Summer Camp

Diabetes Summer Camp


Camp During COVID?

We are registering my son right now for diabetes camp.  We are hoping for some normalcy by summer. 

Last year, due to COVID, his first year at diabetes overnight camp was canceled.  His first year as a camp counselor at a diabetes day-camp was also canceled.  I had mixed emotions because I always hear from people with T1D how beneficial these camps are and now that my son is in high school, I feel the pressure of time like never before. 

Benefits of Camp

These camps set kids up for a better future with type one diabetes.  From social and emotional support to just learning how to self-manage all their stuff – which is A LOT for any person, let alone a child or teenager.

Studies have been done on peer-to-peer support for people living with chronic illness.  Those studies show higher levels of well-being for people with peer support.  Going to camp is their first experience with this type of support.

As a parent of a child with type one sending them camp can be a major stressor.  There are a few different options near us that include overnight or day-camp options.

We chose to start with the day-camp to get familiar with the place.  When you first arrive, it looks like any other camp with a pool, a lake, canoes, arts and craft tables, and screaming and laughing kids.  You almost forget that 100% of the kids there have type one diabetes and I'd estimate that 80 percent of the camp counselors have it too.  You never experience that anywhere else and that can normalize it for kids.  There are also several nurses.  All of this helps ease anxiety.

A couple of new kids cried A LOT at a drop-off but by the end of the week, they were like the rest, all smiles, or busily engaged in some activity.

Camps to Consider

Do you have any to add?

Most camps have scholarships for families in need. If you are able, most accept donations for those scholarships.

Going to a diabetes camp is a very individualized choice pandemic or not.  



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