Summer is a time for children everywhere to be active outdoors, connect with friends, and enjoy new experiences in those hot summer months. And for many children, these experiences are often at various summer camps where kids can also benefit from personal growth and more independence by being away from their parents.
But what if your child could not attend summer camps because of a medical condition that required regular treatment? For many years, Diabetes Canada has recognized that children growing up with type 1 diabetes should also benefit from summer camp experiences the way kids without this disease are able too. Since 1959, children with type 1 diabetes have been able to attend D-Camps where they have learned to develop various leadership skills, as well as how to be a positive role model to other children living with diabetes.
Diabetes Canada’s D-Camps are the only national, medically supervised camp programs for children living with type 1 diabetes. At D-Camps, kids connect with others who have “walked a mile in their shoes.” They find a rare respite from the stigma of having diabetes and get to let loose in a safe and supported way while fostering the independence they’ll need for a lifetime managing their diabetes.
In Manitoba, D-Camps have been held at various camps and for the past 22 years, have been held at Camp Briardale. Camp Briardale is currently proud to operate out of BB Camp on a private island in beautiful Lake of Woods, Ontario.
While at D-Camps, campers have access to a Health-care team to support all their medical needs.
CHRIM researcher, Dr. Elizabeth Sellers, BSc, MD, MSc, leads the medical team at D-Camps and has been working with the camp for many years.
This year, the 14th Annual Best Banting Gala is recognizing Dr. Sellers as the recipient of year’s event honouree for her many contributions over the years.
Dr. Sellers has been an instrumental leader in the national D-Camps program for many years and remains committed to children, young adults, and families affected by diabetes.
As a research scientist, Professor and Pediatric Endocrinologist in the Department of Pediatrics & Child Health at the University of Manitoba, she focuses her research on pediatrics, endocrinology and metabolism, epidemiology, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
Below are a few pictures from the event. Please join us as we share in the celebration for Dr. Sellers and the positive impact she has made to children that will have lasting benefits for many years to come!
