The lifelong impact of Diabetes Camps
From the outside looking in, a Diabetes Camp looks exactly like any other summer or sleepaway camp – kids from all walks of life coming together for outdoor adventures and endless laughter.
So what’s the big deal?
What makes a Diabetes Camp special is that the traditional camp fun is delivered alongside tailored education sessions about nutrition, insulin management and self-care. Campers feel empowered to manage their type 1 diabetes independently, and they create a unique bond with peers who understand their daily struggles.
Campers are supervised by a team of health professionals, creating a safe environment with personalised care (and peace of mind for parents).
“I still remember being in the paediatrician’s office. I cried on learning I had to have multiple daily injections for the rest of my life.”
Spending her childhood summers at Diabetes Camps altered the course of Meaghan Read’s life.
She was just seven years old when she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The physical and emotional impact of daily injections and dietary restrictions was significant.
“I still remember being in the paediatrician’s office. I cried on learning I had to have multiple daily injections for the rest of my life,” Meaghan recalls.
“After one week in hospital, I was sent home, somewhat unprepared, to face a life with diabetes.”
Summers at Diabetes Camp became her safe place – diabetes is the norm at Camp.
Together, campers gain confidence in managing their diabetes, through shared experiences and adventures. Connecting with others who live with diabetes helps them feel less alone.
“Having friends with diabetes changed my life,” Meaghan says.
“Diabetes Camps showed me that people with diabetes were out there living full and happy lives and they were achieving amazing things. I learnt about living life with diabetes from my new friends and from the incredible staff who also lived with diabetes.”
Meaghan went on to become a passionate health researcher and is now a member of staff at Diabetes Victoria. She still speaks joyfully about the positive impact Diabetes Camps Victoria had on her life and carries that passion into her work to support others affected by diabetes.
“I can’t overstate the importance of these camps in establishing vital social support. Knowing that you are not alone is so important.”
