With a pillow and bedding tucked under my arm, a counselor guided me to my cabin. I had already caught myself glancing at the arms of other kids adorned with Dexcoms and Omnipods, which made me a bit anxious about being at camp for the first time while managing my diabetes with multiple daily injections.
As I stepped into the cabin, I was greeted by a lively chorus of campers exchanging stories with their friends from previous summers, their hands busily crafting bracelets while their legs dangled off bunk beds. I set my belongings down on an empty bed and began to unpack, when I was met by the warm smile of the girl beside me. “Hi! I’m Paige,” she introduced herself, “When were you diagnosed?” I grinned as I replied, “When I was ten!”. I knew this was going to be a fantastic week.
Experiencing a sense of belonging is part of what makes us human. Diabetes Camp gave that to me.
I’m lucky to say now as a young adult with diabetes I have incredibly supportive friends, and family members that tie me to this little blue planet. I also will candidly admit that managing my diabetes mentally, emotionally and physically can leave me unsure of where I truly belong. That is, until I reconnect with my diabetes community.
For young adults and adolescents living with diabetes, the journey involves challenges that extend beyond medical management. Constantly monitoring blood sugar levels, being aware of dietary intake, and bearing the psychological burden of a chronic condition can be overwhelming.
One of the most profound aspects of attending a diabetes summer camp was the sense of belonging it fostered. For many of us, diabetes can feel isolating. Friends who don’t live with the condition may not fully grasp its complexities and anxieties. At camp, this isolation was replaced with connection. Surrounded by peers who shared similar experiences, we found an environment where our struggles and triumphs were not only understood but celebrated.
Diabetes camp provided a support network that empowered me to embrace my identity and manage my diabetes with confidence. By meeting others who faced the same challenges, I learned that I’m not alone and that my condition does not define me. Seeing other kids thriving with their diabetes tech was transformative and instilled a sense of confidence and self-worth.
In addition to the practical benefits, diabetes summer camp emphasized the importance of mental and emotional well-being. Living with a chronic illness can take a toll on mental health, leading to anxiety and burnout. At camp, these emotional struggles were addressed head-on, with trained professionals offering support. Campers were encouraged to express their feelings and celebrate their victories, fostering a sense of camaraderie and understanding that was therapeutic.
The friendships I formed at diabetes summer camp created a lifelong network of support. These connections provided a foundation of encouragement and understanding that I still rely on. Knowing there are others who genuinely understood my journey offered comfort and reassurance that was invaluable.
Finding and Creating Diabetes Community in College
In adulthood, I’ve found community through starting a chapter of The Diabetes Link at my university. Starting a chapter allowed me to create the community I needed at school. It also allowed me to bring community to so many other students who were living with T1D, many of whom never had the chance to go to diabetes camp. For students who received their diagnosis while they were in college, we were there to catch them and help them find their way. That was truly amazing.
Starting my Diabetes Link Chapter allowed me to bring that camp-like community to my college campus. Sure we weren’t canoeing and sleeping in cabins (though we have been known to make some friendship bracelets), but we brought camp to college in the most important ways. We brought the belonging and support that reminds all of us we can handle what comes our way and while we may be on our own, we are never, ever alone.
Interested in getting involved with a diabetes camp? Check out our friends at DECA and ADA.
Thank you to Lilly for sponsoring this article!