×

News publications and other organizations are encouraged to reuse Direct Relief-published content for free under a Creative Commons License (Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International), given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

When republishing:

  • Include a byline with the reporter’s name and Direct Relief in the following format: "Author Name, Direct Relief." If attribution in that format is not possible, include the following language at the top of the story: "This story was originally published by Direct Relief."
  • If publishing online, please link to the original URL of the story.
  • Maintain any tagline at the bottom of the story.
  • With Direct Relief's permission, news publications can make changes such as localizing the content for a particular area, using a different headline, or shortening story text. To confirm edits are acceptable, please check with Direct Relief by clicking this link.
  • If new content is added to the original story — for example, a comment from a local official — a note with language to the effect of the following must be included: "Additional reporting by [reporter and organization]."
  • If republished stories are shared on social media, Direct Relief appreciates being tagged in the posts:
    • Twitter (@DirectRelief)
    • Facebook (@DirectRelief)
    • Instagram (@DirectRelief)

Republishing Images:

Unless stated otherwise, images shot by Direct Relief may be republished for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution, given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

  • Maintain correct caption information.
  • Credit the photographer and Direct Relief in the caption. For example: "First and Last Name / Direct Relief."
  • Do not digitally alter images.

Direct Relief often contracts with freelance photographers who usually, but not always, allow their work to be published by Direct Relief’s media partners. Contact Direct Relief for permission to use images in which Direct Relief is not credited in the caption by clicking here.

Other Requirements:

  • Do not state or imply that donations to any third-party organization support Direct Relief's work.
  • Republishers may not sell Direct Relief's content.
  • Direct Relief's work is prohibited from populating web pages designed to improve rankings on search engines or solely to gain revenue from network-based advertisements.
  • Advance permission is required to translate Direct Relief's stories into a language different from the original language of publication. To inquire, contact us here.
  • If Direct Relief requests a change to or removal of republished Direct Relief content from a site or on-air, the republisher must comply.

For any additional questions about republishing Direct Relief content, please email the team here.

Adorably Named Camps Create Summer Adventures for Kids with Diabetes

News

Diabetes

Eligible camps that meet enrollment criteria and abide by the requirements for donated product distribution receive medical supplies and medications free of charge. (Photo by Dayna Murphy/American Diabetes Association Camp)
By Bryn Blanks

As children across the country embark on their summer adventures, a few dozen camps make it possible for kids with diabetes to experience the outdoors.

Located at the Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve in San Diego County is Camp Wana Kura, a day camp organized by the American Diabetes Association. There, by lakes and under trees, children engage in activities like hiking and racing paddle boats. With a focus on providing a fun and unique experience for kids with diabetes, Wana Kura gives campers a chance to build friendships and grow together. Over the course of four days, children connect with others while developing necessary skills to live a full life with their condition.

A camper at Camp Needles in the Pines packs his belongings on the last day of camp. The week-long camp helps children learn strategies for managing type-1 diabetes (Photo by Cliff Hollis)

In North Carolina, Camp Needles in the Pines offers children with Type 1 diabetes a chance to have fun and bond with others. On the banks of the Pamlico River, located in the eastern part of the state, kids between eight and 14 play outside. From archery to canoeing, the week-long camp is never short of activities. In addition to providing items like insulin and glucose test strips, the staff includes medical professionals who monitor and help children manage their diabetes.

In addition to Wana Kura and Needles in the Pines, Direct Relief also supports 124 camps with adorable names like:

Camp UPeninsulin

Founded in 2006, Camp Upeninsulin is a summer youth camp for kids with type 1 diabetes. This August, campers ages nine to 15 will gather at Clear Lake in Michigan for a week of fun. (Photo by Camp UPeninsulin)

Riding On Insulin

Located in Montana, Riding On Insulin offers ski and snowboarding programs, in addition to bike camps, for kids and teens living with type 1 diabetes. (Photo by Riding On Insulin staff)

Camp Sugar Falls

At Camp Widjiwagan in Antioch, Tennessee, children with diabetes attend camp with their siblings. Children learn about healthy and active lifestyle habits in a safe and supervised environment. (Photo by Camp Sugar Falls staff)

Camp Hot Shot Wentworth-Douglass

Over the course of a week, kids with diabetes enjoy crafts, sports, games, and fun in New Hampshire, along with other campers who have diabetes. (Photo by Wentworth-Douglass Hospital)

Since 2013, Direct Relief has worked with BD, and more recently LifeScan, to support camps for children with diabetes. Items like insulin syringes and tests trips are sent for campers to monitor blood glucose levels and manage their disease.

This year, 124 camps will receive Direct Relief’s assistance, which will reduce the cost of camps, allowing more children a chance to participate. The donations also allow more funds to go toward activities for kids to continue enjoying the great outdoors.

“You make it possible for me to go to Camp Stix each year,” one camper wrote after attending the summer camp for children with diabetes in Spokane Valley, Washington.  “Camp is the only way for me to be around more people like me, with type 1 diabetes. It lets me feel normal and free. Camp also reminds me how much I need to take care of myself and my diabetes so that I can live a long and healthy life.”

According to the American Diabetes Association, about 208,000 Americans under the age of 20 have Type 1 diabetes, a disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas and destroys them.

For the first time this year, Direct Relief will be sending insulin pump supplies, which help control blood glucose after food consumption, as well as other essential items like needles and meters for glucose monitoring.

Staff prepares the final shipment of critical medical items, like test strips and needles, for diabetes management. (Photo by Bryn Blanks/Direct Relief)

Diabetes camps will run through the fall, with most occurring in June and July.

As kids with diabetes embark on an adventure to remember, Direct Relief’s medical donations will support campers in monitoring and managing their disease.

Filed Under: , , ,

Giving is Good Medicine

You don't have to donate. That's why it's so extraordinary if you do.