MIAMI _ Camp Roaring Sun, a week-long overnight camp for diabetic children treated at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, allows kids to take part in a fun summer tradition that might otherwise not be feasible for them. It was established in 1987 as a day camp, but has grown over the years to be a successful overnight camp.
Camp Roaring Sun, which began Monday and runs through Friday, July 13, allowed children ages 6 through 12 to take part in traditional camp activities such as swimming, playing outside, and going to a baseball game. All the activities are monitored by Nicklaus pediatric endocrinology nurses to ensure a safe and healthy environment, according to a news release.
On Monday, the children learned about sugar and insulin in a fun, interactive way through hands-on activities. The children learned about staying healthy and eating right. The activities demonstrated which fruits and vegetables boost metabolism, are good for digestion, and are best for controlling blood sugar.
Children with diabetes might not go to typical summer camps because their conditions need to be closely monitored. Camp Roaring Sun allows them to participate in the traditional summertime experience, as well as socialize with other children who they can relate to. The children have insulin checks several times a day, and all meals are catered to the specific nutritional needs of the campers, according to the release.
