Live Brave!

It’s camping season once again, and Youth Coordinators from around the motu report back on just how much fun their region’s camp was.

DIABETES NZ AUCKLAND YOUTH LIVE BRAVE MANA ORA SUMMER CAMP

BY SHANTELLE BLISS

‘I realised that I am not so different.’ ‘I am safe with people that have the same condition as me.’ ‘I am not nervous anymore.’ These are three separate statements from children that bring home how uplifting January’s Live Brave Mana Ora summer camp was for children with diabetes.

We had a fabulous time, with great weather, a great location at Shakespear Regional Park, and ‘doing really fun activities’ like archery, rock climbing, mountain boarding, low ropes, and ‘coasteering’ (an outdoor adventure activity where you make your way around a section of coast on foot and by water – think, coast meets mountaineering). And, as if that wasn’t enough, we also built rafts and learnt how to use air rifles and UHF radios.

All these activities were designed with the intent of helping our tamariki step out of their comfort zone and build self-confidence, which of course in turn affects a more positive outlook on each kid’s diabetes.

Among all this, our team challenges created the ideal setting to form friendships. This is where we’d hear murmurs of ‘here I feel the same as others’ and ‘I have friends that have diabetes, and I feel normal.’ Music to our ears, and I am sure comforting for parents to hear too. Speaking of music, we had an outside disco with impromptu breakdancing from one of our nurses!

In this camp, we made sure there was enough downtime offered, balancing structured activities with casual, including time at the beach, which was steered by our youth leaders.

As well as the youth leaders, we had a fantastic team environment of over 40 volunteers, with Diabetes Nurse Specialists, doctors, day and night nurses, dietitians, medical reps, and a Starship diabetes psychologist who ran an enjoyable educational psychology session by way of crafts and discussion.

We would like to thank all the staff and helpers who contributed and supported children to have a successful camp and to have, as one kid put it, ‘more control over my diabetes’. We leave you with this child’s new perspective on diabetes: ‘I feel like it’s a part of me, and I don’t have to hide it.’

WAIKATO LIVE BRAVE MANA ORA CAMP

BY DR JO McCLINTOCK

The Waikato Live Brave Mana Ora Camp was a galactic success, where our theme for this summer was ‘Space is the Place’. We were back at the Ngamuwahine Lodge in the Lower Kaimai Ranges, where the weather was great, and the little bit of rain only encouraged more people to get into the pool for fun with the inflatables.

As usual, the kids had fun. We were on high ropes, in team competitions, and busy in sports games. Arts and crafts allowed some quality downtime, and by the end of the week we had a bunch of exhausted but happy campers and staff.

The silent dress-up dinner is always a lot of fun, and the whole group lasted a massive 75 minutes – we think this is a record!

The highlights of our time at camp were the contributions of our wonderful youth leaders, who continually proved that diabetes doesn’t stop you from doing anything – including the dishes! This year, we had 11 (out of 33) campers graduate from kids’ camp, and we are looking forward to seeing them as youth leaders in the future.  Overall, a great week to start off 2025!

TOP OF THE SOUTH FAMILY CAMP, NELSON

BY AMANDA DEANS

Diabetes NZ Nelson Youth was excited to host this year’s camp at Bridge Valley Adventure Centre in mid-February. This much-anticipated annual event brought together more than 20 families from Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough, and the West Coast for a weekend of connection, inspiration, and learning. Families had the opportunity to engage in a range of exciting activities, including kayaking, laser tag, luge, and team-building exercises, alongside water activities that delivered fun and adventure for all.

Each camp is a chance to not only enjoy the great outdoors but to also learn valuable skills for living with diabetes, and this year’s camp was no exception. A special education session for parents was held, providing insights and support to help families manage diabetes with confidence. This was also a time to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and, most importantly, ensure that kids living with diabetes don’t feel alone in their journey. We love seeing the smiles of the kids at camp as they build lasting memories, connect with and empower the young ones, and embrace their independence.

LIVE BRAVE MANA ORA FAMILY CAMP, CANTERBURY

BY VICTORIA WYNN-THOMAS

In mid-February, Diabetes NZ Canterbury Youth hosted their summer camp at Waipara Adventure Centre, just north of Ōtautahi Christchurch. The kids were well occupied within the many activities on offer, keeping everyone busy. Much fun was had on the waterslide, flying fox, giant swing, archery, faulty towers, and in the fabulously named GaGa Dodgeball pit.

Family camp is always a great way for families to connect and bond over shared experiences, so on the Sunday morning parents and caregivers were invited to attend a group Q&A session with a Clinical Psychologist and a Diabetes Nurse.

DIABETES OTAGO SUMMER CAMP

BY PAULA FRYER

Berwick Lodge, set among exotic forest and native bush, welcomed 21 excited campers in mid-January. The four days were jam-packed with exciting adventure-based activities, including kayaking and water slides. When not on the water, kids were enjoying the flying fox, the massive confidence course, and abseiling. The fun continued into the night with games of spotlight, bingo, and quizzes.

Our camps are fully staffed by the amazing paediatric diabetes team from Te Whatu Ora Southern and we couldn’t do it without them. Every year, children leave our camps having made new friends, eager for the next camp, while parents have enjoyed a four-day break from the day-to-day diabetes management.

FIND OUR MORE

Looking for camps in your area? Head to: www.diabetes.org.nz/camps