Good things take time, great things take a little longer – this saying certainly captures the smiles on all faces, big and small, when 49 campers plus 42 volunteers and health professionals set up Senior Camp during the September school holidays. It was the first overnight camp Diabetes Victoria could organise since COVID-19 changed all our lives almost three years ago. 

Held at YMCA Camp Manyung in Mt Eliza, the campers, aged 12 to 15 years, were busy catching up after this long COVID-19 induced break. They participated in a range of fun activities, such as the giant swing, archery, high ropes, flying fox and having a trivia night.  

At diabetes camp, children and teenagers meet other kids living with diabetes, learning that having diabetes does not limit them doing the things they like to do in life, as long as they take proper care. The aim of diabetes camps is to provide a place where children and teenagers can learn about their diabetes and gain independence through adventure. Many campers find lifelong friends at camp and are becoming part of a network of social support that understands what it’s like to live with diabetes. 

These camps rely tremendously on the commitment and enthusiasm of the volunteer leaders and health professionals (diabetes nurse educators, dietitians and doctors) who provide their generous support. Many of the volunteers have type 1 diabetes and attended camps themselves as children. These leaders act as role models for the campers.  

Learn more about the program here: diabetesvic.org.au/camps. 

The Senior Camp was supported by the Victorian Government.