Volunteer Helps Camp Kids Learn Diabetes Management - Camps for Children with Diabetes

Volunteer Helps Camp Kids Learn Diabetes Management

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Each summer for the past 7 years, Lesley McCoy has volunteered for Camp Jean Nelson. As the head dietitian for the Association’s Alberta Camp that hosts 140 young campers with diabetes, Lesley helps to educated kids with type 1 diabetes and the camp counsellors on how to eat.

“I work closely with kids in the clinic at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, and I see the difference the camp experience makes. Camp is a great experience for young campers with diabetes as they learn that they can go away for a week” explains Lesley. For many campers, Camp Jean Nelson is their first time away from home without parents or caregivers. In addition to traditional camp activities like rafting, hiking, swimming and campfires, these kids learn the beginnings of daily independence in their diabetes management, including skills such as nutrition and insulin injections. “Campers try many different activities, in a safe environment while getting a taste of how to adjust insulin for activity, ”explains Lesley.

Lesley has adapted as new tools have been introduced into the diabetes world, such as pumps, carbohydrate counting, and new types of insulin. Her passion and dedicated to providing nutrition management for campers and mentoring the camp dietetic interns and dieticians led the Canadian Diabetes Association to present Lesley with the 2007 Camp Award at Camp Jean Nelson’s 50th Anniversary celebration held in August.

Camp Jean Nelson is available to children with diabetes ages 8-15 years on a first come, first serve basis. To find out more or to support summer camp, please contact the Southern Alberta Region Office.

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering with the Canadian Diabetes Association, contact your nearest office.

© 2009 Canadian Diabetes Association