FAACT's Roundtable

Ep. 278: What Camp TAG Means to our Family

• Season 5 • Episode 278

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Every summer, FAACT’s Camp TAG (The Allergy Gang) brings campers, teens, non-allergic siblings, and families living with food allergies, eosinophilic disorders, asthma, FPIES, and Celiac disease, together for fun, confidence-building, and hands-on learning in a safe, supportive space.

Molly Dow and her daughters, Emily and Ellie, join us to share what Camp TAG has meant to their family. You'll get a sneak peek into the heartwarming fun and why Camp TAG continues to be popular over the years.

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 Sponsored by: ARS Pharma

Thanks for listening! FAACT invites you to discover more exciting food allergy resources at FoodAllergyAwareness.org!

Caroline: Welcome to FAACT's Roundtable, a podcast dedicated to navigating life with food allergies across the lifespan. Presented in a welcoming format with interviews and open discussions,

each episode will explore a specific topic, leaving you with the FAACTS to know or use.

Information presented via this podcast is educational and not intended to provide individual medical advice.

Please consult with your personal board-certified allergist or healthcare providers for advice specific to your situation.

Caroline: Hi everyone. I'm Caroline Moassessi and I am your host for the FAACT Roundtable podcast.

I am a food allergy parent and advocate and the founder of the Grateful Foodie Blog. And I am FAACT's Vice President of Community Relations.

Caroline: Before we start today's podcast, I just want to pause for just a moment to say thank you to ARS Pharma for being a kind sponsor of FAACT's roundtable podcast.

And please note that today's guest was not sponsored or paid by ARS Pharma to participate in this specific podcast.

Every summer, something truly special happens at FAACT's Camp TAG. The Allergy Game comes to life.

It's more than just a classic summer camp filled with fun. It's a place where kids with food allergies and their siblings, ages 4 to 13,

build confidence, learn how to manage their food allergies, and just get to be kids in a safe, supportive environment.

Over the years, we've watched campers grow up,

come back as counselors, and even head off to college. It really is a full circle experience.

Today we're joined by Molly Dow and her daughters Emily, age 12, and Ellie, age 10,

to share what Camp TAG has meant to their family and to give us a firsthand look at the magic behind this incredible community.

Caroline: Welcome Molly, Emily and Ellie to FAACT's Roundtable podcast. This is the first time you've been here and we're all very excited because you are going to share some something that no one has ever shared before on a podcast.

So we are very excited. Welcome.

Molly: Thank you. Hi.

Molly: Hi Caroline. Thank you so much for having us on. My name is Molly Dow and like you said, I'm here with my daughters Emily and Ellie and we are thrilled to be talking about one of our favorite topics which is Camp TAG.

Caroline: Yay. I'm so happy to hear it. And again, we're so happy you're here. So before we jump into Camp Tag, we'd love to get to know your family just a little bit more.

Molly, can you share your journey with food allergies? And then Emily and Ellie, we love to hear from you too. After your mom talks and if you can, introduce yourselves too.

Molly: Yeah, absolutely. So,

as you're going to find out, Ellie is 10 now, but our journey actually began when she was only eight months old.

We were at a family birthday party. Ellie was sitting on my lap,

and she got her hands in my ice cream, and. And when I looked down, all of a sudden she had hives all over her body, on her arms and face and trunk.

And I really didn't know what was going on. And luckily my sister was there and she has two daughters and they have food allergies. So she kind of helped me figure out what was going on, made sure she was safe.

But that was a real surprise for me and a scary situation.

So after that, we went to the pediatrician where she got diagnosed with a milk food allergy.

And we were given an EpiPen and we avoided. Avoided milk. Then a couple of months later, she unfortunately had two anaphylactic reactions.

We didn't know why,

so we talked to the allergist and they said that they were idiopathic allergies.

So this was really scary news because we've got this sweet baby, you know, under 2 years old, can't talk that well,

and the allergies were idiopathic, so we weren't sure what to do and to avoid to keep her safe.

So luckily we were able to do more testing with the allergist, and the results ended up that she had outgrown her milk allergy and had a tree nut allergy. This was actually a relief in a way, because now we knew what was bothering her and what we could avoid.

We continued carrying the EpiPen everywhere we went. We worked with the allergist to make a allergy action plan. We educated family and friends and school, school all the caregivers. And we've been so lucky to be surrounded by so many supportive people that really want to keep Ellie safe and included.

So ellie has a 504 plan at school.

She's been so lucky to have some really supportive and inclusive teachers and school counselors. Through her involvement with Camp Tag, both she and her sister have learned so much about food allergies.

