There is no disputing the fun and memories that come from attending summer camp. While most people think of camp as a fun summer activity, there are many benefits for children and teens that do not always get mentioned when talking about sending a child off to camp.
Camp Hertko Hollow recognizes the benefits summer camp has to offer and also the extended benefits for children living with T1D who come to a camp designed just for kids with diabetes.
Education and Empowerment: Camp Hertko Hollow provides hands-on education about managing diabetes that is both therapeutic and fun. Campers learn important skills in a supportive environment–boosting their independence and confidence in managing their diabetes.
Peer Support: Camp friends are the best friends! Camps offer a unique environment where everyone understands the challenges of living with diabetes. From our medical staff to our campers, the personal connection and experience with diabetes is shared among everyone. Campers get to build friendships with peers and creating a sense of community. Having peers and friendships with others with T1D helps children and teens feel less alone in their diagnosis and ongoing support.
Emotional and Mental Health Benefits: Managing a chronic illness is hard and challenging at times, which can take a toll on one’s mental health. Camp Hertko Hollow provides emotional support; helping campers cope with the stress, anxiety, and frustration that comes with diabetes management. Campers learn important coping skills at camp that are transferable to many different aspects of their home life: school, relationships, sports, etc.
Camp is fun! Camp Hertko Hollow not only provides diabetes education at camp but gives campers the chance to safely just be a kid at camp. Medical staff on site help ensure a safe experience for campers while helping them understand how their diabetes effects their body. Camp helps promote a healthy lifestyle and shows campers they can enjoy typical camp and childhood activities while managing their diabetes. Campers leave camp with a deeper understanding of diabetes and how it effects their body in different circumstances.
Positive Role Models and Mentorship: Camp Hertko Hollow staff are dedicated medical and non-medical volunteers who serve as role models to our campers. Whether it is helping a camper understand their diagnosis better or ways to manage T1D, our staff help empower campers throughout their camp experience. Many of our staff also have T1D themselves, showing young campers that diabetes doesn’t have to be limiting or take away from their experiences. In addition, we offer leadership programs for our older teens as they graduate from our camp programs and get ready for their next journey after high school.