Over the summer, youth from all over the motu came together for our annual Diabetes NZ Youth Summer Camps.

Each region shares the highlights from their camps.

Diabetes NZ Nelson Youth: Youth from Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough and West Coast areas and their whānau attended the Top of the South family camp at Bridge Valley Adventure camp in mid-February. It was an action-packed weekend, which kicked off with a bang on the first night with everyone coming dressed up as their favourite superhero. The campers tackled a range of activities: high ropes courses, luge, rock climbing, rafting as well as swimming, laser tag and other games. As well as the fun, campers learnt new diabetes self-management skills – practicing changing infusion sites and using and managing CGMs.

One parent shared, “My whānau and I are deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in camp this year. As a parent, it was wonderful to connect with other families, and I gained so much valuable knowledge from the information sessions. My six-year-old son was diagnosed at age two and has not had many opportunities to meet other children like him. It was inspiring for him to see so many other T1 warriors living their best lives. It truly shows that with the right support and encouragement, children can thrive and nothing can hold them back.”

Diabetes NZ Bay of Plenty, Lakes and Hawke’s Bay Youth: Totara Springs welcomed youth from across the region to Family Camp at the end of February. Across the three days campers challenged themselves on the flying fox, abseiling, crate tower, kayaking, archery and more. After all that there was time to relax, have a swim, chat around the campfire and enjoy lots of arts n crafts. For Diabetes Youth Coordinator David, this was his first camp since starting the role and he was blown away by how supportive everyone was, how the children challenged themselves and the amazing community that surrounds these incredible kids.

“We had such an awesome time together this year! It was full of laughter, connection, adventure, and memories that will last a long time. It was amazing seeing families relax, recharge, and enjoy quality time with one another. A huge thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the weekend so special. Your energy, smiles, and willingness to jump into the fun are what make Family Camp what it is! We’re already looking forward to Family Camp next year, and we can’t wait to make it even better.”

Diabetes NZ Canterbury Youth: Family camp was a fun filled day 3 days at Waipara Adventure Centre in mid-January. Camp reached full capacity and for some families this was their third camp and a testament to the value of attending. And for new families camp they found an environment where diabetes feels normalised. For one family whose child had only recently been diagnosed this was such a valuable experience. Their son felt a sense of belonging and benefitted in getting to spend time with other tamariki living with type 1. It was great for his confidence and lessened his anxiety. The benefit to the families, of the connection, the friendship and the sense of belonging for all, cannot be understated in attending camp.

Diabetes NZ Otago Youth: In the middle of January, 25 kids aged 8-13 descended upon Berwick Forest Lodge for four days of fun. For some of the children this was their first time being away from home, but our team was there to support them. The children tackled lots of adventure-based activities: kayaking, abseiling, confidence courses, the crazy swing… to name a few!

At times the campers were a little nervous when they were challenged both physically and mentally. At camp they learn how to manage their diabetes without mum or dad around – coming prepared for each activity with all the gear they needed: a hypo treatment, filled water bottles, correct footwear, sunscreen and hat. Seeing children overcome their emotions and physical challenges was so rewarding - and above all, seeing how proud of themselves was the real reward.

Diabetes NZ Auckland Youth: In January Shakespear Regional Park, on the Whangaparāoa peninsula, hosted 39 children for an experience of a lifetime at the Diabetes Auckland Youth family camp. The activities included: orienteering, raft building, bush cooking, ropes, kayaking, coasteering, air riffle shooting and a climbing wall. There were also a whole heap of other educational and fun activities including a disco! Parents shared that after camp their children had improved their confidence in managing their diabetes and 100% of families reported they wanted to return next year and would recommend to others.

Diabetes NZ Waikato Youth: This year Diabetes NZ Waikato Youth’s annual summer camp at the Ngamuwahine Lodge was themed: Hocus Pocus and they sure did have some magical moments! Diabetes education was immersed into all activities. It is more than just a week of fun - it is seeing parents and caregivers getting a much-needed break, seeing friendships develop, seeing health care professionals experiencing diabetes in the “wild”, seeing campers grow into mentors and youth leaders. To all the past and present campers, whānau, mentors, and leaders - thank you for being part of the fun!

Diabetes NZ Wellington Youth held their camp at El Rancho at the beginning of January – check out the spotlight on our biggest camp to date here.