Camp success

The Diabetes Association of Barbados’ Camp Pride (Positive Reinforced Innovative Diabetes Education) has seen success over the 17 years it has been held.

Director, Sandie Belle told The Barbados Advocate the two-week Camp has played a role in equipping campers yearly with skills needed to effectively manage their condition as well as lead successful lives.
“The ten-year span that I have been with them; we have campers who are now independently living overseas while they are at college. They would have been developing skills along the way but it can’t be only due to the Camp because it is just two weeks.”

She added, “We have also been able to have former campers come back as counsellors, assistant counsellors, volunteer counsellors and serve in different capacities developing their leadership skills as well.”

This year the Camp runs from July 15 to 27 at the Springer Memorial Secondary School. In attendance are 21 campers; of those 18 are living with diabetes while the other three are siblings. The theme on this occasion is “Keys to Success” and some of the topics being covered include conflict resolution and how to be financially savvy. There is also a focus on the environment and ways to preserve it.

Speaking to The Barbados Advocate, camper, Nia Hinds said so far she has been enjoying Camp Pride and she likes the fact it is comprised of young people “who are the same as you so you don’t have to feel embarrassed or shame. So I feel very comfortable.” She additionally said the talk which dealt with how to manage your carbohydrates intake was most informative. (MG)