ARGH. I love/hate day camp!--a rant

July 28, 2008

I am so glad all three of my girls can go to the special needs day camp this

year. But why, oh WHY do they feed my kids such CRAP? I often feel I am the

only parent in the universe that would never even THINK about buying

artificially colored, flavored, and sweetened ices and ice cream for my kids.

This is

the second time Anna (13) has come home completely wired to the gills,

bouncing off the walls. And it's the second time they've had these frozen

" treats " . Coincidence? I think not. UGH.

I have yet to find a camp, school, church, amusement park, or anyplace else

that deals with children that doesn't have any of this total JUNK. I am so

disgusted. Marilyn

**************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for

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July 28, 2008

I hear you, Marilyn. The other day, my younger daughter came home from science

camp saying that she was extra hungry for an afternoon snack because the snack

at camp that day was marshmallows so she didn't have any. I looked at her and

said, incredulously: your teacher fed your class marshmallows as a snack? It's

OK, she replied. Our teacher said they were " healthy marshmallows " .

WTH??????

Liz

" sahmomof8 " <sahmomof8

Cc: Eat-2-Live

Monday, July 28, 2008 1:30:23 PM

ARGH. I love/hate day camp!--a rant

I am so glad all three of my girls can go to the special needs day camp this

year. But why, oh WHY do they feed my kids such CRAP? I often feel I am the

only parent in the universe that would never even THINK about buying

artificially colored, flavored, and sweetened ices and ice cream for my kids.

This is

the second time Anna (13) has come home completely wired to the gills,

bouncing off the walls. And it's the second time they've had these frozen

" treats " . Coincidence? I think not. UGH.

I have yet to find a camp, school, church, amusement park, or anyplace else

that deals with children that doesn't have any of this total JUNK. I am so

disgusted. Marilyn

************ **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for

FanHouse Fantasy Football today.

(http://www.fanhouse .com/fantasyaffa ir?ncid=aolspr00 050000000020)

July 29, 2008

when my daughter was in preschool, we had a note from our doctor listing foods

she could not eat (red dye, etc.). you may want to discuss this with your

family's doctor.

--- On Mon, 7/28/08, sahmomof8 <sahmomof8 wrote:

sahmomof8 <sahmomof8

ARGH. I love/hate day camp!--a rant

Cc: Eat-2-Live

Monday, July 28, 2008, 1:30 PM

I am so glad all three of my girls can go to the special needs day camp this

year. But why, oh WHY do they feed my kids such CRAP? I often feel I am the

only parent in the universe that would never even THINK about buying

artificially colored, flavored, and sweetened ices and ice cream for my kids.

This is

the second time Anna (13) has come home completely wired to the gills,

bouncing off the walls. And it's the second time they've had these frozen

" treats " . Coincidence? I think not. UGH.

I have yet to find a camp, school, church, amusement park, or anyplace else

that deals with children that doesn't have any of this total JUNK. I am so

disgusted. Marilyn

************ **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for

FanHouse Fantasy Football today.

(http://www.fanhouse .com/fantasyaffa ir?ncid=aolspr00 050000000020)

July 29, 2008

My daughters are taking a gardening class. They each have their own little plot

and they got to choose what to plant. Each class they tend their gardens and

then play some games. The class is an hour and a half, so as things seem to go

the teachers feel they need a snack...as if I haven't just fed them. Anyway, I

would think they would have them trying different veggies or something, but of

course not. They give them gummy worms, cakes and cookies.

In my daughters acting class they just give them a few pieces of candy at the

end of class to take home with them.

I just think it's sad that it is assumed these kids need snacks at every class

even when it's only an hour. So far I haven't said anything because there are

always other issues...like when they wanted my daughter to be the butcher in

Jack in the Beanstalk.

--- On Mon, 7/28/08, ERB <bakwin wrote:

ERB <bakwin

Re: ARGH. I love/hate day camp!--a rant

Monday, July 28, 2008, 10:25 PM

I hear you, Marilyn. The other day, my younger daughter came home from science

camp saying that she was extra hungry for an afternoon snack because the snack

at camp that day was marshmallows so she didn't have any. I looked at her and

said, incredulously: your teacher fed your class marshmallows as a snack? It's

OK, she replied. Our teacher said they were " healthy marshmallows " .

WTH??????

