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Camp Jean Nelson (Alberta)
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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.
2010 Camp Dates:
We have expanded to three weeks of camp for Summer 2010.
- Week 1: July 19 – 24, 2010
- Week 2: July 26 – 31, 2010
- Week 3: August 2 -7, 2010
Application
You can apply online (preferred method) or you can apply by calling our office 403-266-0620 to apply via phone. You can also download an application form from our website and delivering it in person or via mail to our office:
Calgary Regional Leadership Centre
204 - 2323 32nd Avenue NE
Calgary, Alberta T2E 6Z3
Attention: Camp Coordinator
Children will be accepted on a first come first serve basis.
Please note: Completion of an application form does not guarantee registration.
Once you have completed a camp application you will be notified of your status on or before March 15th, 2010. The following process applies for completion of camp registration for those children accepted.
March 30th initial non refundable deposit of $100 due
- This deposit will save the child’s spot
- If the total deposit is not received by this deadline your child’s spot will be forfeited, no exception.
April 15th Waitlist notification
- Any forfeited spots will be reallocated
- Parents will have 15 days from initial notification to pay deposit.
June 15th Final Payment of $475 Due
Total Camp Fees: $575.00
Campership Fund (Financial Assistance)
At the Canadian Diabetes Association, we feel that the ability to pay for camp should not be a barrier to participation. Please indicate on the registration form that you will be requiring a subsidy, and an application form will be mailed to you. Please contact the Camp Coordinator with any questions.
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!
Transportation
Transfers are not included. It is the responsibility of a verified parent/guardian to provide transportation for their child.
Volunteering
Because of the large staff team required to operate camp, we must limit the number of volunteers at camp to healthcare professionals, nursing and dietetic students. If you are interested in volunteering at camp, please contact the Camp Coordinator.