The Slipstream is headed West!

What? Connected in Motion’s 1st Western Slipstream Weekend
When? Friday September 21st – Sunday September 23rd 2012 
Where? Strathcona Park Lodge, Campbell River, BC

A Slipstream Weekend is an active, social and educational weekend for adults (19+) living with Type 1 diabetes. But that explanation sounds so formal…

What it really is… is a weekend jam packed full of outdoor adventure, engaging workshops, great food and incredible people. It’s a chance to connect (or re-connect) with like-minded Type 1′s, get out and try something new, learn from each others’ experiences and celebrate the year’s accomplishments – focusing on the positive aspects of what we CAN do with Type 1 diabetes.

Nestled on the shores of Upper Campbell Lake in the mountainous interior of Vancouver Island, Strathcona Park Lodge‘s wilderness playground will play host to Connected in Motion’s first Western Slipstream weekend.

Strathcona is known for it’s incredibly beautiful location, fabulous facilities and delicious, locally sourced food. The Lodge’s 160 acre lakefront property boasts rock climbing bluffs, hiking trails, old growth trees, lake paddling, a high and low ropes course, zip lines and much more. Our weekend schedule will make the most of this outdoor adventure playground as well as providing some time downtime for you to relax and soak it all in.

Join us for a social weekend of experiential diabetes education, outdoor adventure and relaxation September 21-23^rd 2012.

Thank you to Medtronic of Canada, Ltd and Bayer Diabetes for their generous support of the Western Slipstream weekend.

NOTE: Western Slipstream officially starts at 5pm on Friday September 21st and ends at 2pm on Sunday September 23rd. If need to make alternate arrangements for arrival/departure, no problem! Just let us know!

Be sure to check out the Ontario Winter Slipstream 2011 VIDEO and PHOTOS.

REGISTRATION FEE: $275
(This fee will cover  (includes registration fee, accommodation, all snacks and meals, activities and equipment).

To register, CLICK HERE!

To pay now, click the ‘Buy Now’ button below.

Weekend Schedule, Packing List and more information on transportation options will be available in July/August 2012.

Photo Credit: Virtue Bajurny

A total of 16 teams entered the tournament – donned in matching team outfits (special shout out to the blindingly-bright ‘A Velociraptor ate my Pancreas’ Team; the full roster of characters from Team Top Gun; the ever-bright, Sick of Pricks Team; and the psychedelic eighties-inspired ‘Chicks (with one) Prick – Formerly Chicks without Pricks’ (thanks Scott!)), bringing along team mascots (that one’s for you, team Scrat Attack!) and no shortage of team spirit (If you were lucky enough to play off against Team Glucose SPIKES (Yellow), you might have caught a barrel-roll dive or two!)

This year’s tournament brought together seven returning teams, including the 2011 champions, Just the Tip, captained by T1 Christie Schuett; and NINE brand new teams, debuting new talent and many new faces to the community! A special shoutout to the Glucose SPIKES, captained by Mike Goldberg; So Sweet it Hurts, captained by Baille Wilkinson; The Kings of Langerhans, captained by Kale Boehmer; The Infusion Set-ers, captained by Vicki Campbell; Bump, Set Bolus, captained by Lorraine Anderson; and Sets on the Beach, captained by Shari Michaelson.

Photo Credit: Virtue Bajurny

A special thank you to Animas of Canada who came on board as a Bronze Level Sponsor for this year’s tournament (and brought along the, undoubtedly cutest team, Bump, Set, Bolus!)

Thanks to the exceptional tournament-organization talent of the one and only Aaron Louis who played along side the Sugar Spikes, captained by Chantal Bertrand, this year teams hit the courts a total of NINE times throughout the afternoon – bringing it to the court time and again. There was certainly no shortage of bumping, setting, spiking, laughing, diving or colliding! A special thank you to this year’s court sponsors who helped to bring the tournament to life: Dr. Judith and Dr. Daniel Plante, Insulin Nation, The Iron Andy Foundation, Medtronic of Canada and National Bank.

By late afternoon, the tournament champions, Sets on the Beach emerged, championing the returning Spiked Needles in a final showdown in the sand. The third/fourth place match came down to overtime play where the returning Royal Avengers narrowly beat the Kings of Langerhans who had their tournament debut with a 100% Type 1 team! I’d Count That, captained by T1, Michelle Ingwersen, won the fifth place spot against ‘A Velociraptor Ate My Pancreas’.

Photo Credit: Virtue Bajurny

Connected in Motion owes a huge thank you to the tournament organizers – Aaron Louis, Julie Robbins, Chantal Bertrand, Julie DeVos, Mark Davis, Stephanie Brodie and Michelle Ingwersen along with the tournament volunteers Tammy Hand, Tammy Marcinko, Alison McKee and Jess Matys. An extra special shout-out goes to our Social Media Queen of the Day, Virtue Bajurny who live-tweeted the entire tournament including team profiles and photos to the CIM Twitter Feed, hashtag: #BumpsNPumps.

Thank you to all of the players, captains, volunteers and sponsors who helped to make this year’s tournament a smashing success!

CIM founder and Executive Director Chloe (Steepe) Vance is highlighted in this month’s Insulin Nation.

Insulin Nation is a new online magazine striving to connect existing diabetes groups and individuals living with diabetes across North America and beyond. It is quickly becoming a hub for information on all things diabetes-related. Here at CIM, we are thrilled to have the ‘Slipstream’ story told to a larger audience (and happy to see a mag with a bit more of a Type 1 focus!)

Check Insulin Nation out HERE. 

TOURNAMENT INFORMATION
WHEN: Monday June 11, 2012
WHERE: Highlands Golf Club, Bradford, Ontario
REGISTRATION: 10am
TEE OFF: 11am
COST: $500/Foursome or $130/Individual

Interested in donating a prize or in sponsorship opportunities? CLICK HERE to visit our sponsors page.

Connected in Motion is also looking for the donation of prizes.
If you are interested in donating a prize, or receiving more information, please contact
Jen Hanson, Director of Operations (jen@connectedinmotion.ca)

Interested in playing in the tournament? CLICK HERE to visit our event page!

Blog by: Chloe Steepe.

As an adult living with Type 1 diabetes, hanging out with kids with D is a really cool experience. Kids with diabetes are awesome. Super cool. Not that kids without diabetes aren’t (I’ve met lots of those too). But kids with D just seem to have a certain element of radness to them.

They are tough, outgoing and mature – most seem to have higher processing skills than many university students I know. They impress you by rhyming off carb counts, basal adjustments, bg ranges and correction factors just as well as we, the adults, can. They seem to have a different perspective on life. Maybe I am hyper sensitive and super impressed by this as I was never a kid with D myself.  Regardless, there is something extremely humbling about watching a miniature version of yourself take on a grown up sized challenge. And kick butt with it! (Kudos of course to the fabulous, wonderful and fantastic parents that support said wee ones)

Normally, Connected in Motion programs are for young adults and adults with D. However in March, CIM came together in partnership with a fabulous organization from the US, Riding on Insulin (ROI), to present one of Sean Busby’s Ski and Snowboard Camps for Kids and Teens with Diabetes. Connected in Motion leaders had the opportunity to be inspired by kids with D on the slopes of Nakiska Mountain Resort in Kananaskis, AB.

Over 30 families from Southern Alberta (as well as BC and even Australia!) came together at the Delta Kananaskis Resort for a weekend of skiing, snowboarding and connecting with other Type 1 families.

On Friday night, as a few inches of fresh snow accumulated outside, the weekend kicked off with an orientation led by the energetic Executive Director of Riding on Insulin, Mollie Busby. Families had a chance to mix, mingle and get prepped for Saturday’s activities. Bright and early on Saturday morning families headed to the hill to get geared up and to meet Sean Busby, founder of ROI, pro-snowboarder and Type 1. Divided into groups by skill level, and accompanied by a CIM leader, the kids hit the slopes to shred. The morning was a blur of magic carpet rides, linking turns, blood sugar checks and high fives. Were we impressed! From the bunny hill to the black diamonds, these kids could rip!

While the kids skied and boarded, parents heard from representatives from both the JDRF and the CDA, getting caught up on the latest from both organizations. After a quick lunch, the crew was back out on the hill. Each group had the chance to do a few runs with Sean and get a few tips from the pro.

The day whipped by and before we knew it we were back at the Delta Kananaskis Lodge checking out the latest and greatest from our sponsor companies Medtronic of Canada, Animas Canada, SOLE Custom Footbeds and sitting down to an incredible buffet dinner.

