But there are no lectures on arthritis or the disease. They get that in clinic. Instead, they munch on watermelons under the trees, casually competing to see how far they can spit the seeds. Some kids sit at the picnic tables perhaps making earrings or bracelets, appearing, it seems to actually be listening to loud music instead. Others learn how to fish.
Older girls sit on the side of the pool while the younger kids splash in the water.
Games, a carnival and the long anticipated, or long dreaded depending on the gender, dance is coming up. This is their chance to forget they've got a disease. We try to help them forget they have a chronic disease. Of course, forgetting about arthritis is impossible. The children also receive physical therapy and Madson tries to subtly convey a message that stretching and exercise need to be a part of every day life.