A local teen who has type 1 diabetes wants to help send others to enjoy a camp for children with diabetes, just like she did when she was little.
"I really benefited from the camps when I was a kid so I thought it would be nice to really encourage it in Prince George, " said 17-year-old Elizabeth Czechmeister.
The camp is the first of its kind to come to northern B.C. and will be held at Camp Kakhamel,North Family Camp, at Ness Lake, May 24 to 26.
Czechmeister, a Cedars Christian student, is rallying her talented friends to put on a fundraising concert, Virtuosi, at St. Andrew's Church Friday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m.
The show will feature many talented classical musicians, including those from the Prince George Conservatory of Music.
Czechmeister plays flute, is a student at the conservatory and a member of the Prince George Youth Orchestra.
There will be 14 musicians performing during Virtuosi.
"There's some folk, Broadway - musical theatre stuff, and classical music," said Czechmeister. "It was important for me to do this fundraiser because I am really passionate about music and I also really want to spread awareness about diabetes and this camp. It's important to me to support it.
The weekend camp offers opportunities for parents and caregivers to spend time connecting with one another through structured workshops and unstructured social time while kids play and get to know each other through supervised games and program activities, Czechmeister explained. Families will also have time to participate in activities together, such as swimming, boating, and challenge courses, during their stay, she added. There will also be medical staff on site connecting with children and parents outside the hospital and clinic environment, as well as to act as a resource to answer questions and address concerns.
Virtuosi goes Friday, April 5 at St. Andrew's Church, 3555 Fifth Avenue at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door.
For more information about Camp Kakhamela, North Family Camp at Ness Lake, call Boyanne Young, regional coordinator at the Prince George branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association at 250-561-9284.
