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| Photo courtesy of beyondtype1.org |
Adventures at Diabetes Camp
Maybe you've heard of Diabetes Camp, and maybe you haven't. I hadn't known of it's existence until a couple of years ago when my son was given a flyer from the school nurse. (Have I mentioned I LOVE school nurses?)
Three years ago, a local camp launched their first ever Diabetes Camp. What is it? A safe, structured environment for children with type one diabetes to play, explore, and learn some self sufficiency, with a trained staff. The staff included a nurse practitioner, two medical interns, and three cabin staff members all trained in diabetic care. This gave me peace of mind.
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| Photo courtesy of myglu.org |
The first year of camp was a half week session. It was experimental. Admittedly, I was reluctant at first. My son had never been away overnight. Nobody was trained in his care.
I waited for the phone to ring, bringing with it dire news about a tragedy that had occurred while hiking, swimming, or boating.
That call never came.
He survived without so much as a bump or bruise.
Caregivers know the anxiety that goes with leaving the person you care for in someone else's hands. It might be likened to leaving your newborn baby for the first time - so vulnerable and helpless.
Trust me, it gets easier.
And the best part is that he had trained caregivers around the clock. This gave him the chance to be a little independent from mom, while having support staff aid in his blood sugar checks, insulin pump changes, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia.
The second and third year of camp were a week in duration. During his time at camp, he was able to do all the things any active teenage boy would enjoy.
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| Photo courtesy of kayakpenderisland.com |
Kayaking on the lake
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| Photo courtesy of news.aces.edu |
Rock wall climbing
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| Photo courtesy of campalleghany.com |
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| Photo courtesy of onyahsa.org |
Dining in a fully equipped mess hall, with healthy food options.
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| Photo courtesy of superhealthykids.com |
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| Photo courtesy of redtri.com Swimming in the lake. There were optional polar bear swims each morning, in which my son participated. Brr! Children weren't segregated. They participated in activities with the other campers. They were housed together so trained counselors could monitor their blood sugar levels during the night. They also had the opportunity to meet other children with T1D. The Diabetes Camp was sponsored by Univera and gave scholarships to the first several that applied. Actually, I don't think anyone who wanted to participate was turned away. We were told this was the last year there would be a Diabetes Camp in our area. We are hoping more funding will come our way for this great opportunity. The camp was influential in my son's desire to become a camp counselor next year. Camp leaders are trying to find a way to provide a support team for my son the week he would be at camp as a leader in training. Other activities included: |
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| Photo courtesy of westfieldrepublican.com |
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| Photo courtesy of pinterest.com |
Crafts
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| Photo courtesy of spotlightnews.com |
Archery
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| Photo courtesy of rei.com |
And campfires
Diabetes Camp was a pleasant experience for my son and me. My son had fun and I felt secure in the knowledge that he was being well cared for.
