Hero photograph
Jake about to head down the zipline
 
Photo by Crohn's & Colitis New Zealand Charitable Trust

First time camper recounts his experience at Camp Purple Live 2021.

Jake, Camper, Camp Purple Live 2021 —

This was Jake's take on his first experience at Camp Purple Live in 2021.

Being diagnosed with IBD was one of the scariest things to happen to me in my lifetime so far (just above my mother when she's angry). I am 14 years old currently and, since being diagnosed last year, a lot of things had changed. I had severe malnutrition from not being able to digest food properly for weeks, I had really bad stomach pains. It was so bad I ended up going through all 3 treatments until we finally got good progress.

Having a Nasogastric feeding tube in my nose for a few months put a great deal of stress on me and my family, especially out in public. I would constantly get looks and rude people pointing me out to their friends like I was some zoo animal. But when you hit rock bottom, the only way you can go is up!

As I started to get better my doctor told me about Camp Purple, and how every year they take in kids from all across New Zealand that have IBD for a fun-filled week of camp!

My first day at camp purple was pretty stereotypical, I was nervous, I didn't know anyone, and it was sort of tough to get going at first. But the camp counsellors (which are all volunteers by the way, most with IBD as well) were very helpful and supportive and kind! They quickly introduced me to a few other kids, and we quickly got along. Having something such as IBD to relate to everyone else was such a great feeling. I could treat my illness as less of a burden and more of a talking point to relate with the other people at the camp. Soon, with the help of the people around me, we all started getting along and my week finally kicked off!

On the 2nd day we got up bright and early for breakfast, everyone was ready in the cafeteria to start the day. Camp Purple was prepared for all kinds of diets to cater to which was incredible! They had a whole section for those of us who were dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, you name it! The best part was, almost every meal was cooked by the amazing professional chefs with tons of experience! Everyone left the cafeteria happy, and it was on to the activities!

There were tons of activities that we could all enjoy, nobody was excluded. We all had a great day rotating around the general different camp activities until it was the afternoon. We all had a break where we could all converse and do our own thing! Many people busted out their board games and card games they brought along, and it was overall a rather enjoyable experience!

But one of the best parts I would have to say about the camp is the amount of doctors and nurses they had ready on site, every morning and afternoon they set up a table for everyone to take their meds as they needed. If anyone had a problem like a tummy-ache or headache, or any other injury there were multiple doctors there to help!

Overall, the first day was pretty similar to most of the others, however on the 4th day we did a wipe-out course where we got to hit our favourite camp counsellors with pool noodles which was super fun!

I would have to say overall, the Camp Purple experience was life changing. I didn't think I would ever end up in one place with that many people who have IBD ever in my life other than Camp Purple. It's such a great feeling to know that with all the pain and trouble IBD has caused me, I have all these other people to relate too who have gone through similar struggles and we can all push through this together. I look forward to going back next year!