SARATOGA COUNTY, N.Y. -- “I really don't like diabetes, but it hasn't held me up,” said Daniel Lennon.

Diagnosed with type one diabetes at age two, Lennon talks like he's been around the block and he's only eight.

“Don't let diabetes hold you back and you can do what you dream to do, just take care of diabetes. It's what you need to do,” Lennon said.

That message is being driven home to all campers at the Sugar Free Gang Kids Kamp.

“The five-year-olds, the four-year-olds and the 20-year-olds all have diabetes,” said Dan Collins.

Collins lives with the disease as well. As a camp team leader, he's seen the program shape a more positive outlook for these kids.

“They’re just so willing to go and talk to kids and ask kids questions and share stories. Whether they're a little different or not, all the stories, everyone can pretty much relate,” Collins said.

And one story campers found comfort in was that of Olympic cross-country skier Kris Freeman. The 28-year-old stopped by the camp, revealing his diabetic bond. Refusing to let the disease be his defining trait, Freeman encouraged the campers to also lead a healthy and limitless life.

“I'm trying to get the message across that diabetes does not have to stop you from doing anything. It's a difficult condition to have, but it's not a handicap,” Freeman said.

Rather it's a tool to measure how far campers can push themselves to be their personal best.

“Do what you need to do and you can live your dream,” Lennon said.