Bethany Kellogg, our Walk Family Team Chair, shares with us the experience she and her 7 year old T1D son, Cooper, had at the Colorado Riding On Insulin Camp in Breckenridge and the importance of finding community, friends, and people who speak your same language when you are living with T1D.

 

Last weekend, Cooper and I had the pleasure of attending Riding On Insulin (ROI) in Breckenridge, CO. ROI is a ski/snowboarding camp for type 1 diabetics and their families, held all over the country and the world. It was started by professional snowboarder, and type 1 diabetic, Sean Busby.

Cooper instantly made friends at the Friday orientation, where we learned what the next day’s schedule on the mountain would be. Cooper had a great day of skiing on Saturday with Team Bluebird consisting of another camper with similar ability, a coach with T1D,

and a medical volunteer. Every kid checked their blood sugar at designated times, and were monitored on the mountain periodically as well as at the “home base”. It was great for Cooper to be with other kids who do the exact same things he does and understand the challenges of living with T1D.

 

I spent the day with other parents; making connections, sharing stories, sharing tips/suggestions/challenges. It was so great talking to coaches, kids, volunteers, and parents who all speak the same language. There was a dinner on Saturday night where everyone got together to talk about the day, and to see and hear some inspiring stories from Sean Busby and other amazing athletes that have T1D. These athletes don’t let type 1 stop them and it was great for the kids to see they can do anything!

 

 

The T1D community continues to inspire me and I’m thankful Cooper had the opportunity to feel like everyone else and create an even greater support system. He told me after that it should be called “Riding On Awesome!” He’s already planning to try snowboarding at next year’s ROI. 

Coop ready to hit the slopes with the pros at Riding On Insulin!

 

If you are interested in camps for your T1D, Check out these great local or travel options endorsed by so many of our local families!

Riding On Insulin, 2019

Camp Colorado/Camp Sweet Pea – Summer 2018

Camp Sweeney – Summer 2018

Are you an adult with T1D?  There’s a fun summer camp for you too!

Connected in Motion – 2018