IT was wild time in the west recently when children living with type 1 diabetes came together for a weekend camp in Hillarys.
Twenty-eight children aged nine to 10 spent three days at the ‘Wild wild west’ themed camp hosted by Princess Margaret Hospital, Diabetes WA and Sports Challenge Australia at the Ern Halliday Recreation Camp.
The camp gave the children opportunities to learn more about their condition, gain confidence in managing it and explore their independence.
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READ NOWAlong with learning sessions and reflection time, they took part in a range of fun, physical activities including beach games, boot scooting, gumboot throwing and a quick draw competition.
“It was great; I wasn’t the only one who had diabetes for once,” Thomas Hunt, of Duncraig, said.
For Imogen Plant, of Wanneroo, the camp provided her with an opportunity to learn more about her condition.
“I learnt lots of different things on the camp quiz , like how to help get rid of ketones,” she said.
“Spending time with other kids who have type 1 diabetes was good because I felt I wasn’t alone.”
Diabetes WA community education coordinator Jarnia Davies said the children took part in activities designed to encourage team building and peer support.
“Enjoying physical activity helps them realise they can do things that other kids do,” she said.
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