Camps and Play Dates

[momandwifeoftype1s]

Are there any camps that have nurses on staff besides diabetes camps? Sports camps? Art/science camps? It stinks that Connor will have to miss out on camp because of his diabetes. His friends are all going to day-camps, but he always needs his mom.

I'm having a hard time with drop-off play dates too. I think he's left out of the loop because of his diabetes. Anyone have a one-page instruction form to give other parents before a play date? Connor can test his own blood sugar, but needs help interpreting results. He does not always know when he's low.

[Nancy in VA]

I can't help much for the camps, sorry

But as far as play dates, they can be easy. I have a set of babysitters in my babysitting co-op. I have taught them all how to check blood sugar. When I drop her off for a sit, I tell them specific times to test (if I'm doing a 2hour or 3hour check after a meal) or tell them to test anytime she seems to be acting "off". I have told them to give juice for a # below 80.

Honestly, I think really for a playdate you just want an adult who is going to pay attention. If she is uncomfortable with interpreting the numbers, then just have them call you with the #. You can confirm what to do and then he continue with his play date. I have had my sitters call when they thought the number was weird (in the 300s for example) and usually I just let it go, or plan to pick her up a little early if I'm worried its a site issue (its usually a meal spike they are seeing)

[momtojess]

Are there any camps that have nurses on staff besides diabetes camps? Sports camps? Art/science camps? It stinks that Connor will have to miss out on camp because of his diabetes. His friends are all going to day-camps, but he always needs his mom.

I'm having a hard time with drop-off play dates too. I think he's left out of the loop because of his diabetes. Anyone have a one-page instruction form to give other parents before a play date? Connor can test his own blood sugar, but needs help interpreting results. He does not always know when he's low.

He can always come play with Jess and my boys. most of Jessi playdates have been with my friends kids. I do have a sheet ( i will email it to you when I get home). It just has basic stuff to look for, and what to do with certain #s. Of course the main thing I tell them is to call me, and i will walk them through stuff.

[Charmed7]

I was thinking about this too. I was recently remembering a family that had "Cousin Camp" The grandparents held a week summer camp for all their grand kids. They would pitch a tent in the back yard, do arts and crafts, canoeing and fishing and all those camp-y things, plus all the cousins got together for the summer. I sort of have dreams to do that for my grand kids - but one thing at a time. Lets try and survive my own kids. :D


Charmed

[Sarah Maddie's Mom]

Maddie's been to non-D day camps both with and without nurses. I don't think there is a cut and dried rule. It comes down to -- where is the camp, what will they be doing, who is on staff, is there cell phone signal there, have they ever had a D kid before, etc etc, and above all is the camp director and the staff willing to make the extra commitment to make sure that Connor is safe and comfortable. All rather elusive, but I think your Mom instinct will help you suss that out.

Playdates. I've always been pretty selective about who I let Maddie visit. But have many kids here. And I do think that our kids run the risk of some social exclusion if we don't handle things very carefully. By carefully, I mean, to give parents enough info that your kid isn't in danger but not so much that they freak and "forget" to invite your child back. It's a fine line. But, it does get easier as they get a bit older.