D-Camp, what to Expect at the First Drop-Off

He waited for weeks, months even, counting down to his first summer D-camp. His Father and I had been waiting for years. We heard about D-camp when he was diagnosed. Since he was not even 3 at the time, we knew it would be a long wait for the D-camp for 7 to 12 year olds. But after patiently waiting for over 4 years, the day is here.

 

Drop-Off at the Ferry

We got up VERY early to drop him off. The D-camp closest to us is over an hour drive. That just gets him to the ferry, where the counsellors, doctors, and nurses accompany the children even further to the camp.

As we sit and wait, we are excited. He is fidgety, not because it’s hard for a 7 year old to sit still, but because he’s so nervous and excited.

He’s about to go to an amazing camp. On top of all the fun things they are going to do, he’s going to be with other kids who have T1D.

Yes, we’ll miss him. It’s his first time away from home. But we focus on positive and exciting thoughts.

Other families start to arrive. I find myself looking at the kids, trying to see if they have an insulin pump or glucometer on them.

Then there’s a familiar sound. A pump beeped, and it wasn’t Jordan’s pump. Then more beeps, next to us, across the sidewalk, all around us.

People are talking about carbs, insulin, and bolusing. It’s surreal.

Check-In

Kids are greeting each other, clearly friends from last year’s D-camp. They give each other hugs and talk about their experiences since last summer.

A bunch of teens and young adults exit the terminal. They all have red camp t-shirts on. A couple kids run up to them, surprised and exclaim, “You’re a counselor this year?!” Obviously to children (now teens) who had gone to camp with them in previous years and have now decided to give back by helping younger children with their first experiences at D-camp.

My big 7 year old wants to be picked up. With a younger brother and sister, he rarely gets carried anymore, but his Dad and I take turns carrying him through the various lines and check-ins.

D-Camp is Nothing to Cry About

I was prepared. I had packed everything he needed. We had talked to him about being excited for camp and how much fun it was going to be.

But I didn’t expect this. I’m finding myself tearing up, snuggling with my not so big boy, thinking about how much fun he is going to have, with a bunch of other kids, teens, and adults who know exactly what he’s going through.

With people who know what diabetes is, know how it feels, and know all the crazy demands of the disease.

He won’t be the last one to start eating because he has to check his blood sugar.

He won’t be the only one who has to stop playing for a finger poke.

He can compare pumps and hear stories and see so many kids who are just like him.

He’s going to have a week of feeling normal.

He won’t be defined by his diabetes.

So, if it’s your first time dropping your T1 off at D-camp, be prepared for some unexpected, overwhelming feelings.

I have to go now, I think I have something in my eye.

But I’m not an emotional person…

Happy Carb Counting!

~ Leah