MARYLAND CEL-KIDS GROUP
Membership in your local CSA Chapter also includes membership in the Cel-Kids Group. Our Maryland group was first started in 2003 by Jeanne Simkins, when her son Ryan was first diagnosed with celiac disease. Prior to that, no children’s support group existed in the Baltimore area.
In late 2004, this group became part of CSA’s Cel-Kids Network. The purpose of this group and network is to give kids (ages preschool through college) an opportunity to meet with other peers of similar age to share the experience of living with celiac disease. This is done through get-togethers, special events, discussions and entertainment.
In the past, our group has hosted two “Gluten-Free Nights at the Rainforest Café”, organized a Children’s Program for the regional CSA meeting in Virginia, had a gluten-free Holiday Cookie Exchange, Thanksgiving craft time at a monthly CSA meeting, cooking demonstration with Glutenfreeda, and has participated in the “Gluten-free Day at Hershey Park”. In addition, our group has initiated and run, for three years, the “Children’s Room” at the International Celiac Walk each May. Emails are circulated regarding the latest information in kid-oriented foods, products and restaurants, as well as tips on dealing with school issues, etc.
Cel-Kids needs many volunteers.
Just one or two hours per month of volunteer time would be very helpful. The following is a list of committees that need help: