Having never gone to diabetes camp myself, diagnosed at 18 years old in 1972, I was invited to run a workshop on ‘Increasing diabetes happiness and advocacy’ this past weekend at Camp Nejeda’s Survive & Thrive weekend for adults with type 1 diabetes. Twenty 21 to 70 year old campers got to reflect on something they’ve gained having diabetes, discover their strengths and ponder the meaningfulness in their personal diabetes story.

I arrived Saturday afternoon so I missed the Friday evening bonfire, inspirational talk from power lifter Chris Ruden, and informational lectures from endo Robin Goland. But I did get to enjoy psychologist Ken Gorfinkle’s Q&A discussion on ‘What don’t our doctors know’, a balloon competition, at least I think it was, outdoor movie (what else but ‘Dirty Dancing’?!) and the chance to make new friends (I did).

Of course, what’s just as important at diabetes camp to any activity is the opportunity to let down your hair while letting your insulin pump alarm without concern amidst of sea of pumps. Of course I was told to my face, affectionately, that I’m ‘old school’ when I pulled out my vial and syringe. Well, it takes all kinds, and at camp, all kinds are present and welcome.

What impresses me about Camp Nejeda is how this long-running camp offers a weekend for everyone. For instance there’s BFF Weekend for kids– bring your best friend or sibling with you to diabetes camp. That’s both next weekend and September 15-17th. There’s also a weekend for families. Here’s the summer schedule if you have a child with T1D or perhaps know someone who does. I also believe the camp is looking for camp counselors if you know an older teen who’s interested.

My new camp friend came all on her own and felt perfectly at ease among all the friendly faces. That’s the special magic of being in a place where having type 1 diabetes is the norm, where alarms alarm, insulin T-shirts abound and snacks are everywhere just in case.

Participants sharing during my workshop in the dining hall below.