Liz

" sahmomof8 (AT) aol (DOT) com " <sahmomof8 (AT) aol (DOT) com>

@gro ups.com

Cc: Eat-2-Live@gro ups.com

Monday, July 28, 2008 1:30:23 PM

ARGH. I love/hate day camp!--a rant

I am so glad all three of my girls can go to the special needs day camp this

year. But why, oh WHY do they feed my kids such CRAP? I often feel I am the

only parent in the universe that would never even THINK about buying

artificially colored, flavored, and sweetened ices and ice cream for my kids.

This is

the second time Anna (13) has come home completely wired to the gills,

bouncing off the walls. And it's the second time they've had these frozen

" treats " . Coincidence? I think not. UGH.

I have yet to find a camp, school, church, amusement park, or anyplace else

that deals with children that doesn't have any of this total JUNK. I am so

disgusted. Marilyn

************ **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for

FanHouse Fantasy Football today.

(http://www.fanhouse .com/fantasyaffa ir?ncid=aolspr00 050000000020)

July 29, 2008

Perhaps it would'nt hurt to tell them atleast offer healthier snacks *if they

HAVE to " . You can suggest, whole wheat crackers with hummus, peaches, pears,

baked beans etc...there are many if they wish to consider.

Jillene Wenzel <jillben2008

Tuesday, July 29, 2008 8:38:00 AM

Re: ARGH. I love/hate day camp!--a rant

My daughters are taking a gardening class. They each have their own little plot

and they got to choose what to plant. Each class they tend their gardens and

then play some games. The class is an hour and a half, so as things seem to go

the teachers feel they need a snack...as if I haven't just fed them. Anyway, I

would think they would have them trying different veggies or something, but of

course not. They give them gummy worms, cakes and cookies.

In my daughters acting class they just give them a few pieces of candy at the

end of class to take home with them.

I just think it's sad that it is assumed these kids need snacks at every class

even when it's only an hour. So far I haven't said anything because there are

always other issues...like when they wanted my daughter to be the butcher in

Jack in the Beanstalk.

--- On Mon, 7/28/08, ERB <bakwin (AT) sbcglobal (DOT) net> wrote:

ERB <bakwin (AT) sbcglobal (DOT) net>

Re: ARGH. I love/hate day camp!--a rant

@gro ups.com

Monday, July 28, 2008, 10:25 PM

I hear you, Marilyn. The other day, my younger daughter came home from science

camp saying that she was extra hungry for an afternoon snack because the snack

at camp that day was marshmallows so she didn't have any. I looked at her and

said, incredulously: your teacher fed your class marshmallows as a snack? It's

OK, she replied. Our teacher said they were " healthy marshmallows " .

WTH??????

Liz

" sahmomof8 (AT) aol (DOT) com " <sahmomof8 (AT) aol (DOT) com>

@gro ups.com

Cc: Eat-2-Live@gro ups.com

Monday, July 28, 2008 1:30:23 PM

ARGH. I love/hate day camp!--a rant

I am so glad all three of my girls can go to the special needs day camp this

year. But why, oh WHY do they feed my kids such CRAP? I often feel I am the

only parent in the universe that would never even THINK about buying

artificially colored, flavored, and sweetened ices and ice cream for my kids.

This is

the second time Anna (13) has come home completely wired to the gills,

bouncing off the walls. And it's the second time they've had these frozen

" treats " . Coincidence? I think not. UGH.

I have yet to find a camp, school, church, amusement park, or anyplace else

that deals with children that doesn't have any of this total JUNK. I am so

disgusted. Marilyn

************ **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for

FanHouse Fantasy Football today.

(http://www.fanhouse .com/fantasyaffa ir?ncid=aolspr00 050000000020)

July 29, 2008

We ran into something similar, a fieldtrip to a farmer's market...and

then the class ended up staying (to watch square dancers which was

fun) but it was in the parkinglot of a Cheesecake factory. So they

brought out samples which we had to decline. Luckily my son was

happily eating his goosberries and didn't seem to care/notice the

other kids with cookies and cheesecake. I was kind of tirritated that

the teacher only brought the crackers I supplied for my son (I also

brought in vegan cheese and vegan cream cheese). Had I known the whole

'let's blow off making the fruit salad and stay here....' was going to

happen, I'd have brought an actual lunch and something better than dry

crackers for my son.

Usually the don't do this sort of thing (It was Montessori, and they

tend to have healthy snacks and won't allow cupcakes or such in the

class -even in lunches, no junky stuff) so it was a bit surprising.

