The first session of Camp Victory in Leesville, Louisiana is in the records book. One hundred young campers living with diabetes spent the week sharing and bonding with kids from all over the state. They enjoyed swimming, canoeing, archery, arts & crafts and so much more. Camp Victory is supported by your donations. A special thank you to our medical staff volunteers who dedicate their time and expertise to ensure the safety of all campers. Week two is now in full swing!
Camp Victory has been funded by Capital Area United Way for many years. This year, CAUW has recognized the American Diabetes Association’s Camp Victory program as one of only four ‘Exceeding Expectations’ organizations that they support. This is quite an honor! The United Way supports over 100 organizations. Camp has been highlighted for their success stories from parents and campers which express appreciation for providing the children with a great learning and confidence building experience. Additionally, we are one of only two camps in the country that are completely free to our campers – another point highlighted by the United Way. We know this camp wouldn’t be possible without the countless number of people that are involved with making sure the camp is safe – and fun – each year. Thank you to each and every one of you!
Did you know that Camp Victory is one of only two completely free camps that the American Diabetes Association offers? Yes, we are bragging! Our camp is an opportunity for kids between the ages of 6 and 14 to enjoy traditional camp activities with constant supervision from summer camp staff and our volunteer medical team. All supplies are donated and provided to the campers on-site, they literally just have to show up! This experience is unique, like most things in Louisiana, and we are proud to be able to offer this opportunity to 200 kids in Louisiana every summer. If you know a child that may be interested in attending, please have them apply. at www.diabetes.org/adacampvictory. Spots are filling up quickly! We are also looking for volunteer medical staff to help us with this summer’s sessions. Please email Treva Lincoln at TLincoln@diabetes.org or 504-889-0278 ext. 6074 if you are interested.
Camp Victory truly creates friendships for a lifetime. We’d like to spotlight some of our campers who grew to be the best of friends since last year’s session. “These are friendships made through Camp Victory! It’s made such a big difference in Lydia’s life this past year. These girls support each other almost daily!” said camper mom, Kim Williams. The girls had a mini-camp reunion sleepover during winter break and met up again at Sector 6 most recently. Pictured L to R are campers: Lydia Williams, Charlotte Theriot, Amelie Evans, Kate Rooks
Camp Victory applications are available! Louisiana is one of only two American Diabetes Association camps that offer this great opportunity at no cost to the participating families. For two weeks each July, we host 200 kids between the ages of 6 and 14 at the Louisiana Lions Camp in Leesville, LA. Registration for campers became available on February 1 and we already have registered 80+ children. If you know a child with diabetes who is interested in having the time of their life with 100 other kids just like them, please visit the camp website – www.diabetes.org/adacampvictory – and apply today!
Our Medical Staff committee is crucial to the process of diabetes camp and we are always in search of volunteers. If you are a medical professional with an interest in coming to the camp – even if just for part of a session – please let us know! Applications will be available for medical staff by mid-March. Currently, we are looking to recruit physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, dietitians, pharmacists and licensed social workers. If interested, please contact Treva Lincoln at TLincoln@diabetes.org.
American Diabetes Louisiana and Mississippi 