Kids camp is a fundraising priority for the Canadian Diabetes Association
Posted November 2, 2016 8:18 am.
Last Updated November 2, 2016 8:29 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
GIBSONS (NEWS 1130) – Finding a cure is important, but having a special camp for kids is also a priority as Diabetes Awareness Month gets underway which means the Canadian Diabetes Association is stepping up its efforts.
The CDA says one of its goals in BC is to raise money for Camp Kakhamela in Gibsons, which is specialized for children with Type 1 diabetes.
The facility is one of 12 summer so-called ‘D-Camps’ in Canada, and the only one in BC. “Other than the doctors being there, it’s really just like any other camp,” explains 12-year-old Dylan, who attended the camp this past summer. “I have tons of friends that I’ve met at D-camp. That’s another thing that’s really fun [about] going to camp every year. You see your camp friends.”
Dylan, who has been going to Camp Kakhamela for several years, says he’s noticed something interesting about the kids who attend. “They learn how to become more independent with their diabetes because even though the doctors and nurses are there to always help you, they kind of want to guide you to figure out things by yourself,” says Dylan.
While there are activities such as kayaking, archery and hiking, the children are also busy maintaining their health. “We usually get up pretty early and go to our ‘med hut’ where everyone gets their sugars done, and insulin, and all that.”
LISTEN: NEWS 1130’s Tim James speaks to Dylan about Camp Kakhamela
He adds they visit the hut about four times every day, and maybe more if they’re not feeling well.
Camp Kakhamela was founded in 1962 by Dr. John Hunt.
NEWS 1130 Evening Show Anchor Tim James is raising money for Camp Kakhamela and the Canadian Diabetes Association as a member of Team Diabetes. He’s running Jamaica’s Reggae Marathon in December.
