Camp Empowers Young Diabetics

Filed in archive Inspiration on July 29, 2006

I love stories like this one. Camp Yellow Bird, the brainchild of the Diabetes Association of Jamaica and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, is an annual event that both educates and empowers children with diabetes.

The annual event, established for children and adolescents with diabetes, is aimed at teaching them how to manage their condition, by providing guidance on how to develop meal plans and how to lead a healthy lifestyle. The participants also get the opportunity to interact with other persons who are affected by the illness, thus boosting their self-confidence and lifting their spirits.

"The camp aims to teach children of diabetics, to manage their condition in a real life conditions, so they will have their regular activities but they will learn to manage their diabetes while making regular choices about food," said Mrs. Griffith.

She continued, "We wanted them to meet and live with other children who share their special challenges and to have fun, as Camp yellow Bird is about regular camping activities in a fun environment while they learn to cope with diabetes."

Along with learning crucial skills such as how to better monitor their diabetic symptoms, children also benefit from camaraderie and a sense of 'belonging.' Camp Yellow Bird has been going strong since 1992, and advocates hope to keep it that way.

What has your community done to help diabetic children? Do you have any ideas for improvement?

(Photo Source: Rioband)