Effect of Socialization and Immersion On Educational Goals for Children in a Diabetes Camp Setting

Objective:  To determine the relationship of diabetes education and clinical efficacy in a camp setting, and to identify best practices for delivering diabetes self-management education to children with diabetes. 

Methods:  Clinical observation of children at camp; pre- and post-test of campers' diabetes knowledge and skills; comparison data using HbA1c test results upon registration, 3-6 months prior to camp and 3 months post-camp; literature review; and parent focus groups.

Results:  The study design was unable to establish a direct linkage between diabetes education and clinical efficacy.  It was successful in identifying trends in blood glucose measures posing new questions regarding the delivery of diabetes education for children, and indicating a need for new research.  By identifying core concepts of "teachable moments", socialization and immersion, the study results can be utilized to structure the camp education curriculum within a social context.

Conclusion:  It is difficult to conduct clinical research in a camp setting without compromising the camp experience.  Teachable moments, socialization opportunities, and peer support provided within an immersion setting are key elements of effective diabetes education for children.