Camp Jean Nelson (Alberta)

Camp Jean Nelson is a summer camp held in Kananaskis for children between the age of 8 and 15 living with diabetes. The camp offers typical summer activities such as hiking, swimming and fireside sing-a-longs in an environment that provides round-the-clock care from expert medical and nutrition staff. The daily education about healthy food choices and encouragement offered at Camp Jean Nelson helps children build the self-confidence they need to become responsible for their own health.

Who was Jean Nelson?

Jean Nelson was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of five. Later, she opened the Calgary Branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association after a visit by Dr. Charles Best, a co-discoverer of insulin and founder of the Canadian Diabetes Association. Jean was instrumental in diabetes education both professionally and personally. She spearheaded our summer camping program.

How long has Camp Jean Nelson been running?

Camp has been running since 1957 and so it is almost as old as the Canadian Diabetes Association itself (which was founded in 1953). We recently celebrated our 50th year anniversary!

Partnerships

Camp Jean Nelson has grown over its long history and has out-grown its original site and several since, and is now partnered with Alberta Easter Seals: Camp Horizon. All of Camp Jean Nelson’s programs are hosted by Camp Horizon, located in Kananaskis Country approximately 10 minutes West of Bragg Creek, AB. Camp Horizon program staff and counsellors work alongside the Camp Jean Nelson Medical Team, ensuring a successful camp experience for all.

The Canadian Diabetes Association works in conjunction with the staff at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.  Without this dedicated group of medical professionals camp would not be possible.

Health Care and Diabetes Management

Camp Jean Nelson’s medical director, Dr. Jonathan Dawrant of the Alberta Children’s Hospital, will coordinate a team of on-site physicians, nurses, and dietitians.  Working with our team of healthcare professionals, the medical director supports and supervises the campers’ diabetes management procedures.

Dietary

Our Registered Dietitians work with the Kitchen staff to coordinate diabetes meal planning for all the campers. This ensures that all meals are nutritious and that carbohydrates have been properly counted.

Because of the large staff team required to operate camp, we must limit the number of volunteers at camp to healthcare professionals. If you are interested in volunteering at camp, please contact the Camp Coordinator.

Cabin living

Campers are accommodated in two dorms, which sleep 35 campers each. Two counselors reside in each dorm.

Activities

These are some of the activities offered at camp:
• High and low ropes challenge course
• Climbing and traverse walls
• Giant swing
• Swimming pool and hot tub
• River rafting
• Tipi living
• Nature games
• Camp fires
• Special events and more!

Source: http://www.diabetes.ca/get-involved/helping-you/camps/alberta/jean-nelson/