'It makes me feel good': Kids with diabetes have fun at summer camp

Connecting with people you have something in common with particularly something you struggle with can have a profound impact on how you deal with it.

That's the goal of Diabetes Canada's Camp Douwanna, which takes inchildren with Type 1 diabetes.

The annual camp in Holyroodis giving children of all ages who suffer from the illness a chance to learn how to manage their condition independently, deal with stigmaand, of course, to justhavefun in a safe environment.

'Makes me feel good'

Ryan Stamp, a camper who came back again for his secondyear, said the experience helps him feel accepted.

"It makes me feel good because we all do the same thing," he said.

"Before lunch we all have to check our sugars and it is not just one person doing it. It makes you feel different."

Christian House, a camp counsellor who used to bea camper, saidbeing the only child at schoolwith the restrictions ofdiabetescan be one of the toughest parts about having the condition.

"It's definitely difficult and you are alienated in an intricate sort of way.You are dealing with an illness that is very rigid in what you have to do," he said.

"Taking needles, changing your sights, what you can and cannot eat is very important, and living as a child, especially in a rural community is hard to keep on track and keep within those guidelines."

Among other activities, the camp hasarchery, arts and crafts, photography, swimming and other sports.

Fun in a safe environment

Camp Douwanna wants kids to have fun, in an environment where they feel safe.

That'swhy medical staff areon hand at all times to help campers take insulin, test blood sugar levelsand learn to manage their condition independently.

The summer camp continues on Salmonier Line until Aug. 4.