MAPLETON, Maine — Having a major illness is certainly no picnic, much less a vacation, but kids and teens came together at Mapleton Baptist Park June 24-29 to learn that vacations and picnics are still events they can look forward to and enjoy.
Camp Adventure is a weeklong experience that teaches diabetes self-management skills to youth ages 12-17 in a fun and everyday way.
Activities such as hiking, canoeing, kayaking, nightly campfires, swimming and spending the day partaking in various water sports at Long Lake are just a few of the activities campers took part in, all while learning more about diabetes, sharing stories with fellow campers about trials and tribulations of type 1 diabetes, monitoring equipment and keeping track of blood sugars.
Camp Adventure director Erica Ouellette, RN, BSN and certified diabetes educator, said, “Camp Adventure provides a safe, nurturing environment to overcome the challenges of living with diabetes by creating independence through learning roles and responsibilities of self-management. It is about accepting the illness, and taking the steps to properly care for yourself.”
Local groups, organizations, pharmaceutical and other diabetes-related companies, as well as Cary and Pines, support the camp.
“Without the support of these organizations, staff and volunteers, programs like this would not be possible. We are so thankful for such a caring and supportive community,” said Ouellette.
The annual camp drew 25 youth and several staff and volunteers who offered individualized treatment assistance. Plans are actively underway for next year’s program. For information on attending or sponsoring, contact the Cary/Pines Diabetes Care office at 498-1283.
Submitted by the Community Relations and Development Office of Cary Medical Center.
