Another perspective on what camp can give kids living with diabetes. It’s truly an amazing experience, and one with incredible and long-lasting benefits. Not everyone at camp has diabetes—several staff members have siblings or parents with the disease, or simply come up for the experience and education that living with diabetes for a summer can bring.
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One of the most incredible things about working at a camp for kids with diabetes was watching them interact with each other. It was almost as if they all dropped their shoulders a little bit. They didn’t have to explain anything to anyone. They could talk about their diabetes if they wanted to or they could not talk about it if they didn’t want to. They could joke about something diabetes related and it was OK. Not only was it OK, but all of their peers would understand and identify with what they were talking about. They could just be kids. It was amazing to watch and even more amazing to be a part of. Now I get to see that with adults and it’s the same response. The support they feel when they are surrounded by people who get it is awesome.
Carrie Cheadle M.A., CC-AASP, Former employee of Bearskin Meadow Camp
Carrie is a Sport & Exercise Mental Skills Coach and coaches athletes and teams on mental skills training and peak performance. She currently runs the Mental Skills Training Program for Diabetes Training Camp. For more information on how to sign up for Carrie’s newsletter, follow her blog, or follow her Mental Skills Training for Athletes page on Facebook.