Wasn't a big deal, he's not told me of anything similar happening at

other fieldtrips, so at least I feel it was more fo a fluke than the

norm for his summer camp.

Missie

On Tue, Jul 29, 2008 at 8:38 AM, Jillene Wenzel <jillben2008 wrote:

> My daughters are taking a gardening class. They each have their own little

> plot and they got to choose what to plant. Each class they tend their

> gardens and then play some games. The class is an hour and a half, so as

> things seem to go the teachers feel they need a snack...as if I haven't just

> fed them. Anyway, I would think they would have them trying different

> veggies or something, but of course not. They give them gummy worms, cakes

> and cookies.

> In my daughters acting class they just give them a few pieces of candy at

> the end of class to take home with them.

> I just think it's sad that it is assumed these kids need snacks at every

> class even when it's only an hour. So far I haven't said anything because

> there are always other issues...like when they wanted my daughter to be the

> butcher in Jack in the Beanstalk.

>

> --- On Mon, 7/28/08, ERB <bakwin wrote:

>

> ERB <bakwin

> Re: ARGH. I love/hate day camp!--a rant

>

> Monday, July 28, 2008, 10:25 PM

>

> I hear you, Marilyn. The other day, my younger daughter came home from

> science camp saying that she was extra hungry for an afternoon snack because

> the snack at camp that day was marshmallows so she didn't have any. I looked

> at her and said, incredulously: your teacher fed your class marshmallows as

> a snack? It's OK, she replied. Our teacher said they were " healthy

> marshmallows " .

>

> WTH??????

>

> Liz

>

> " sahmomof8 (AT) aol (DOT) com " <sahmomof8 (AT) aol (DOT) com>

> @gro ups.com

> Cc: Eat-2-Live@gro ups.com

> Monday, July 28, 2008 1:30:23 PM

> ARGH. I love/hate day camp!--a rant

>

> I am so glad all three of my girls can go to the special needs day camp this

> year. But why, oh WHY do they feed my kids such CRAP? I often feel I am the

> only parent in the universe that would never even THINK about buying

> artificially colored, flavored, and sweetened ices and ice cream for my

> kids. This is

> the second time Anna (13) has come home completely wired to the gills,

> bouncing off the walls. And it's the second time they've had these frozen

> " treats " . Coincidence? I think not. UGH.

>

> I have yet to find a camp, school, church, amusement park, or anyplace else

> that deals with children that doesn't have any of this total JUNK. I am so

> disgusted. Marilyn

>

> ************ **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for

> FanHouse Fantasy Football today.

> (http://www.fanhouse .com/fantasyaffa ir?ncid=aolspr00 050000000020)

>

July 30, 2008

You are so not alone!!! We just finished up a week of evening camp at

our church and it was unbelievable how closely I had to watch our 3

year old when the other kids were eating. He's at an age where he

doesn't know how to discern what's vegan or not so either Dad or I

have to have our eyes on him constantly when food is being served.

The people at our church treat him like their own because he's the

only toddler/baby there. So if he sees something on their plate that

he wants to try, they love taking care of him, so they would feed him

whatever he asked for...if we let them! There was a meal and snack

served each night and the only thing we/he could eat was spaghetti

with pasta sauce and some pretzels. The " snacks " cracked me up

because they were not at all vegan. The ladies serving snacks tried

every night to serve my son and even made him a special plate. Every

night I had to politely decline and they would expect an explanation.

One night a lady made homemade gummies (like jello jigglers). She

made my son a special cup of them with his favorite sea shapes (she

had starfish and seahorse gummies). I told her he couldn't have them

and she said, " But they're sugar-free! " Like that was supposed to

make it better! She then asked why he couldn't have them and I just

politely replied that we don't feed him artificial colors (not to

mention the gelatin in them and the fact they were animal shaped!).

She just couldn't understand why. And let's not even get started on

the grandparents who think one little bite is not a big deal...that's

another issue for another day! It was quite an interesting week.

Anyway, just wanted to sympathize with you. I understand your

ranting. It's good to know you're not alone!

, sahmomof8 wrote:

>

> I am so glad all three of my girls can go to the special needs day

camp this

> year. But why, oh WHY do they feed my kids such CRAP? I often feel I

am the

> only parent in the universe that would never even THINK about buying

> artificially colored, flavored, and sweetened ices and ice cream for

my kids. This is

> the second time Anna (13) has come home completely wired to the gills,

> bouncing off the walls. And it's the second time they've had these

frozen

> " treats " . Coincidence? I think not. UGH.

