Thinking about diabetes camp? All registered? Be ready for camp…starting now
Camp was hands down the best thing in my entire childhood my parents did for me.
AND I would have said that even if I didn’t have diabetes. I learned the confidence to get dressed in front of others, speak up for myself if I needed a bandaid, be exposed to different backgrounds, AND have SO MUCH FUN. There are a gazillion reasons why camp is the best, but I’m narrowing it down here.
The confidence-people give their first shots at camp, are encouraged to try a new site area at camp, are convinced to even wear a CGM at all, or try a new food and not hate it. Its those types of things that build self confidence, from the people around them that get it, that sometimes motivate us the most. That is what camp does.
The connections-counselors as role models, the unspoken understanding of just knowing that the kid next to you also has a wrapper of peanut butter crackers next to their bunk because they were also low at 2am. It’s the feeling of feeling not alone, and camp does that. It is magical.
The community-for parents, for staff, for the campers. It is built for life. Through online support, all year long, the community is powerful. The memories may only be from just a few days or weeks a few times a year, but those memories create a community that lasts forever.
Diabetes adds it’s own special layer of awesomeness for obvious reasons, AND it is ok for parents and families to be anxious and stressed about sending a kiddo off into the wilderness. Guess what, your kids are scared too. Year after year, I had butterflies, but the excitement takes over. It really does. If you are on the fence about signing up your kid, I promise you, both you and your kid will benefit.
Whether it is a 5 day sleep-away camp, or a week long day camp, check out my top 5 tips to make your transition to camp the BEST…even if it is several months or weeks away.
Circa 2003 with some pretty cool campers…
In no particular order…
The top 5 things to help you and your kid be ready for camp.
Gradual exposure-practice practice practice going away overnight BEFORE camp. Sleepover, grandparents house, extended playdate. It helps you both! If its a day camp program, try one day away during a school break.
Take little breaks from the CGM-or delegate to a different family member to be “in charge” of the CGM following. This is good practice for both parent/kiddo if CGMs aren’t used at camp.
Pack your diabetes supplies first and EARLY (not the day before camp). Make sure you aren’t rushing to fill prescriptions, get prior authorizations etc. This only adds to the anxiety and stress level.
Go shopping for camp stuff WITH your kid. Pick out flip flops, stamps, shampoo etc together.
Write a good old fashioned letter-tell them how proud you are of them-whether its their first time at camp or 10th summer back. We all need to hear it. Mail the letter a few days before camp starts so they have the motivation on day one.
AND….Remember-this is as much of a break for you as it is for them. Self-care is OK! Take a break from diabetes-technology, social media, everything. For a complete list of diabetes specific summer camp programs click here.
AND if you are looking for more, sign up for the workshop waitlist, a special program coming this spring all about diabetes camp.
STAY TUNED!
Happy Camping,
~Anna
