“ I have had diabetes since I was 2. I used to feel different from
other people or embarrassed because of my diabetes. I love
camp because I feel normal there. Sometimes I am having so
much fun, I forget I have diabetes. It is great because we all
beep, and we all check our blood sugars. Camp has shown me
that I can do anything. When I grow up I want to be a nurse and
a dancer. My favorite parts of camp are the swimming, friends,
crafts, songs and campfire.
– Brooklyn, age 9

In 2019, I was diagnosed with T1D. I was 11. I was scared and
stayed in the hospital for several days. At one of my
appointments we learned about STIX. At first I was nervous and
did not want to go, but I was glad I did. Everyone knew what
having this autoimmune disorder was like, and they all
understood me. The same year, I went to a Boy Scout camp,
and STIX was way better. Thanks to STIX, I feel confident and
like I am not alone.
– Tanner, age 13

I was diagnosed at the age of 13. I attended Camp STIX a month
after my diagnosis. I fell in love instantly. Camp is the one place
where everyone understands your day-to-day struggles. I
volunteer every year at TWIGS and became a STIX JC in 2018. In
2019 I attended Adventure Camp. I recaptured the magic of
being a camper! I learned how to navigate the challenges that
awaited me and was given resources to help. It was a truly
enriching experience. I connected with my peers in a beautiful
setting. Adventure Camp has been so valuable to me. I have a
new way to connect with the T1D community.
– “Javelin” Jake, age 19 ”