VOLUME 10 NUMBER 2 • JUNE 2013
73
SA JOURNAL OF DIABETES & VASCULAR DISEASE
DIABETES NEWS
by 40 motivated youngsters in 2006. The
same year we hosted three camps with their
help. Our youth leaders are positive, well-
controlled young adults who inspire and
guide young people with diabetes to live
well, despite the condition.”
That original group of youth leaders, in
turn, decided to form an association that
would do something for young people with
diabetes, because there was no organisation
or real support group for them. This led to
the foundation of Youth With Diabetes in
2007. “Youth With Diabetes is a non-profit
organisation for young people run in large
part by young people,” observes Hester.
Having diabetes is very difficult for
children and adolescents. Hester explains
further, “They often feel isolated and alone,
and very conscious of being different from
their peers. At the camps, they feel included
because everyone else also has diabetes and
everyone tests their blood glucose levels at
the same time.” She points out too that
teenagers and small children are different
from each other and that is why separate
camps (ages 6-12 and ages 13-18) are held
for each group.
The most recent children’s camp for
the Johannesburg area took place over
the weekend of 15-17 March at Camp
Nelu, near Magaliesburg. As usual, the
weekend provided a mix of fun and learning
activities to foster a sense of community
and belonging among those who attended.
The fun outdoor activities may take the
form of obstacle courses or guided walks,
while the learning may take place in group
sessions or even as one-one-one on-the-
spot education. “We endeavour to allow
the young people to learn about diabetes
in a creative, fun and interactive way,”
continues Hester. “This includes the use of
role-play and conversation maps, as well as
talks and lectures.
Malcolm Goddard and Heidi Engelbrecht
have been attending the camps on a regular
basis for a long time. Both are now trained
youth leaders. Heidi describes the camps as
a safe place to return to, even if only once a
year. “It’s so good to know you’re not alone
and that you have the support of those around
you. I’ve met so many good people through
the camps, including my best friend in the
world.” She feels her two years as a leader
have helped her to grow. “I find it rewarding
to help others, and it’s also broadened my
knowledge of diabetes and its treatment – I’ve
had to learn how to manage hypoglycaemic
episodes in others, for example. I’ve had to
become familiar with therapies other than my
own, like pumps and injections, and make
decisions for others in respect of lowering or
increasing their insulin.”
According to Malcolm, the diabetes camps
changed his life. “I had difficulty accepting
that I had diabetes at first, and attending
the camps helped me make peace with the
diagnosis.” Like Heidi, he too underscores the
important role they play in helping the young
person with diabetes not feel alone. “And
over and above that, they’re also lots of fun.”
For more information visit
or email
Camp calendar for 2013
Month
Date
Location
Sep
6-8
Cape Town Teen
13-14
Port Elizabeth
20-22
Joburg Teen
23-25
Leadership training
Oct
11-13
Joburg Kids
What we do on camp:
• Realise other young people also have diabetes
• Learn diabetes management skills
• Understand how to make healthy choices
• Enjoy fun and creative activities
• Learn teamwork and leadership skills
• Share your story and feelings
No need to worry:
You should feel safe sending your child on our camps because we include:
• 24 hour access to a medical doctor and diabetes nurse educators
• Frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels, including overnight
• Groups facilitated by our trained Diabetes Youth Leaders
• Monitoring and supervising of Insulin and pump treatment
Contact our Operations Manager, Allison
Email:
