Yes, diabetes camp is a real thing. Believe it or not, no matter how strange it sounds to you "normals" out there, it exists, and let me tell you it is one of the most magnificent things in the world. I thought it would be helpful to those who attend, and those who don't, to explain what diabetes camp actually is so that when we say "Hey, boss, I need the second week of July off for camp," we can stop receiving various numbers of doubtful looks, an array of laughs, and the all-familiar "what's that?" In short, diabetes camp is literally a camp for diabetics ages 7-15. It's a place where we can go to see our second family and to learn to manage our health a little better than we have been the rest of the year. This camp has a majority of recreational activities such as canoeing, fishing, archery, crafts, biking, dances and parties, and my personal favorite: the shaving cream battle. Along with these activities, there are also some educational ones. These help teach us new methods of insulin therapy, nutritional factors and how they affect our sugars, and how emotions and stress can be handled without putting our health at risk. All of this happens over the span of one week and there are no words to explain how much fun it is. There are various camps around the country but when I talk about camp I'm talking about Camp Kno Koma in southern West Virginia. I've been attending since I was old enough to go and, even though I've passed the age of being a camper, I've still been attending as a counselor. I am so grateful that I've had the privilege of meeting, mentoring, and caring for these kiddos because not only does it help them feel "normal" again but it helps me feel like I'm making a difference to someone. I remember when I first was diagnosed and was lost and felt alone even though I had the amazing support of my family. I wanted someone to understand what I was going through and no matter how hard they tried, my family didn't because they don't have this condition. And now I can be that someone to a child who feels like they're lost. I can tell them my own stories and how this camp has helped me, and they can realize that they aren't the only ones going through this. Diabetes camp allows us to communicate with others like us and, personally, it made me feel loads better about myself and my condition. School-age children have enough to worry about, so adding diabetes to the ever-growing list of things that change doesn't help much. However, after spending a week at diabetes camp, these kids (and adults) can leave knowing they have an enormous support system and they will never be alone in this seemingly never-ending battle. So yes, diabetes camp is a thing. But to me, it's the best thing.