Anxiety. Embarrassment. Shame. These are a few of my least favorite things. But when you have IBD – like my son Clay who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2016 – these feelings are commonplace. Building awareness and understanding of Crohn’s & Colitis is my calling.

Love. Support. Understanding. That’s the order of the day at Camp Oasis – Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s summer camp. Camp Oasis provides a safe and supportive environment for kids with IBD. Kids are surrounded by fellow campmates and counselors who truly understand them. It was an honor to be part of this effort to provide a place for kids with IBD to receive complete acceptance and solace.

Fun. Fun. Fun. From high ropes to zip lining to “the blob,” there were nothing but smiles. The activity schedule was non stop as was the campers’ energy. My time at camp was spent teaching cooking classes for older campers. We cooked up Mediterranean meatballs, quick marinara and protein power bites – with zero leftovers. An all-camp cabin cookie challenge wrapped up my culinary adventure at Camp Oasis. And I can’t wait to return next year. Take a look at this extraordinary place…

Prepped & ready to make Power Bites (campers’ favorite)

Zoodler. Locked and loaded.

Cookie Challenge time

All hands in for the cookie challenge

Proud to stand alongside camp directors Alicia Barron and Barry Vignon

Team Louisiana Campers & Counselors. I loved being part of this group.