>

> I have yet to find a camp, school, church, amusement park, or

anyplace else

> that deals with children that doesn't have any of this total JUNK. I

am so

> disgusted. Marilyn

>

> **************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for

> FanHouse Fantasy Football today.

> (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020)

>

July 30, 2008

Someone suggested getting organized, and getting active about this issue. I

for one would CERTAINLY like to be involved in a national organization

dedicated to promoting healthier ideas on things to feed our kids! I have been

in on

the ground floor of a couple of organizations before--one for homeschoolers

who have kids with disabilities (now the national organization NATHHAN), and

one for parents of children with Down Syndrome in the Pocono Mountain area of

PA (P-PODS, still very active today, over 20 years later). Anyone else

interested?

Marilyn

**************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for

FanHouse Fantasy Football today.

(http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020)

July 30, 2008

Perhaps it would'nt hurt to tell them atleast offer healthier snacks *if

they HAVE to " .

It has been my experience that most people are sadly NOT receptive to

hearing about healthy eating. Maybe they feel defensive about their own food

choices, or the ones they make for their families. Maybe they don't want to feel

" different " . Maybe they think eating healthy consists of eating " weird " foods,

or that it's too expensive, or only " alternative " minded people do it. I'm

amazed every day at the choices people make around food, and the reasons they do

it.

All this talk has convinced me that I am NOT alone in my thinking, and that

maybe it's time for some sort of organized effort to educate parents about

food choices that would be safer for their families. Also to get the word out

that healthy eating is NOT weird, different, tasteless, expensive, or a

hassle. To that end, I have started a for families who want to be

active in educating the people in their communities about healthier eating,

especially as it regards children. If anyone's interested, please e me OFFLIST.

Thanks! Marilyn

**************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for

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July 30, 2008

Yes, my son has told stories of Cheetos and marshmallows being included at snack

time at his camp.

He usually says no, but it has been tempting. I feel bad that our little ones

have to be put in such situations sometimes. I am nervous about next school

year. Last year was his first year in public school, and we were still

transitioning into a strict vegetarian diet, so I didn't say anything to his

teachers about what he could and could not eat. This year, I plan to say

something from day 1, but am not sure how to go about it. blah

Jennifer

July 30, 2008

well, along the lines...

there is a new health and wellness committee that i got volunteered for at my

son's elementary school. any ideas for me to bring to the table? want to spread

the info without sounding condescending...

thanks!

janeen

" sahmomof8 " <sahmomof8

Wednesday, July 30, 2008 8:10:12 AM

Re: ARGH. I love/hate day camp!--a rant

Someone suggested getting organized, and getting active about this issue. I

for one would CERTAINLY like to be involved in a national organization

dedicated to promoting healthier ideas on things to feed our kids! I have been

in on

the ground floor of a couple of organizations before--one for homeschoolers

who have kids with disabilities (now the national organization NATHHAN), and

one for parents of children with Down Syndrome in the Pocono Mountain area of

PA (P-PODS, still very active today, over 20 years later). Anyone else

interested?

Marilyn

************ **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for

FanHouse Fantasy Football today.

(http://www.fanhouse .com/fantasyaffa ir?ncid=aolspr00 050000000020)

July 30, 2008

Janeen--Maybe bring along some literature from the Feingold association,

PCRM, or Vegetarian Resource Group? I know Feingold has a bunch of literature

just for schools, if you ask. They deal with healthier school lunches,

healthier treats for classrooms, and similar issues--not vegetarian, but free

from

" artificials " (and still mainstream enough for the majority of people).

You can also get information there about the schools that have improved

their school lunch programs, and eliminated soda machines, etc., and how the

schools have benefitted (and it WASN'T too expensive for them, either, which is

the excuse many schools give for not implementing change). The Feingold

Association can be reached at _www.feingold.org_ (http://www.feingold.org) .

Marilyn

**************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for

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July 31, 2008

I am very interested in being a part of healthy lunches/ food ideas for our

children.. I am actually venturing into writing a book (not sure if it will

ever get published) but it is my journey as a vegan mom to provide my son

with a healthy whole food diet, part my story, part how to guide, part

recipes.. I am hoping when I finally get it finished some individuals in

this group may want to read it and give me some feedback!!