With full tummies, we turned our attention to the slide projector. Sean Busby took us on an incredible adventure with his photos and stories of international snowboarding expeditions to wild and wonderful places such as Iceland, Bulgaria, New Zealand and Antarctica. He told us of his misdiagnosis as a Type 2 diabetic, his transition from sport to expedition based snowboarding and spoke candidly about his challenges and successes managing diabetes while adventuring.

Sean shared his outlook on diabetes. “Diabetes is my best friend” he said to a crowd full of inquisitive faces.  Best friends are together all the time, heading off on all kinds of adventures by working together. They fight, get frustrated, but they always make up.

With muscles exhausted by a day on the slopes and minds inspired by new experiences and new friends (diabetes included) we said goodnight.

Many thanks go out to:
The Riding on Insulin Crew – Mollie, Sean and Alex.
Our incredible volunteer mentors: Sarah, Larry, Hank, Julie, Reid, Brett, Sandra, Karen, Ward, Meg, Allison, Claire, Geoff.
And of course our sponsors:

Medtronic of Canada, Animas Canada, SOLE Custom Footbeds

Note: Due to Spring spring-ing early in Ontario this year, we were forced to postpone our ONTARIO Riding on Insulin Camp until next year. Please stay tuned for 2013 dates! Here at CIM, we have already started the countdown till next year!

Due to overwhelming demand in 2011, this summer, Connected in Motion will be offering FOUR canoe trips for varying ages and abilities.

NEW – QUEBEC TRIP - In partnership with Camp Carowanis, Connected in Motion will be hosting its first ever Quebec Canoe Trip from June 7-10 at La Verendrye, QC. The trip welcomes both English and French speaking adults (18+) with Type 1 diabetes to join us in a 3-day trip at the beginner level. Registration Fee (Due May 15): $250 (Includes a Thursday Evening orientation session and 3-day canoe trip including meals, group equipment, transportation from Camp Carowanis and all programming).

NEW – 5.5er TRIP- Are you a 5.5er? Someone who has someone in their life living with Type 1 diabetes who wants to get out and meet some other 5.5ers, share experiences and have some fun on the waters of Algonquin Park, Ontario? Join Connected in Motion for our first ever 5.5er Canoe Trip from July 12-15 in Algonquin Park, ON. Register as an individual, or bring your Type 1 along for the trip too! Registration Fee (Due June 15): $250 (Includes a Thursday Evening orientation session and 3-day canoe trip including meals, group equipment and all programming).

ANNUAL TRIP – Looking for a relaxing weekend on the lakes of Algonquin Park? Want to meet some other Adults with T1 diabetes, share experiences, pick up some tips and tricks for living a healthy life with Type 1? Join us for the 3rd Annual CIM Canoe Trip, for beginners or adults interested in a relaxing, ‘chill’ weekend of camping, campfires and canoes. Registration Fee (Due June 15): $250 (Includes a Thursday Evening orientation session and 3-day canoe trip including meals, group equipment, and all programming).

NEW – EXTENDED TRIP – Are you an experienced canoe tripper? Are looking for a group of like-minded Type 1s to head out on the waters with? Join us for the first CIM Extended Canoe Trip. Spend five days out on the Lakes of Algonquin Park, exploring areas that cannot be reached during a weekend trip. Registration Fee (Due July 1): $375 (Includes a Wednesday Evening orientation session and 5-day canoe trip including meals, group equipment and all programming).

To register for ANY of the trips, CLICK HERE, (ou en français, CLIQUEZ ICI)
A welcome email with further instructions/information will be sent following the receipt of your registration.

To pay:

Summer Quebec, 5.5er or Annual Trip ($250):

Summer Extended Trip ($375):

Not sure what these trips are all about?
Check out last year’s Canoe Trip video!

Video by: Hank Devos
Additional Footage: Mike Last and Andy Bailey Goodell

I can still call on vivid memories from the very first Slipstream. The people, excitement, conversations and revelations – feeling oddly jazzed about having diabetes. I can still sense the feeling of heading in from the crisp cold to a warm crackling fire and buzz of a crowd mingling in the lodge, the smell of wood smoke and insulin in the air.

I remember the drive home from that weekend, my mind racing with stories, bits and pieces of conversations, ideas and insights.

But what I remember most was the euphoric, larger-than-life feeling that I was part of something greater than myself, I was part of the Slipstream.

