Camp Carolina Trails

Hey everyone! Laurie did a good job of describing camp. It was definitely a unique atmosphere, as most of the people we've been surrounded by for the last week had diabetes. I learned a lot about insulin pumps and technology available is truly amazing! Many of the pumps that the children used were also equipped with glucose meters that beam over blood glucose readings. This reading is taken into account as well as the amount of carbs eaten when insulin is bolused from the pump. Some of the pumps even have an entire library of foods and the grams of carbohydrates per serving programmed into them to make the information easily accessible. I was surprised at how few children used glucose injections, although pumps have shown to better control BG levels.

Throughout the week we were able to put together snack baskets and like Laurie said, we all learned quite a bit about gluten free foods. I thought it was a good opportunity to brush up on some of our food service skills. In addition to that, the medical staff was wonderful and very willing to answer all of our questions about diabetes control. It was really nice to work with younger people and to see the different knowledge levels in each age group.

Also, I have to agree with Laurie that the overnight camping trip that we went on with the rising ninth graders was the best part of the entire week. Being with the same group for a full 24 hours during physical activity and meals was very beneficial for learning strategies of disease management, prevention of low blood sugars, etc. Overall, it was a great week and the rest of the staff seemed to really appreciate our nutrition staff. Camp was great, definitely something I will try to do again next year!