This summer camp started 13 years ago for children from ages 7 to 13 diagnosed with diabetes.  It offers a safe space for the kids to meet others who face the same issues, and discuss how to deal with diabetes.  The first half of the camp is designed for the youngsters while the older teens and college students participate during the last two days of the week.

Along with activities like playing softball and making soap bubbles,  41 kids made HappyDolls using colorful markers. As the Executive Director, Nozomi, explained the HappyDoll concept by sharing photos from our past events, the children listened quietly with eyes full of curiosity and fascination.

The kids wear different colored jerseys throughout the camp to represent their designated teams.

 Here are some of the dolls decorated by the Sugar Free Gang Kids!

Joe only used two colors, organ and blue to make this beautiful  art work.

This doll was made by Sonia. What a warm and beautiful message…

“This is Sonia, She is sweet and kind. She is here for you to squeeze, cry on, and laugh with. Remember! You can’t have a rainbow without a little rain.”

“It does not matter who you are, you’re still you.”

 

“Live every day like it’s your last.”

Sugar free snacks for sugar free gang!

Here’s a comment from our Executive Director, Nozomi, about her experience with Sugar Free Gang:

“During orientation the children introduced themselves and shared how long they have been dealing with diabetes. Some of them were diagnosed in elementary school and have been dealing with diabetes for over 10 years.   I was moved to see these campers accept their conditions as a part of who they are.

Diabetes is what connects these children. At Sugar Free Gang Kamp, there are various programs that remind these children they are not alone, that there are others just like them who face diabetes, and that together, they can support each other in dealing with the condition for the rest of their lives. This concept resonates with our HappyDoll philosophy.

I was amazed at the number of nurses and staffs, and the quality of care and guidance these children received at Sugar Free Gang Kamp. We feel very lucky to have been part of this wonderful program.”

Thank you to the kids and the staffs at SUGAR FREE GANG KAMP, especially Joanne DeNovio!

Our session with Sugar Free Gang Kamp was covered by CNWeekly.com. Check it out!

Stay tuned! We’ve got more exciting events coming your way…

-Help lift the spirits of children in need by donating to happydoll.org-