Like I said, she's only 10,

but she can describe the symptoms of, like, food allergies and anaphylaxis. She knows how to advocate for herself, whether it be at school or in extracurriculars,

for things that she need may be modified or accommodated. And actually, at Camp Tag, they taught the kids how to use the auto injectors. And that was really helpful because it really took a lot of the fear away and really normalized it while they were at camp.

So I really credit Camp Tag with providing kids so young with so much positive and helpful information to either use on themselves or their family and friends, if needed.

Caroline: Thank you so much for helping us get to know you. And listeners, you don't get to see it. I get to see it. But they're all wearing their camp tag shirts, and they look fantastic, and I love the colors, but you guys don't get to see it.

So I'm so sorry, listeners. This is my big, selfish moment. And so now let's turn to Emily and Ellie. And Ellie, do you want to start and just kind of tell us a little more your allergies and yourself and what grade you're in and all that good stuff?

Ellie: Hi, I'm Ellie dow, and I'm 10 and in fourth grade, and I have food allergies to tree nuts, and I have celiac disease. It's really been hard and scary when I'm out and about because I always come with a packed lunch, and I never know what it's like feeling more normal,

because I wish I could say I'm like everyone else. But I know a quote that says different isn't bad, sad, weird, or strange. Different is different, and different's okay.

Caroline: Oh, I love that. What a great quote. Oh, my gosh. That is perfect. Thank you for sharing that. And then Emily.

Emily: Hi, I'm Emily Dow. I'm 12 years old, and I'm in sixth grade. Even though I don't have any allergies, I have been greatly affected, and I've learned so much about food allergy management.

I have many friends and relatives that have to deal with allergies,

and I've heard their stories, and it can be a tough way to live. I know it's especially rough when I'm at, like, a party or big event and my sister can't have what they're eating and she has to get her own special meal.

Caroline: Love how siblings and the entire family is involved in food allergies because you're not only an ally to your sibling, but you're an ally to everybody in the community.

I mean, in your school and in your classroom. So it's not just your family you're looking out for, but you're looking out for everybody else. And that's really pretty cool and very amazing.

So now let's start off by talking about what Camp Tag is and then who in your family attends. So, Molly, can you kick us off on talking about this?

Molly: Eleanor Garrow is the current CEO of FAACT. And she actually founded this camp for her son and daughter when they were actually younger than my girls are now.

So due to her vision and passion for creating a camp where kids can be kids and still experience all those quintessential summer camp activities, we were able to join Camp Tag.

So huge shout out to Eleanor and all the work she's done. We so appreciate it.

So here's what camp looks like for us. If you're wondering as a parent, what to expect if you enroll your child in Camp TAG,

each morning, I load up the van and drop the kids off at camp. In the morning, they each take a packed lunch. And on the website for Camp Tag, you'll see really detailed instructions on what safe.

What safe food is permitted. So they really do a great job with that. And if you have any questions, you're always welcome to talk to Eleanor, the other counselors.

And they provide water, so they bring the drinks.

And at the same time that you're dropping them off, you always give your allergy medicine to the counselors.

And what's great is they break the kids up in different groups based on age. And the counselors actually carry g medicine around the whole camp, so they're never without it.

And Eleanor is always there supervising everything.

And so you definitely know that the kids are safe and having fun.

One cool thing that she does is she takes a million pictures and uploads them the same day. It's amazing. And so you will be sitting there just seeing your kids beaming at the different activities and knowing that they're safe and having a great time.

Also, outside of camp, we get together to do other fun things. So after drop off, we have an opportunity for parents to connect. So we'll go to a local coffee shop and just talk and hang out and kind of just casually talk about what it's been like in their food journey with their child.

And I find this to be one of the most inspiring parts of camp for me because I really feel like I connect and have a lot in common with the parents that are there where we have a lot of similar outlook on life.

And it's really cool to see them bringing their kids there so that they can feel that sense of belonging as a Camp Tag camper, too.

Another awesome part of camp is family day. So at the end of the week, on Friday,

the whole family gets to come. So even if you weren't a camper, but you want to come for that, you can. Parents, they've had their grandpa there,

and the kids get. You get to actually Feel the family environment and the bonds that they've created over the week.

So they'll introduce you to their counselors,

and there'll be different representatives that will actually share samples of, like, allergy friendly products,

which is also a great way to expand your repertoire, if possible for the kids. And they all take the stage and they sing the famous camp tag song. And so it's a real highlight for us when we get to go on family day.

I think their dad wanted me to mention that last camp family day, he got invited to play gaga ball with the counselors,

and the kids were all on the side cheering them on, and he.

He won Gaga ball. So that was pretty cool.

Caroline: I like that. Dad's a winner.

And so I do have a question.

So during the camp day,

if you can talk about education or games, like, what happens during the day.

