Camp Stix

We are about a month away from Camp Stix, a kids summer camp in Northeast Washington for type 1 Diabetics.  Putting on a camp that hosts more than 200 kids with T1D is an amazing accomplishment from all aspects.

It takes a full medical staff which includes a gym converted into a "field hospital." The staff is on call 24 hours per day including night checks (blood sugar tests), insulin dosing, and keeping a complete register of all meds and food.  These volunteers go all out to make sure the kids at camp are healthy and thriving while away from their parents.

A kitchen staff that prepares 3 meals a day complete with carb counts and alternative options for those with food allergies, and a program staff that incorporates every aspect of what is needed to keep the kids safe, happy, and healthy for 6 days!  The kitchen is hot, the kids are hungry, and the job they do is amazing.

The program staff works to make sure the kids are engaged, having a great time, and that Camp Stix is a memorable experience. They bring in guest speakers with T1D to show the kids that anything is possible regardless of your diabetes. They host activities and games for the kids and the variety of activities is incredible.  From swimming at the beach, to paintball and zip lines; the options are endless.

I didn't know any other diabetics when I was diagnosed at the age of 29.  Someone recommended that I volunteer at camp and it was the best thing that happened relating to my diabetes.  Camp Stix has created a community for me to lean on, opened doors to opportunities that I never thought existed, and made me a better person.  I would not be where I'm at without it.