Each year, Winter Slipstream rejuvenates and revitalizes that ‘Slipstream feeling’. Having been to four events and working with CIM year-round, you’d think that perhaps the impact would lessen. My personal sense of the Slipstream has matured with experience (I now expect to be inspired, shocked at what others have achieved and accomplished, and know I won’t sleep for 3 days). Though no less powerful, it is different.

My ‘Slipstream feeling’ is now a mix of personal and vicarious enthusiasm. Now, watching others experience their first cruise in the Slipstream brings a new kind of euphoria and reminds me of the impact this weekend has. It’s larger than life.

This year’s Slipstream was the biggest yet with over 56 Type 1’s (and a few 5.5ers) joining us for the weekend. With growth, comes change. The 4th annual was hosted at YMCA Camp Pine Crest. Cozy cabins, a new dinning hall and over 650 acres of winter playground were ours for the weekend.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the CIM Ambassador Program made its debut. CIM hosted 25 committed Slipstreamers for a day and a half of hands-on workshops before the ‘real’ Slipstream began. The goal?

Give these passionate CIM folks the tools and information they need to spread CIM’s mission, vision and philosophy in their own communities. We gave them some insight into the inner workings of CIM, explaining how events come to life. They shared their ideas, enthusiasm and passion for ‘breathing fresh air into diabetes education’ with us.

Secluded in a 100 year-old log cabin in the woods, ideas were formed and plans were created. Keep your eye on the CIM calendar for upcoming ambassador events in your community.

As the Ambassador Program wrapped up, over 25 more Slipstreamers converged on Pine Crest from across the province and beyond. Medtronic Diabetes, Bayer Diabetes and The Eli Lilly Foundation all contributed to make the weekend a success.

As with past years, the following 48-hours were action-packed. After getting to know each other on Friday evening, the group was given the opportunity to take home their very own Contour USB meter as well as to use Bayer’s A1C Now devices. In 5 minutes, we were able to have our A1C’s tested in the comfort of the main lodge up at camp. Thanks to Medtronic Diabetes, Slipstreamers also had the opportunity to trial Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) technology. Once set up on their sensors, they participated in an educational session to learn the ins, outs, tips and tricks for getting the most out of the device. Conversations continued late into the evening…or wait, was it morning?

Saturday morning the group split into groups to take on a series of challenges – building towers of snow, getting tangled in brainteasers, singing their hearts out and trusting each other on the Inuit Blanket. Themes of perception, behaviour and structure set the stage for Dr. Nick’s Triad of Change workshop, where we were challenged to question how we, as individuals, approach change. In starting to identifying our strengths, weaknesses and how we approach change, we were able to see where we must focus our energy if, and when, we intend to make change in our lives.

Later that afternoon, Mark Davis challenged the crew on Pine Crest’s static ropes course. Four stories up, he coaxed and encouraged pairs through the sky-high obstacle course. Relying on each other, many were able to ‘change’ their perspective on what was humanly and personaly possible! Meanwhile, other Slipstreamers made the most of the fresh snow that continued to fall. They headed out across the frozen lake on snowshoes and cross-country skis. The tubing luge track was a hit, until warm temperatures and fresh powder made for Velcro-like conditions. By late afternoon, snow was falling faster than shovels could clear it, regardless, a small game of shinny emerged on the lake. As the sun set and the stars came out, 56 sets of rosy cheeks retreated to the warm lodge for supper. Outside, a full on blizzard was raging.

After dinner, as tradition now dictates, I read the annual Slipstream toast. With over 50 champagne glasses raised, the crew took a moment to celebrate the year’s accomplishments, themselves and each other. Later on, Slipstreamers gathered around a snowy bonfire complete with Molson 67 beer, sparklers and s’mores. Back in the lodge, a series of rousing Minute to Win It Diabetes-themed games were underway. Soon, the entire group was cheering and chanting as people faced off in the syringe hanging, Dex4 sorting, ping pong ball shaking challenges. Rousing turned to raucous as the finals approached; titles and bragging rights were on the line!!

Sunday morning came all to soon. Stories of evening (and early morning!) adventures rolled in as groggy-eyed participants gathered around the breakfast tables. Though weary (and sore!) from Minute to Win It, it didn’t stop the crew from heading back outside to play in the freshly accumulated snow. A big group game of snow ultimate, more cross-county skiing, snowshoeing and a full team effort on the Inuit Blanket rounded out the morning. After a letter writing debfrief and round-table sharing of our favourite moments from the weekend, we enjoyed one last meal together.

