. Also, u may try to eat a lil bit more than other to compensate. Also, have u tought about ur activity? I know by experience that summer camps require a lot of physical activity!!

be careful with that!! If I were u, I would keep tons of chocolates/peanut butter and high cal muffins around...!!

Good luck with ur camp!! I couldn't go to mine (it is to support homeless kids) cuz of my ED, I was too afraid I would vomit...anyway...GOOD LUCK n HAVE FUN! :) just eat a lot!

I hadnt thought of the physical activity part, I guess Im just going have to rest whenever I can!

I have already planned to bring nuts and seeds with me to add to meals and have as snacks, and I will throw on all the dressings that are availble and try to eat all the food groups-carbs, protein etc.. at each meal,eating whatever is given, this will help with not only with weight gain but with overcoming ed too. Not having control over what Im going to be eating is scary for two reasons-one for the old ED and two-in case its not enough-wheres the balance?! Thanks anaid!

Any more suggestions or advice or people who are doing similar things this summer?

You definately need to be prepared.  Lots of careful planning and communication with the camp will be vital to your success.  If you won't have a fridge to keep your own food cold, be sure to bring non-perishable items like nuts, dried fruit, protein bars & shakes, etc.  If you can bring perishable items, you could have more sandwich like things, etc.  If possible, bring foods you feel comfortable eating so you have a "fall back" if you can't eat what is being served.  

Think of this as a challenge, and also a way to measure where you're at.  If you feel you are losing weight, aren't eating enough etc is there a way for you to leave the camp?  Your health is more important than this, and you can lose a lot of ground in 2 weeks with not eating as much as you need and excess physical activity.  If you portion your own plates, be sure to take extra.  Your body needs more than most people's right now, so don't compare your plate to other campers.  Food is medicine.  Be careful.  Whilst recovering 2 seperate times, I went to camp thinking things would be fine.  Both times I landed myself in the ER.  Please be careful, but try to have fun too!

The girls have provided you with plenty of great tips. I just want to say I hope you have a really great time. It's a wonderful thing to be doing and you should be proud of yourself. Please keep up the good nourishment! Have fun - you deserve it! xoxox

thanks so much, great advice, and now i dont feel "weird" about bringing stuff. i think this camp could really help with my recovery. And the food will be substantial, I just gotta eat it!

Thanks again, ill let on how it goes!! xxx