If anyone has not yet checked out the Center for ecoliteracy please do.this

is a great site discussing farm to school food programs, school gardens,

etc.

http://www.ecoliteracy.org/programs/visual-guide/index.html

while not vegan, their school lunch programs, guides and garden ideas are

fantastic. I use many of these ideas in my home and in educating my son on

food- I just alter it to focus on vegan items (exclude some of their

discussions on milk etc).I like how this synergistic approach to food and

education.

I also have a healthy food options in our schools website I completed for a

class in school, I will have to get that back up and running and share with

the group, it just provides a lot of great links for this discussion. once I

get it back up I will send it out- if anyone has any additional links to add

let me know.

Paige

_____

On

Behalf Of sahmomof8

Wednesday, July 30, 2008 5:10 AM

Re: ARGH. I love/hate day camp!--a rant

Someone suggested getting organized, and getting active about this issue. I

for one would CERTAINLY like to be involved in a national organization

dedicated to promoting healthier ideas on things to feed our kids! I have

been in on

the ground floor of a couple of organizations before--one for homeschoolers

who have kids with disabilities (now the national organization NATHHAN), and

one for parents of children with Down Syndrome in the Pocono Mountain area

of

PA (P-PODS, still very active today, over 20 years later). Anyone else

interested?

Marilyn

**************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for

FanHouse Fantasy Football today.

(http://www.fanhouse

<http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020>

..com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020)

July 31, 2008

The Healthy Schools Network has great resouces: http://www.healthyschools.org/

--- On Wed, 7/30/08, sahmomof8 <sahmomof8 wrote:

sahmomof8 <sahmomof8

Re: ARGH. I love/hate day camp!--a rant

Wednesday, July 30, 2008, 3:21 PM

Janeen--Maybe bring along some literature from the Feingold association,

PCRM, or Vegetarian Resource Group? I know Feingold has a bunch of literature

just for schools, if you ask. They deal with healthier school lunches,

healthier treats for classrooms, and similar issues--not vegetarian, but free

from

" artificials " (and still mainstream enough for the majority of people).

You can also get information there about the schools that have improved

their school lunch programs, and eliminated soda machines, etc., and how the

schools have benefitted (and it WASN'T too expensive for them, either, which is

the excuse many schools give for not implementing change). The Feingold

Association can be reached at _www.feingold. org_ (http://www.feingold .org) .

Marilyn

************ **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for

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July 31, 2008

Thanks Marilyn! I'll look into this... seems like the next school year is coming

quickly.

Janeen

" sahmomof8 " <sahmomof8

Wednesday, July 30, 2008 4:21:18 PM

Re: ARGH. I love/hate day camp!--a rant

Janeen--Maybe bring along some literature from the Feingold association,

PCRM, or Vegetarian Resource Group? I know Feingold has a bunch of literature

just for schools, if you ask. They deal with healthier school lunches,

healthier treats for classrooms, and similar issues--not vegetarian, but free

from

" artificials " (and still mainstream enough for the majority of people).

You can also get information there about the schools that have improved

their school lunch programs, and eliminated soda machines, etc., and how the

schools have benefitted (and it WASN'T too expensive for them, either, which is

the excuse many schools give for not implementing change). The Feingold

Association can be reached at _www.feingold. org_ (http://www.feingold .org) .

Marilyn

************ **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for

FanHouse Fantasy Football today.

(http://www.fanhouse .com/fantasyaffa ir?ncid=aolspr00 050000000020)

July 31, 2008

, robin koloms <rkoloms wrote:

>

> The Healthy Schools Network has great resouces:

http://www.healthyschools.org/

>

That's a good resource to have! I'm going to put it in the links

section at the HealthyFoods4HealthyKids group. Thanks Robin! Marilyn

July 31, 2008

, janeen minguillo <jminshan

wrote:

>

> Thanks Marilyn! I'll look into this... seems like the next school

year is coming quickly.

> Janeen

>

YW, Janeen! Good luck with that! Marilyn

August 1, 2008

There is also the Green Earth Institute:

http://www.greenearthinstitute.org/nutrition/index.html

This is a CSA out in Downer's Grove, IL. But I think they could help

give folks some thing to work from/with as they do grassroots stuff

out that way.

