Camp Midicha is the largest ADA camp serving over 500 campers during the last two weeks of June. Volunteering for Midicha is a one week commitment that starts on a Saturday and ends the following Friday. The rewards of being able to touch the lives of these children living with T1D is priceless. Seeing them spend a week with their peers fighting similar struggles day in and day out really helps them appreciate that they're not alone in this. Helping the campers participate in high rope courses, zip lining, water front activities, achery, disk golf, and rock climbing are just a few of the many treasures our volunteers experience during their time at camp. As a volunteer you learn to manage the BGs and insulin dosing (under the supervision of an Endocrinologist) of a cabin containing 8-12 T1Ds; this is nothing that can ever be taught in a textbook or classroom. Seeing 250 campers celebrate someone wearing an infusion set in a new location or giving themselves insulin for the first time in an environment that is so positive and encouraging is another experience enjoyed by the staff.
Don't forget the benefits we provide to the parents of these campers. They get a one week vacation from managing their child's BGs day and night. They get the opportunity to potentially spend extra time with their other children, who at times can feel neglected because of the attention required to manage their sibling's BGs. In many cases the parents just get a well deserved break from the constant worry they may have regarding their child with diabetes.
My first year as a volunteer I helped a young camper insert an infusion set in his arm for the first time. The entire cabin was present and the camper was very scared having shed tears. Once the set was in place the cabin roared wtih excitement and praise for the courage and strength this young camper possessed. It was that moment I knew I could make a difference for these amazing kids. That was 8 years ago and I have volunteered every year since then. I'm fortunate to still be in contact with that camper today, he is now a freshman in college (yes that makes me feel old) and doing outstanding things to raise awareness for people with diabetes.
Mark has lived with Type 1 diabetes for 32 years and has been a camp volunteer 9 years. He works in the diabetes industry and carries a passionate desire to improve the lives of people with Type 1 diabetes through education and technology.