Four days at YMCA Pine Crest had come to an end. Folks said their goodbyes and began to trickle home. I knew that each car heading down the camp road would be filled with stories, laughter, insights, ideas and plans for the future, regardless of how many people were inside, regardless of whether it was their first, second, third or fourth time at the event.  Everyone would be buzzing, despite their physical exhaustion, with a sense euphoria larger-than-life.  I could tell by the tone of their voices, the looks on their faces, and the look on my own – we all had the ‘Slipstream feeling’.

Special thanks to the Slipstream planning committee – Jen, Mark, Aaron, Lizzie, Amy and Julie. And to Mike and Hank for documenting the weekend.

THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSORS FOR MAKING SLIPSTREAM 2012 POSSIBLE

CIM Community Events are events that members of the CIM community are participating in outside of CIM’s Official Events and Programs. Organized and coordinated by volunteers, they offer opportunities for Slipstreamers to keep active and connected at the local level between major CIM events. They are often run by third-party organizations.

Running a 10K road race or a half-marathon? Taking on the challenge of an Adventure Race? Heading out kayaking? Doing your first triathlon? If you are planning something active and cool in your own community and want some Slipstreamers to join you, let us know!

Please contact Chloe at chloe@connectedinmotion.ca to discuss hosting a CIM Community Event in your town. You must have attended at least 2 CIM events before coordinating a community event.

*Community Events ARE NOT Official CIM Events. People participating in community events do so at their own risk. CIM’s website, facebook page and twitter account are used soles for promotion of the activities and to enable Slipstreamers to self-organize. CIM takes no responsibility for the the events or people attending them.

Who: Adults with Type 1 diabetes, Friends, Families, Industry Partners
When: Saturday April 21, 2011, 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Where: Beach Blast, Toronto, Ontario
Cost: $200/Team of 8 or $30/Individual

Join Connected in Motion on Saturday April 21, 2012 for an afternoon of beach volleyball.

This is a great chance to bring your friends and families out to experience the Connected in Motion Slipstream.

NO SKILLS NECESSARY!

Create your own team of 8 ($200/team) OR sign up as an individual or in a small group ($30 per player).

Please Note: Your team spot is not reserved until we have received your $200 registration fee. Please organize your fee payment amongst your team.

Come out and experience The Slipstream!

TO REGISTER:

CLICK HERE

TO PAY:

FULL TEAM REGISTRATION – “I am a team captain paying for my entire team” ($200)

INDIVIDUAL TEAM MEMBER REGISTRATION – “I am playing on a full team and would like to pay my ‘part’” ($25)

INDIVIDUAL PLAYER – “I don’t have a team, or have a small group of people” ($30) 

Q. What’s your story?
A. I’ve had type 1 diabetes since the age of five. I’m still using pens & syringes for insulin doses but I’m currently in transistion to begin using a pump. I’m really excited for this new change because I feel that with my eating habits and active lifestyle the pump will give me that flexibility.

I studied Marketing and Finance at Ryerson University. I graduated in the spring of 2008.

I love to run! I picked up running about five years ago out of curiousity from fellow runners in my neighbourhood. My first attempt didn’t go so well. But I didn’t quit just yet and kept at it until eventually I built up my endurance. Running (and being active, in general) has greatly improved my health, especially when it comes to managing my diabetes.

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. It was strict starting out. I never felt like I had the flexibility to change things around on a day-to-day basis. Nowadays with shorter acting insulin, as well as carb-counting, it’s now my insulin intake adjusting to me rather than the other way around.

Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. In May of 2010, I ran my first full marathon (42.2km). At first I was intimidated by the distance. But as training went on and the mileage gradually increased I was able to adjust my insulin and food intake accordingly and received a lot of great advice along the way. I wanted to do this to prove to myself (and to others) that diabetes doesn’t have be what’s stopping you from achieving whatever goals you have in mind. Since then I’ve ran a total of five marathons which includes: Toronto, Vancouver, and the Goofy Challenge at Disneyworld (half and full marathon in the same weekend).

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. Other than running, I also work out at a gym and play a variety of sports with some friends for fun. I just recently ran the Toronto marathon and achieved a new personal best with my time.

Q. What are the top 5 most played songs on your iTunes?
A. Beautiful Day- U2
Lose Yourself- Eminem
Going On- Gnarls Barkley
The Love Song- k-os
Jammin’ – Bob Marley

Q. Do you have a blog or link you’d like to include?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=506980817