A debatable topic

[rockinsmiles]

So the date is drawing near in my argumentative research class where I have to decide on what I am to argue about. It really can be anything under the sun, as long as I quote 5 different sources and someone can disagree with me. Anyways I've thought of a ton of things to write about, but none have really jumped out at me. I was thinking about a camp topic but I cannot think of something to argue about camp. Does anyone have any ideas? Or any camp related topics? Thank you in advance! :D

[Melk]

I have noticed that many kids are said to have ADD or ADHD... sometimes kids just dont have ADD or ADHD. When I was little I was mis-diegnoced (sp?) and a few years later we found out I just had a learning disability. So that might work.

[runrachrunn]

running with Mel's idea, what about debating the policy of some camps/recreational programs not to take on kids with diagnosed psychological illnesses (ie: bipolar, anxiety, etc).

[prettysocks]

what about the decision to integrate or not kids with any type of disability (sort of the same as runrachrunn, but a bit broader).. ?

[Lilbit88]

I just want to add something. I suffer from Bi-Polar, OCD and an anxiety disorder. Now some may think I am not suitable for the camp enivrioment, but what some people don't know is that when I take my medicine(which I do) I am completey fine 9 out of 10 times....now it's a compeltey different story if I skip a dose! Camp helps me very much and I am lucky to have a good support system at there, so if If I'm having one of my bad days, I can easily talk to a counselor and I will be fine. When I was younger I wasn't diagnosed, but I did have some issues, such as anger and irrational fears. We know not that those were early onset symtoms of things to come. I went through a rocky time my freshman-sophmore year, but now I am fine and you would never know what I went through if you were meeting me for the first time. I agree with Melk too. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 13?...we found out in early 2005 I had a minor learning disabilty. Luckily I go to a school were the speciallize in all these disorders so I can get the extra help I need. Sometimes I also wonder if these doctors are prescribing just to prescribe!

[drink the wild air]

You could argue different types of discipline techniques at camp, or co-ed camps versus single gender, or support for/against counselors keeping in touch with campers outside of camp, or the perks of working/going to a day camp or a residential camp. I think those are all topics we could give you some good info on. Its not exactly camp related but I did a huge research/debate paper during graduate school about the use of wilderness therapy programs over boot camps. That was way interesting, but dont know if its something you're interested in. Good luck!

[runrachrunn]

I just want to add something. I suffer from Bi-Polar, OCD and an anxiety disorder. Now some may think I am not suitable for the camp enivrioment, but what some people don't know is that when I take my medicine(which I do) I am completey fine 9 out of 10 times....now it's a compeltey different story if I skip a dose! Camp helps me very much and I am lucky to have a good support system at there, so if If I'm having one of my bad days, I can easily talk to a counselor and I will be fine. When I was younger I wasn't diagnosed, but I did have some issues, such as anger and irrational fears. We know not that those were early onset symtoms of things to come. I went through a rocky time my freshman-sophmore year, but now I am fine and you would never know what I went through if you were meeting me for the first time. I agree with Melk too. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 13?...we found out in early 2005 I had a minor learning disabilty. Luckily I go to a school were the speciallize in all these disorders so I can get the extra help I need. Sometimes I also wonder if these doctors are prescribing just to prescribe!

Lilbit,

I too deal with similar issues. However, I will say that camp is generally a good place for people because a) there's structure and b) people are generally empathetic. I will say that it would probably be a good idea for you to sit down with your unit head or head counsellor as well as your nurse during precamp, and just explain how vital it is that you get your meds on time, when you need them. I would also try and work out a plan with the camp, as well as with your prescribing physician re: what happens if the med dosages aren't working, or you have an acute episode (manic, depressive, whatever). While I can't speak for residential camps, when I worked at day camp my directors made sure that I had a little bit of time to myself everyday (ie: "15 minute bathroom break") just to decompress, especially when camp was really crazy and busy.

If you want to talk more, feel free to PM me.

Hun, I've totally been in your shoes. I have been since I was 10 years old. But I will tell you, you will get through everything, even though you might not seee it right now.

Hugs
Rach