Emily: So when we get there in the morning, we start off with just like a meet and greet. Say hi to everybody.

Then we put our meds into the cooler and we get waters. We wipe our hands down with wet wipe. And then we go to our first activity on a printed schedule in a binder that they keep in the cooler.

So, for example, we go to, like, giant swing for the first thing.

And then we do two activities then come back for snack and education.

And while we're eating our safe snack that they provide for us,

we learn more about allergies.

Like, we.

I'm trying to think of an example of something we did.

Ellie: We learn about, like, the top 10 or eight allergies.

Emily: Yes.

Ellie: Really?

Molly: Now we like quiz, and everyone shares their allergies, and we get to learn more about other people.

Caroline: Well, that's fun. Now, do you have a favorite thing you like to do at camp?

Emily: One of my favorite things to do at camp are rock climbing, ziplining, swimming, giant swing, and even water slides.

Caroline: Oh, boy. Okay, so there's a lot of big physical stuff happening here. Now, how about you, Ellie? What's your favorite thing to do there?

Ellie: It's hard to pick just one,

but maybe the giant swing.

The giant swing. And when we do the swimming. But it's always so cold.

But that's what makes it fun.

Caroline: That's right, because you can get out and say, I'm strong. I did it. We know what your mom likes. Visiting with the other families.

Ellie: Yes.

Molly: Something for everyone.

Caroline: I love that. Who has a favorite memory to share or a story. And if all three of you have one, then everybody share.

Molly: My favorite memory of camp tag is picking up Ellie. After the first camp that we went to here in Lebanon, Ohio. And she got in the car, and she had a huge smile, and she said,

this is the best week of the year.

Caroline: Oh, my gosh. That is so wonderful. And for us parents of kids with food allergies, and I have two, and they're adults now. I can't believe it. 22 years old and 27, and there's just nothing more gratifying and satisfying than see your child just out there living life and having fun.

But there is something magical, I swear, about when you're with kids who understand you. So my daughter always went to teen retreat,

and it was, I don't know, magical. Sounds so corny, but it really is. It's something that you just can't even explain.

Molly: Yes, absolutely. We found that too.

Caroline: I love that. How about Ellie? Do you have something to add there? I bet you do.

Ellie: It's hard to pick just one, but if I had to say, the giant swing.

And I really like my counselor, Jane. She's funny and kind,

and she.

She organized fundraiser walk for fact.

Caroline: Wow. Boy, she's more than a counselor. She does a lot of stuff. Oh, that's pretty cool.

Molly: Yeah. And you'll definitely see that it's really neat that a lot of the campers, you're gonna see them grow up across the summers and oftentimes turn into counselors themselves.

So they're really awesome role models. Jane is no exception, and we're really looking forward to going to her walk later this. This month, actually.

Yeah. So Jane is actually organized a walk as a fundraiser, for a fact, and we're really looking forward to going as a family and supporting her.

Caroline: That's really fun, because I love how these relationships go outside of camp,

and they just seem to just go on and on. I mean, even at Facts Food allergy Summit, like, a year ago,

there were former counselors now attending,

and it was so fun watching them just connect. And they've known each other for years, and they're catching up, and it was just. I don't know, I guess it's magical.

I don't know how to explain it. How about you, Emily? Do you have a favorite story to share?

Emily: Yeah. So last year at Camp Tag in Nashville, I met a friend that I'm still in touch with today.

We were talking to each other, like, last week or something. We're really excited to see each other over the summer, and we had a movie night. Eleanor organized a movie night,

and we watched Spider man across the Spider Verse,

and, like, we all got to bring pillows, and we all watched it on a big projector in the hotel.

So that was really fun because we got to be with all the camp kids outside of camp,

and we got to just catch up and see each other outside the camp setting.

Caroline: That is really special. And I love how you're talking about how you're so excited to see each other and you do these things. And you know what? If we can just stop for a minute, I'm going to turn to you, Mom.

So you drop them off every day. So if you're coming from a distance, do you stay at a hotel or are there accommodations set up, if you don't mind talking a little bit about how people do that?

Molly: Yeah, I think it varies for every family. What's really neat is people will come from all over the country. So you'll see people from California. You'll see people.

Emily: Where else have we seen my friends from California. I know.

Molly: Colorado,

and we're so lucky. It's in our backyard, really. I actually went to camp when was a child at the same camp that they're going to at Tag.

So families will stay either in rental houses or sometimes Eleanor will put together a block of rooms at a hotel, which is what we did in Nashville. And that's pretty unique and cool because then the kids see each other in the morning when you're driving, and then we can do things like use the rooms,

the conference rooms, and the kids can watch a movie and have a movie night, and parents can get together and socialize and connect.

