The Circle of Life Camp

The Circle of Life Camp, Inc., a not-for-profit resident camp for children and adolescents with diabetes, was founded in 1996. The camp provides the fundamental, age-appropriate diabetes education and social support essential for adolescents to properly manage their diabetes. The campers experience a unique opportunity to interact in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere, which fosters understanding, acceptance of their condition, and proper emotional development. They are able to share their knowledge, experience, and concerns as well as participate in educational sessions and recreational camping activities.

Education and psychosocial support for children with diabetes to live happy and healthy lives.

The Circle of Life Camp's philosophy is to promote the "normalcy" of diabetes among the campers. The camp focuses on fun: playing sports, swimming, making crafts, hiking, bonfires and canoeing, rather than diabetes. Diabetes education is informal between counselors and campers, which is the most effective way children learn. Everyone at the camp gives themselves injections, monitors their blood glucose and learns to make healthy meal choices together. The prejudicial labeling term "diabetic" is banished from the vocabulary of everyone in attendance; the campers and staff are people with diabetes, not "diabetics." The camp is a fun and relaxing vacation from parents! Additional information about the Circle of Life Camp can be found in the book entitled Growing Up With Diabetes: What Children Want Their Parents to Know, by Alicia McAuliffe

Until there is a cure ... there's the Circle of Life

The camp is supported and staffed by volunteer medical professionals and additional trained volunteer counseling staff. All medical procedures are supervised by medical staff certified in diabetes education and the camp menus are planned by a dietician, CDE. The camper to counselor ratio is 3:1. Financial assistance is available, allowing children from low-income families to attend. The camp relies on contributions from individuals, businesses and civic organizations to keep the cost for campers at an affordable price. Enrollment is strictly on a first come first serve basis, regardless of health status.

The camp also seeks new and updated product donations from medical supply companies, such as glucose meters and lancet devices to distribute to campers. This ensures that all campers, including those who ordinarily would not be able to afford such equipment, leave the camp having the proper equipment to manage their diabetes.

2008 Camp Season

The Circle of Life Camp is planning its 13th Annual Camp Season at Camp Scully on Snyder's Lake in North Greenbush, NY (approximately 20 minutes southeast of Albany, NY).

SUMMER SESSIONS:

Session 1: August 15 - 18, 2008 Camper Ages: 13-16 Camper Tuition: $350 Session 2: August 22 - 24, 2008 Camper Ages: 8-12 Camper Tuition: $300

OVER EVENTS:

The 2nd Annual Circle of Life Family Camp Day for Children with Diabetes & Families Saturday, July 19th, 2008 Knowles Flat Shelter at JB Thacher State Park Cost: Free (RVSP to 518-459-3622)