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Teen Camp: Where Everyone Actually Gets It

We just wrapped up Teen Camp for this year, and honestly, it was one for the books. If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one dealing with type 1, camp flips that on its head – fast. It’s a few days with people who live the same highs, lows, spikes, fails, and wins you do. No explanations. No judgment. Just a whole crew who get it. 


Straight into it 

Once everyone dropped their bags in their dorms, it was game on. The camp leaders threw the whole group into team challenges straight away, and the energy went from zero to chaotic in about three minutes. People were laughing, yelling encouragement, forming alliances, and settling into the group faster than any of us expected. Friendships were already sparking before the day was even over. 


Adrenaline level: ridiculous 

Day 2 kicked off with target shooting and the pamper pole (yes, the giant jump-off-a-platform situation). 

Then it was time for the flying fox across the valley, which is as epic as it sounds. 

After dinner? Minute-To-Win-It battles: 

  • Stuffing cotton balls into jars 

  • Bouncing ping pong balls into cups 

  • Sweeping balloons across the gym with brooms 

A bit random, and completely unhinged. In the best way. 


A tiny bit of actual type 1 stuff 

Camp isn’t about diabetes. But we still snuck in a few “here’s how to make life easier” tips. Lead diabetes educator Amy Rush dropped some quick hacks about: 

  • How exercise messes with your blood glucose 

  • How proteins and fats hit hours later 

  • When to use extended boluses or temp basals/targets 

Nothing lengthy. Just useful. 


Leveling up (and one pump tragedy) 

Day 3 was abseiling and crate climbing in the morning, then raft building and kayaking in the afternoon. People pushed themselves harder than they thought they could. Big heights, big wins. 

We also had an unlucky pump meet its dramatic end during kayaking. Normally they’re waterproof, but this one had a tiny crack… and the water found it. RIP to that brave little device. 


The best part: the people 

By the time we headed home, everyone was done. Exhausted. Ready for their own bed. But also leaving with: 

  • New friends 

  • New group chats 

  • Plans to hang out again 

Because once you meet people who live the same chaos as you, you don’t want to lose them. 


Want in? 

If you’re 13 to 16, Teen Camp runs every September–October holidays. Spots go fast. If you want in next year, get your name on the waiting list: https://www.type1familycentre.org.au/camps  


 


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