Caroline: And that's also really nice that everyone can go to their own space. So therefore, families can manage their own allergies for dinner and breakfast and other things and connect. I really like that.

So everyone can be back together as a family.

So now this next question is for each of you,

and why don't we go ahead and start with Emily?

Why is Camp Tag so special to you?

Emily: That's a hard one. Camp Tag is special to me for many different reasons.

It always makes me feel and my sister included and special and valued.

I've made many great friends and have many, many memories that I will cherish forever and look forward to recreating the next year.

Caroline: You're making me want to sign up, but I guess I really can't. I'm a little too old. Maybe I can come and volunteer.

Molly: Yes, please do. We'd love that.

Caroline: I really would like to. I'm gonna have to talk to Eleanor. Who knows? Maybe I'll get to go this summer. So now, Ellie, how about you?

Ellie: Camp Tag. Camp Tag to Me is a place that is so amazing it's hard to describe. I wish I could spend the whole year today.

Eleanor, to me is one of the best people I've ever met. I can feel safe with her and the counselors. It feels like you could be who you are and you don't have separate tables and you don't have to feel anxious or going to look at you and say,

what is she eating?

Camp Tag is a community of people that I just love being around.

Caroline: Aw, that's so sweet. You're pulling at all my heartstrings.

Emily: I'd like to add something.

Caroline: Please do.

Molly: Two or three years ago for Halloween, we were doing Trunk or treat and instead of giving out just traditional packaged candy,

we wore teal. Well, my parents wore teal shirts and used teal trick or treating baskets and gave out non food items for people with allergies.

Caroline: That's so cool. I love it because you're educating the community,

but you're also secretly and on the down low letting people know with allergies. I got you right over here. I love that. Thank you for sharing.

And how about you, Molly?

Molly: So when I think about Camp TAG, I immediately think about Eleanor. It's her energy and passion for food allergy safety that really created this camp. Her positivity and enthusiasm, it permeates the whole camp and we are just so appreciative and thankful for her.

She really has created a environment of support and inclusion and a place where kids can just be kids.

And as we've said,

it's so amazing to see how quickly these kids form bonds together and they really become a community that builds each other up and that's just awesome to see.

Caroline: And I love how you mentioned it's a place where kids can just be kids because I think anyone dealing with any kind of health condition at a young age maybe feels like they have to do a lot of adult type things and be adult responsible for a lot of things.

So it's really fun that there's this one spot, this one time, right, where you can really be a kid,

but in the same breath be with other people just like you, who totally get you.

Molly: Yeah, exactly.

Caroline: Absolutely love that. So before we say goodbye today, is there anything else that each of you might want our listeners to hear from you? Any final thoughts?

Ellie: Yes.

Emily: You can learn more about camp tag on FAACT's website. The dates for Camp TAG in Lebanon, Ohio, which is just north of Cincinnati, is June 1st through 5th, and Camp TAG in Nashville is June 22nd through 26.

Caroline: Thank you see, you saved me from having to save that. You said it much better than I would have.

Ellie: Can I add, we just listened to the podcast with Tess Firm, who is Miss America's Teen 2026. She's the National Spokesperson.

Molly: Yeah, we really enjoyed your podcast with Tess.

She's such an inspiring role model and the kids are so excited to hear that she's going to be spending a few days at both camps this summer. So you can follow Tess Firm on Instagram and Facebook and learn more about the important advocacy work that she's doing.

Caroline: I have to say, that was such a fun podcast.

Her excitement about food allergy awareness and education is. Is just contagious.

I can't even imagine her at camp. You are going to have so much fun at camp with her.

Well, thank you for being with us today and for all of you wearing your fabulous Camp TAG shirts and sharing your stories and your experiences. And this is just really helps listeners who might be considering Camp TAG now they know and even if they can't go to Camp TAG,

maybe they'll contribute or donate or somehow find a way to engage. And so we just really appreciate you three being incredible advocates for Camp TAG, but most of all for food allergies and food allergy awareness.

So thank you to all three of you.

Ellie: Thank you so much. Bye.

Emily: Thank you so much for having us. We enjoyed it.

Molly: Thank you so much for having us on Caroline and for all the important work you do on this podcast. I know it's definitely help us with the way that we manage food allergies in our house.

So thank you again and we sure hope to see you and other families at Camp Tag this summer.

Caroline: Well, thank you so much.

Caroline: Before we say goodbye today, I just want to pause for one more moment to say thank you to ARS Pharma for being a kind sponsor of FAACT's roundtable podcast.

And please note, today's guest was not sponsored by or paid by Ars Pharma to participate in this specific podcast.

Caroline: Thank you for listening to FAACT's Roundtable Podcast.

Stay tuned for future episodes coming soon.

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Have a great day and always be

Caroline: kind to one another.