Sleuthing Out the Best Summer Options for Children with HIV

Summer is here! The season when the sun comes out, kids celebrate their freedom from school, and the mountain is out.

It’s also the season when we at REACH are likely to have conversations with parents of children living with HIV as they prepare for summer camps with other organizations. Whether their child is attending a church youth retreat or a week-long outdoor education program, parents need to be assured that their child’s medications will be taken reliably each day. Some consider sharing their child’s HIV status with camp staff before handing over the meds, hoping they will respond with knowledge and trustworthiness … that can backfire. Others consider not turning in the medications at all, even if camp rules require it. But that means relying on their child to remember each dose and placing the child in the sticky situation of keeping their pills a secret. Either way, this is quite a dilemma.

Sometimes, parents ask REACH to contact the camp on their behalf. We can discover if they have welcomed children taking HIV medications before and discern whether they are prepared to handle it with confidence and discretion. In this way we help create a path for REACH kids to enjoy their summer adventures without fear of stigma, rejection, or standoffishness from camp leaders.

It is a privilege to venture into the nitty gritty with these brave and thoughtful families.