Maddie writes: My summer has been awesome so far. I just got home from a week at the DYF Bearskin Meadow sleep away kids camp. This was my second summer at the camp, and I had a lot of fun. My favorite part was going on hikes, doing archery and throwing water balloons at the counselors.

I have also been to Stinson beach, the Marin County fair, and just flew to New York to be with family. Right now, I am enjoying the beach in Westport, Connecticut along the Long Island Sound.

I have plans to go to the Empire State Building and to one of the oldest amusement parks in New York. I am then visiting friends in Boston and will take the train there with my family.

After I return home, I will be going to a Shakespeare camp where we will be performing A Comedy of Errors. I am also doing the buddy diabetic Day camp in Marin through DYF in August.

Sometimes I have to make adjustments to my pump based on altitude or when I am traveling. When I swim, I check my sugars more often to keep my numbers in check.

Since I have celiac’s disease, I can’t eat gluten so I pack food whenever I go to the beach, the movies, or when I go to a friend’s house just to be sure. Yesterday, I went to a restaurant and think I ate some gluten by mistake. I had a bad reaction, so it was a good reminder that I have to always be careful when I am eating food from a gluten facility.

I love the summer because I get to relax with my family and friends. I love to read books, take pictures and spend lots of time with my sister.

I hope you are having a great summer and can’t wait to see you at the JDRF walk!

Pictured top: Maddie on her way home from camp. Pictured above: Maddie in New York City with her sister.