Connecting while camping

Better management
The challenges of young people can make diabetes management and social interaction difficult. However, a youth diabetes community can help encourage better management of the condition, increase self-esteem and help children live happier and healthier lives.

Youth-to-youth model
Empowerment methods that allows young people with diabetes to educate other young people with diabetes has shown to work at youth diabetes camps. This peer-to-peer model works effectively to motivate young people to better manage their diabetes.

Lasting friendships
An intense overnight camping experience brings children together and allows them to establish lasting friendships and gain valuable mentors, so they can better deal with the psychosocial consequences of their condition. A diabetes youth camp can encourage better diabetes self-management and provide a valued support network throughout the years.

A story of inspiration
Sofía Alarcón grew up in Quito, Ecuador, and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 8.  She first attended CAE as a camper at age 15.  Before arriving at camp, she did not know any other young people with diabetes. “I felt lonely,” she said, “but Campo Amigo changed my life.” Sofía later returned to the camp as a counsellor, and is now the camp director. 

She helps with recruitment, mentoring children and directing camp activities. “Since many counsellors at camp have diabetes as I do, campers see us as good examples and want to be like us when they grow up: controlling their diabetes, helping others and living healthier and happier lives with their diabetes,” explained Sofía. “This works because it motivates campers to be in good control of their own diabetes throughout the year.”