“You can feel very isolated when you have a chronic condition that requires daily management.” As someone who has dealt with type I diabetes for going on three decades, Brittny Ayola, Covenant Children's PIC Nurse Manager and coordinator of the Diabetes Program, is intimately familiar with the impact that this condition can have on a child. 

After COVID caused Lubbock’s funding from the American Diabetes Association to disappear, she took it upon herself to find a way to connect kids who have found themselves with this lifelong diagnosis. This is how Camp New Beginnings was created. 

“I feel like programs like this have a vast impact on the family and the child's outlook,” Ayola stated. She went on to note that experiences like these teach kids to understand that “I'm not by myself. There are other people and other kids my age that have to do this. I'm not alone.” This realization can be monumental in their acceptance and overall management of the disease. 

Diabetes
Photo by Mykenzie Johnson on Unsplash
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The four day camp involves fun daily activities that will each be held at a different location around the Hub City. Excursions include Spirit Ranch, the Science Spectrum, Main Event, and the YWCA Sun ‘n Fun. Saturday will also bring opportunities for parents to find out about “the latest and greatest diabetes technology, products, and medications that are available for these kids. They will also get a chance to mingle with fellow parents of children with diabetes,” Ayola stated.  

Best of all, parents can have the peace of mind that their kids are being taken care of throughout their time away. This camp “is supervised by medical professionals and medical caregivers who are savvy to diabetes and its management. This ensures safety and that everybody is staying healthy while they're doing all these activities.”

Did we also mention that this exclusive event is completely free? “We are covering lunches, snacks, and all of the activities.They will also get a camp t-shirt. Everyone just needs to bring their own personal diabetes supplies.” The only caveat is that space is limited so parents will want to sign their kids up as soon as possible. 

Camp New Beginnings Diabetes Camp
Photo Credit: Covenant Children's
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The camp will be held on July 13th through the 16th from 9AM to 4PM each day and it is tailored for kids ranging in ages five to 14. Get your kids signed up for all the fun here!

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