Sweet Kids Go to Camp

Almost anything can happen when you get about 60 children (ages 3-7) together for a three-day event. One thing for sure, I’d hate to be the babysitter.

St. Luke’s Humphreys Diabetes Center is taking on this brave task, with help from about 30 nurses, dietitians and volunteers, by hosting the Sweet Kids Day Camp on July 24, 25 and 26 at Julia Davis Park Pavilion 1 (across from the playground). The deadline for registration is July 13. The camp, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. all three days, will have the appearance, and much of the feel, of any event for children.

But this is no ordinary summer camp. It’s for children with Type 1 diabetes (and siblings) – and it’s free of charge. If you have children, or know anyone who has children of that age range with Type 1 diabetes, then for goodness sake GO. Humphreys Diabetes Center has a number of outstanding community-service events, and the Sweet Kids Day Camp is one of the best.

According to information provided by Humphreys, “Sweet Kids Day Camp provides an opportunity for children to make friends with others who are ‘just like them.’ The activities are designed to teach the children about diabetes and help them develop the skills they need to maintain good health. Many of the campers learn how to inject their own insulin at camp by first practicing on brave Humphreys’ nurses.”

It’s one thing for a 60-year-old guy, such as myself to talk about Type 2 diabetes, which often is self-inflicted. But as great as my challenges are in managing the disease, it is much more difficult for children with Type 1 diabetes. They have to manage diabetes for the rest of their lives, and parents have to be especially attentive to their children’s dietary needs.

The wonderful thing about the Sweet Kids Day Camp is that the children know they are not alone. Lots of life-long friendships can occur from an event such as this.

The good news is that diabetes – whether it’s Type 1 or Type 2 – does not equate to a death sentence. A child with Type 1 diabetes can lead a perfectly normal and healthy life, and can do just about anything he/she wants – including becoming a star athlete. Jay Cutler, a star quarterback for the Chicago Bears, is one of a long list of athletes – past and present – with Type 1 diabetes. I’ll write more about him as the NFL season approaches.

For more information about the Sweet Kids Day Camp, call 331-1155, or visit www.hdiabetescenter.org