Many people like to spend time camping in a tent, but that's not always possible for people with certain health conditions.  News 12's Erick Lind found a new camp that is geared toward a certain group of kids that deserve to live the sweet life.

Kilkenny's Derek Balfe says, "We have a camper out in Warsaw."Derek Balfe is used to camping with his family, but today his mom is signing him up for camp and he's not quite sure what he's getting into.Balfe says, "Don't know? It's my first time, so...see what happens."  Balfe was in store for a big day of games, hiking, and of course...bugs.  The mosquitoes may be drawing some blood out at the activities, but it won't be the most important blood that is drawn at this camp.

It's the first year for Camp Sweet Life at Norseland Scout Camp.  It's a camp exclusive for kids with diabetes.  Jerry Joyce is an assistant scoutmaster for Troop 100, and has a daughter with the condition.  He got the idea to use the location after his daughter's physician said it would be good to start the venture.  Joyce says it shows kids with diabetes, that they can have fun at camp too.  Joyce says, "It's manageable, but the camp is about fun, so they get a chance to have fun, maybe in spite of the fact they have the condition diabetes."

The scouts assisting were trained in monitoring blood sugar and taking insulin, so they can help campers in the right direction.  Vickie Parsons from Mankato Clinic says this is a good way for kids to connect with others their age.  She says many of the counselors are also diabetic, so they can be good role models.  Parsons says not only is Camp Sweet Life good for the kids, but it allows parents to meet as well.  Parsons says, "Diabetes changes your life, your family, how you eat, how you sleep, what your schedules are, and they just need somebody else to talk to and say, 'What do you do in this situation?'"

Parsons says that parents are sometimes reluctant to let their child go to camp because of their condition.  But the confidence gained at Camp Sweet Life, could have Balfe and the rest of the campers sleeping in more tents down the road.

- Erick Lind, News 12.