Information for Campers

If you have type 1 diabetes, you may be interested in coming along to one of our camps.  Diabetes Camps Victoria (DCV) runs camps for children aged 4 to 17 years with type 1 diabetes.

Benefits of attending camp and what campers can learn

Children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes get to meet other children with type 1 diabetes. This provides a peer support network, which cannot be met by health professionals or parents, where they can interact with each other and feel less isolated. Health professionals and volunteers are always there to supervise, educate and provide information to campers as well as ensure a safe environment. Consequently, children can increase their skills and awareness in managing type 1 diabetes in a non clinical and relaxed setting.

Camps are a great opportunity to meet, interact and compare experiences with other children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. A dedicated team of health professionals and volunteers provide supervision and support so that you can enjoy a safe, fun few days and experience independence through adventure!

Who will be on camp?

Campers

These camps are only for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

• JUNIOR camp (aged 10 to 11) - 65 campers
• TEENAGE camp (aged 15 to 17) - 50 campers
• AUTUMN camp (aged 8 to 9) - 50 campers
• 2 x FAMILY camps (aged 4 to 7) - 25 campers and 25 parents/guardians
• SENIOR camp (aged 12 to 14) - 65 campers
• Day Activity – 80 children ( primarily for those who have missed out on attending one of the camps in 2013 )

Volunteers

Many Diabetes Camps Victoria (DCV) volunteers have type 1 diabetes themselves. This provides an excellent peer support opportunity for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes so that they feel less isolated.

All volunteer staff must obtain a Working with Children check.

Health Professionals

All health professionals hold current Working with Children Checks and have proof of CPR completion.

The following staff attend camp:

• A doctor who participates in activities during the day and is on call if needed overnight.
• 1-2 lead diabetes nurse educators (DNE) to coordinate the smooth running of the camp.
• A number of DNEs during the day who have a group assigned to them. They are responsible for that group for the duration of that camp. The DNEs supervise or administer insulin, administer any extra medication needed and generally oversee the day to day diabetes management of campers.
• Night shift DNEs who work overnight to ensure that all campers who need follow-up and continued management are attended to.
• A lead dietitian ensures that a camp menu is planned according to appropriate guidelines and meets the core food group requirements
• A dietitian also provides dietary guidance and support throughout camp along with carbohydrate counting.
• A dietitian assistant to assist the lead dietitian in everyday meal planning and preparation (For Junior, Autumn and Senior camps only).

How to apply

Applications for all 2013 camps close on 14 September 2012.

Applications forms for 2013 camps can be downloaded here DCV 2013 Camps- Camper EOI Form.

Camps, dates and venues for 2013 for campers

Contact Us

For more information and enquiries about camps, please email us – camp@diabetesvic.org.au or call us on 03) 9667 1746

• DCV Program Leader - Elizabeth Dlugosz RN-CDE
• DCV administration officer – Jane Cheney