Western Cape Diabetes SA Annual Camp for children with Type 1 diabetes

The 2018 Western Cape Diabetes SA Annual Camp for children with Type 1 diabetes took place, from the 31^st of August to the 2^ndof September, at Soetwater Environmental Centre in Kommetjie.

It was a wonderful weekend filled with fun, laughter and new friends, and even the weather was kind to us. On Sunday, we were tired enough to be ready to go home but sad to see everyone leave.

The camp may be just three days, but the role it plays in the life of a child with Type 1 diabetes can be transformational. During camp, children learned about treating hypo- and hyperglycaemic episodes; how to eat to achieve the best blood sugars; and managing ketones. But most of all, campers learned that they are not alone. There are so many others like them who test, inject, and deal with the many other challenges of living with diabetes on a daily basis.

We enjoyed fellowship whilst experiencing many fun activities, including a bird and snake show, an incredible obstacle course and a sandcastle building competition. Due to all the activity, we had plenty of low blood sugar levels on Saturday afternoon but it was definitely worth it!

We also had ‘morning madness’ to start each day off with a bang and show how morning exercise can affect blood sugar levels positively throughout the entire day.

Thank you

Thank you to our junior leaders who planned the morning madness class and led it very ably.

This camp could not have happened without the generous sponsorship of the My School Foundation and a range of incredible volunteers and support from various companies with donations in kind. Thank you so much to each one of you.

We could not hold these camps without the onsite help of medical volunteers. So, we give special thanks to Dr Adnaan Mia; Sister Barbara; Sr Gloria from Tygerberg Hospital; and Sr Tina and Sr  Salomie from St Joseph’s Home.

Thank you to Shelly Schutte for the programme and Lesley Mc Clure, the camp photographer, and Michelle Wridgeway who took care of the children on pumps. Last but not least, thank you to the many others who make up our camp team and without whom we could not hold camps.

See you again next year!

Winning duo: Estelle and her dog

One of our members, Estelle Lamont-Turner, who has had Type 1 diabetes since 1988 and who is involved in dog training and dog shows, travelled to Bloemfontein with her dogs to attend the Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA) National Championships that were held 9 to 12 August.

Estelle and her little Jack Russell, Bailey, won the 2018 KUSA Nationals Mini Senior Carting. Estelle was also a member of the Eastern Province team for the Inter-Provincial Dog Carting competition. Eastern Province came first, followed by Kwa-Zulu Natal. Congratulations Estelle and Bailey.

Branch management board members selected

At the Port Elizabeth Branch Annual General meeting that was held recently, the following branch management board members were elected to serve our people:

• Martin Prinsloo – Chairman
• Surendra Daya – Treasurer
• Paula Thom – DSA Young Guns Convener
• Elizabeth Prinsloo – Branch Manager and Editor of Sweet Talk
• Lofaine Van Niekerk – Librarian
• Clive Bourke — Springdale Convener
• Kaylee Buchner – Secretary
• Pamela Molefe – Nursing Advisor

DSA Pretoria Children’s camp

Date: 26 – 28 October 2018

Attendees: Children with diabetes ages 6 – 16 years

Venue: Camp Wag ‘n Bietjie

Cost:  R600 per child

For more information: Mariaan 079 319 0887 / [email protected]