Kids living with diabetes a campfire story these school holidays

When 10-year-old Mason Mein was diagnosed with type one diabetes two years ago, it was a shock to his family and life as they knew it changed forever.

But a special school holiday camp run by a group of Townsville University Hospital (TUH) staff and volunteers has become a source of comfort and connection.

The annual type one diabetes kids camp, held on Magnetic Island last week, brings together children and families living with type one diabetes to break down stigma and share stories.

Mason’s mum Sara Mein said it was the second time her family had attended the camp after Mason spent the past year begging to go again.

“Mason was diagnosed with type one diabetes in 2023 after we noticed some odd symptoms and got him tested,” she said.

“His blood sugar test came back four times higher than normal, which was a shock considering we have no history of auto immune disease in our family.”

Ms Mein said bringing her son back to the camp was a ‘no brainer’ describing it as a great place for kids to come together to feel more secure in their diagnosis.

“Walking around camp there are all these buzzers going off for kids who have high or low blood sugar, and it’s become a bit of a game to find the right person,” she said.

“It really helps the kids normalise their condition.”

Paediatric diabetes nurse educator Suzanne Iliff said the annual camp had been running for the past decade hosting children who’ve lived with diabetes for years, as well as those recently diagnosed.

“The kids play games, run around, make new friends, do artwork, and just enjoy a weekend of fun without a focus on the clinical aspects of their condition,” she said.

“A lot of kids need to take extra steps at school before they can go have lunch and play like other kids, but at this camp everyone is in the same boat.

“We have a team of clinicians involved including a psychologist, dietitian, and a nurse practitioner, as well as volunteers with lived experience on hand to support families.

“Parents also dive into their children’s diagnosis stories and journeys and talk to us about their experiences with the hospital, which is good for our own future learning.” 

Ms Mein said the camp was just as valuable for parents as it was for the children.

“I learnt so much in my first camp from other parents and the clinicians involved, things that aren’t in the books or online,” she said. 

“Just to know there are other families out there going through exactly what we are is really comforting.

“Lots of us stay connected long after the camp ends and we continue to support each other through the ups and downs of life with type 1 diabetes.”

Ms Mein said the support from the diabetes clinic at TUH had been life-changing for her son. 

“I am so thankful for the amazing diabetes clinic at TUH because without them I don’t think this camp would happen,” she said.

Mason said his favourite part of camp was the campfire and the chance to make new friends.

“It’s good to hang out with other kids who have diabetes just like me, and we get to do the same fun things as everyone else,” he said.

“I will definitely be coming again next year.”