North Oaks Dietetic Interns Volunteer at Camp Victory

Campers attending Camp Victory learned how making good food choices helps to manage their diabetes when the North Oaks Dietetic Internship Class of 2013-2014 volunteered at the camp July 21-27. The camp, specifically for children with diabetes, is held annually in Leesville, La. and is cosponsored by the American Diabetes Association and Louisiana Lions Club.

Dietetic Interns, who served as camp counselors for the age 11-14 group, included Ashley Braud and Amanda Hotchkiss of Baton Rouge, Bryan Delchamps of Mandeville, Kelly Beard of Houston, Tx., Emily Nickens of Ponchatoula and Sara Perrilloux of Hammond.

Under the supervision of a Registered Dietitian, the Dietetic Interns provided the campers with fun, educational activities on appropriate foods choices to help manage their diabetes. They also helped check the campers' blood sugar levels and supervised mealtimes.

“Camp Victory is a perfect opportunity to provide education to the young campers and the interns,” explains Virginia Pelegrin, Director of North Oaks Dietetic Internship Program. “The children need to learn how to manage their illness, so it’s a great opportunity for the interns to practice conducting diabetic education training. Everybody learns.”

Completing a Dietetic Internship is a step toward attaining the credential of Registered Dietitian after graduation from college. North Oaks Medical Center’s Dietetic Internship is sponsored by the health system’s Education Department and granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Participation in the 1 year Internship qualifies students to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians.

To learn more about the North Oaks Dietetic Internship, call (985) 230-6548 or click here. To learn more about Camp Victory, call (888) 342-2383 ext. 6074 visit the “Diabetes Camps” link at www.diabetes.org.