I know some of this has been implemented in some of the Chicago Public

Schools (and elsewhere) with great results. I saw a news program

several years ago and they replaced most of the lunches (or maybe it

was all of them) with fresh made foods and eliminated soda machines at

schools for children with behavior issues (my nephew attended one for

a little while when they lived in Florida - he had issues off and on,

but is doing great now, and started college last year to get a

business degree) and many of the problems in the schools were either

alleviated or a lot less severe. And as others mentioned, they found

out it was not as expensive as some of the schools claim it is to

start/to do. I forget what it was called, but it was a long time ago

that I saw it.

Missie

On Thu, Jul 31, 2008 at 10:59 AM, sahmomof8 <sahmomof8 wrote:

> , janeen minguillo <jminshan

> wrote:

>

>>

>> Thanks Marilyn! I'll look into this... seems like the next school

> year is coming quickly.

>> Janeen

>>

> YW, Janeen! Good luck with that! Marilyn

>

--

http://mszzzi.zoomshare.com

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mszzzi/

~~~~~(m-.-)m

August 13, 2008

Sorry, folks. I'm behind so I just read this...

I kind of have a policy on things like this. Maybe it makes me a

level two vegan instead of a level five, but if people are trying

very hard to be accommodating and miss the mark just a bit I eat it

anyway and just let them know in a kind way for next time. Like

yesterday my boss ordered pizza for the office and was kind enough to

order a half of one without cheese and with veggies. She didn't

realize the crust wasn't vegan. So I ate it anyway with a smile, but

let her know later. And one time my mom got us veggie chicken

nuggets. She didn't realize they had eggs in them. I just

appreciate so much people actually trying... and I don't want to turn

them off from trying again. And I get to be the nice guy but also

educate them a little too. Dunno. Food for thought...

, " iluvk5 " <skerns wrote:

>

> You are so not alone!!! We just finished up a week of evening camp

at

> our church and it was unbelievable how closely I had to watch our 3

> year old when the other kids were eating. He's at an age where he

> doesn't know how to discern what's vegan or not so either Dad or I

> have to have our eyes on him constantly when food is being served.

> The people at our church treat him like their own because he's the

> only toddler/baby there. So if he sees something on their plate

that

> he wants to try, they love taking care of him, so they would feed

him

> whatever he asked for...if we let them! There was a meal and snack

> served each night and the only thing we/he could eat was spaghetti

> with pasta sauce and some pretzels. The " snacks " cracked me up

> because they were not at all vegan. The ladies serving snacks tried

> every night to serve my son and even made him a special plate.

Every

> night I had to politely decline and they would expect an

explanation.

> One night a lady made homemade gummies (like jello jigglers). She

> made my son a special cup of them with his favorite sea shapes (she

> had starfish and seahorse gummies). I told her he couldn't have

them

> and she said, " But they're sugar-free! " Like that was supposed to

> make it better! She then asked why he couldn't have them and I just

> politely replied that we don't feed him artificial colors (not to

> mention the gelatin in them and the fact they were animal shaped!).

> She just couldn't understand why. And let's not even get started on

> the grandparents who think one little bite is not a big

deal...that's

> another issue for another day! It was quite an interesting week.

> Anyway, just wanted to sympathize with you. I understand your

> ranting. It's good to know you're not alone!

> , sahmomof8@ wrote:

> >

> > I am so glad all three of my girls can go to the special needs day

> camp this

> > year. But why, oh WHY do they feed my kids such CRAP? I often

feel I

> am the

> > only parent in the universe that would never even THINK about

buying

> > artificially colored, flavored, and sweetened ices and ice cream

for

> my kids. This is

> > the second time Anna (13) has come home completely wired to the

gills,

> > bouncing off the walls. And it's the second time they've had these

> frozen

> > " treats " . Coincidence? I think not. UGH.

> >

> > I have yet to find a camp, school, church, amusement park, or

> anyplace else

> > that deals with children that doesn't have any of this total

JUNK. I

> am so

> > disgusted. Marilyn

> >

> > **************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign

up for

> > FanHouse Fantasy Football today.

> > (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020)

> >

August 16, 2008

I think it's very kind, you're being grateful and encouraging when people

try to accommodate your vegan diet. But, I would be concerned about

actually taking animal products into my body. I'm a vegan. I don't do eat

animal products. This also sends a message. Please know I say this with

respect for you and your decisions and not to be confrontational or

