Diabetes is a global epidemic that reaches every corner of the world. According to the International Diabetes Federation, diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in the world, with more than 1.2 million children and teens living with this chronic condition.
We can learn anything from a book or an observation, but until it is learned and experienced on an emotional level—it is just information.
For youth living with diabetes, many struggle with managing their condition. Diabetes not only impacts their physical health, but also the mental and emotional health of adolescents. Some teens even describe suffering from anxiety when trying to manage this disease.
Lions in Australia recognized the importance of helping teenagers with diabetes, so they turned to Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) for help. LCIF awarded a US$10,499 LCIF Diabetes grant for the project. With the grant, Lions in Australia, in partnership with the local Type 1 Foundation, a foundation that connects medical practitioners and educators to newly diagnosed families, decided to create and facilitate a camp to help teens with type 1 diabetes build diabetes self-management skills and promote peer support through a diabetes camp. The camp, called Camp Koala, provides classes on diet, insulin and glucose level management, and healthy lifestyles.
The camp is located along Australia’s southwest coast, just outside of Melbourne, at the beautiful Camp Wyuna that entertains thousands of youths as a YMCA. Twenty-one teens between the ages of 15 and 18 with type 1 diabetes stayed at the camp thanks to Lions from District 201-V2 and LCIF.
Aware of challenges faced by adolescents, Lions ensured the seven-day camp promoted independence, self-esteem, positive body image and emotional wellbeing. Type 1 Foundation mentors connected with campers on a peer-to-peer level to help provide emotional support.
Campers used an app called “Happy Bob” that not only monitored their glucose levels, but also allowed private communication between the campers, which aided in building friendships. Family therapist Joe Solowiejczyk organized a virtual session with the campers. As a type 1 diabetic himself, he understands the anxiety and common issues teens with diabetes face daily, especially as it pertains to relationships with parents and guardians. In the session, he touched on the difficulty for parents to hand over the care and responsibility to their children as they get older. After the session, many of the campers said it was nice to talk to “someone who gets it.”
Lion Rob Eyton also organized a life-skills coaching session that detailed the rules to success and confidence and shared the importance of emotional health with the campers.
“We can learn anything from a book or an observation, but until it is learned and experienced on an emotional level—it is just information,” Eyton said.
To further enhance the weeklong experience, campers also enjoyed activities such as laser tag, a boat cruise and an adventure park exploration.
Campers walked away more confident, happier and determined to live life to the fullest despite their circumstances.
“I’ve met so many amazing people and friends. I’m so grateful I had the chance to attend. I can’t say thank you enough,” said a participant at Camp Koala.
The Lions are planning to host the camp again in July 2022.
With a diabetes grant from LCIF, Lions can help increase access to diabetes care by enhancing existing diabetes centers, providing screening services and training diabetes service providers. Diabetes grants also help fund youth camps and retreats like Camp Koala to help youth connect with their peers and provide them with life-changing experiences. Make a difference in those affected by diabetes by applying for a diabetes grant.
Elizabeth Edwards is a content specialist at Lions Clubs International Foundation.
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