From: Jen Russon
For children with Type I diabetes, the Camp Coral Kids program offered through Broward Health Coral Springs is part of the community teaching them how to cope with their condition and have fun despite the many challenges.
Despite being virtual this year, Camp Coral is making a splash in the pool at Cypress Park by hosting two personal swim parties this summer.
But that‘s not all.
New and returning campers can expect activities like Zumba, yoga, cooking classes, and a virtual campfire with ideas for managing diabetes that are both educational and fun.
“This camp is very special,” said Jared Smith, CEO of Broward Health Coral Springs. “As a leading community provider, not just in Coral Springs but also in Broward County, we are immensely honored and privileged to be part of the community and to provide this incredible service. “
The camp director, Kathy Byrne, said the experience instilled a sense of independence, camaraderie, and dealing with the disease on a day-to-day basis.
“Children with type 1 diabetes can bond with other children who understand what they are going through,” Byrne said, adding that lifelong friendships are made at the camp.
The nurse had a lot more positive things to say Camp Coral.
“They’re attracting‘They don’t feel as isolated as they did at school, have to worry about eating and taking their insulin right at lunchtime. They just have fun in camp, stay active and learn a lot. “
Byrne said the camp is virtual due to COVID-19, but the weekly challenges and online interactions should generate the same buzz when it happens‘It’s time for the kids to meet by the pool.
Camp Coral Kids has been an invaluable resource for families who trust Broward Health with their children for over 25 years‘s Insulin treatments, daily carb count, and fitness routine.
Parents whose children have already experienced Camp Coral Kids say so‘s her child‘s favorite part of the year – a time when they can be around their peers and just let their hair down.
Type 1 diabetes affects about 1 in 400 children, adolescents, and young adults under the age of 20. It‘A lifelong condition that can be severe if left untreated by an endocrinologist.
Parents can only register their children for Type I diabetes at Camp Coral Kids through a referral from their doctor or medical documentation.
In addition to Byrne, an RN, the camp employs a medical team and counselors who also have diabetes and are aware of its challenges.
The virtual dates for Camp Coral in 2021 are June 16-30. The personal pool parties will take place on Friday, June 18th and Wednesday, June 30th, from 12.30pm to 2.30pm
Parents can to register online at BrowardHealth.org/Camp. Cypress Park Pool is located at 1300 Coral Springs Drive, just two miles from the hospital.
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Author profile
Jen Russon is a freelance writer and English teacher. She has published two novels on Amazon Kindle and lives with her family in Coral Springs.