critical. Just discussing.

SoyPalmtree

On Wed, Aug 13, 2008 at 1:33 PM, Tanya <tcomer5 wrote:

> Sorry, folks. I'm behind so I just read this...

>

> I kind of have a policy on things like this. Maybe it makes me a

> level two vegan instead of a level five, but if people are trying

> very hard to be accommodating and miss the mark just a bit I eat it

> anyway and just let them know in a kind way for next time. Like

> yesterday my boss ordered pizza for the office and was kind enough to

> order a half of one without cheese and with veggies. She didn't

> realize the crust wasn't vegan. So I ate it anyway with a smile, but

> let her know later. And one time my mom got us veggie chicken

> nuggets. She didn't realize they had eggs in them. I just

> appreciate so much people actually trying... and I don't want to turn

> them off from trying again. And I get to be the nice guy but also

> educate them a little too. Dunno. Food for thought...

>

> <%40>, " iluvk5 "

> <skerns wrote:

> >

> > You are so not alone!!! We just finished up a week of evening camp

> at

> > our church and it was unbelievable how closely I had to watch our 3

> > year old when the other kids were eating. He's at an age where he

> > doesn't know how to discern what's vegan or not so either Dad or I

> > have to have our eyes on him constantly when food is being served.

> > The people at our church treat him like their own because he's the

> > only toddler/baby there. So if he sees something on their plate

> that

> > he wants to try, they love taking care of him, so they would feed

> him

> > whatever he asked for...if we let them! There was a meal and snack

> > served each night and the only thing we/he could eat was spaghetti

> > with pasta sauce and some pretzels. The " snacks " cracked me up

> > because they were not at all vegan. The ladies serving snacks tried

> > every night to serve my son and even made him a special plate.

> Every

> > night I had to politely decline and they would expect an

> explanation.

> > One night a lady made homemade gummies (like jello jigglers). She

> > made my son a special cup of them with his favorite sea shapes (she

> > had starfish and seahorse gummies). I told her he couldn't have

> them

> > and she said, " But they're sugar-free! " Like that was supposed to

> > make it better! She then asked why he couldn't have them and I just

> > politely replied that we don't feed him artificial colors (not to

> > mention the gelatin in them and the fact they were animal shaped!).

> > She just couldn't understand why. And let's not even get started on

> > the grandparents who think one little bite is not a big

> deal...that's

> > another issue for another day! It was quite an interesting week.

> > Anyway, just wanted to sympathize with you. I understand your

> > ranting. It's good to know you're not alone!

> > <%40>,

> sahmomof8@ wrote:

> > >

> > > I am so glad all three of my girls can go to the special needs day

> > camp this

> > > year. But why, oh WHY do they feed my kids such CRAP? I often

> feel I

> > am the

> > > only parent in the universe that would never even THINK about

> buying

> > > artificially colored, flavored, and sweetened ices and ice cream

> for

> > my kids. This is

> > > the second time Anna (13) has come home completely wired to the

> gills,

> > > bouncing off the walls. And it's the second time they've had these

> > frozen

> > > " treats " . Coincidence? I think not. UGH.

> > >

> > > I have yet to find a camp, school, church, amusement park, or

> > anyplace else

> > > that deals with children that doesn't have any of this total

> JUNK. I

> > am so

> > > disgusted. Marilyn

> > >

> > > **************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign

> up for

> > > FanHouse Fantasy Football today.

> > > (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020)

> > >

August 17, 2008

I am so with you Tanya, if someone is going out of there way to accommodate me

I feel it's rude to snub my nose at them. If you do that then next time they

will more than likely feel that whatever effort they make is never good enough

and also this can make you look like a snob. For me the issue is to save as many

animals as possible by educating the public.l If you turn your nose up when

people make an effort then you have turned them off to the whole idea and maybe

even others around who observe. It's the same as religion, if you come off as if

you are perfect and do no wrong you become unrelatable and people will just turn

away. I am with you 100%.

SoyPalmtree SoyPalmtree <soypalmtree

Saturday, August 16, 2008 10:07:07 AM

Re: Re: ARGH. I love/hate day camp!--a rant

I think it's very kind, you're being grateful and encouraging when people

try to accommodate your vegan diet. But, I would be concerned about

actually taking animal products into my body. I'm a vegan. I don't do eat

animal products. This also sends a message. Please know I say this with

respect for you and your decisions and not to be confrontational or

critical. Just discussing.

SoyPalmtree

On Wed, Aug 13, 2008 at 1:33 PM, Tanya <tcomer5 > wrote: