Joslin’s Co-Ed Winter Camping Program for Young Adults with Diabetes Set for Dec. 27-30 in Plymouth, MA
BOSTON — December 14, 2005 — Because life with diabetes can be especially challenging for teens with the disease, Joslin Diabetes Center has camping programs throughout the year to help them cope – including a session in late December during winter vacation. Camp Joslin’s Annual Winter Camp is a co-ed program for young people ages 12-17 with diabetes. The session includes diabetes discussion groups, education sessions, outdoor and indoor games and of course social activities.
Camp Joslin’s co-ed winter camping program for 2005 will start just in time for school vacation. The four-day session begins on Tuesday, Dec. 27, and runs through Friday, Dec. 30, at the Agnes Trask Youth Center in Plymouth, MA.
Managing diabetes can be tough, especially during the teenage years, and Joslin’s camping programs provide a supportive environment in which young people can share their stories and learn from others who have experienced similar issues. Many of the counselors also have diabetes, making it comfortable for campers to discuss personal topics. Joslin continues to hear from participants and their families about how important this adolescent-specific living and learning support program is for young people dealing with diabetes.
Dr. Elliott P. Joslin founded Joslin Diabetes Center’s camping program for children with diabetes over 80 years ago, and the camping programs continue to expand. Camp Joslin’s summer-long camp, located an hour west of Boston on over 300 acres near Old Sturbridge Village, is one of the oldest diabetes camps in America and the recipient of numerous awards. Camp staff co-authored the diabetes medical standards for the American Camping Association and helped to form and incorporate the Diabetes Camping Association, which is the nationally recognized professional association for diabetes camp professionals. This summer, over 500 children with diabetes attended the camp. A Wilderness Leadership Camping program for teens is one of the programs offered. Joslin’s Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is offered twice over the summer for teens between the ages of 15 and one-half to 17. The leaderships skills they learn are applicable not only at Camp but in all aspects of their lives.
For more information or to arrange coverage, call Jenny Eriksen or Marge Dwyer in the Communications Office, (617) 732-2415. For on-site media arrangements during the camping session, contact John Latimer, Camp Director, (617) 732-2455 or (508) 248-5220.
