Bearskin Meadow's Mission To enhance the quality of life for children and families affected by insulin-dependent diabetes. Our campers learn that they are capable of meeting any of life's challenges and of pursuing any goals they choose. Camp accomplishes its mission by creating an accepting, supportive, and fun community. Whether it's a great overnight campout, a tough hike the group accomplished, or a funny skit presented at the campfire, we do it together--with the cooperative spirit that makes each individual a success. Diabetes Management & Education Bearskin Meadow stays on the cutting edge of diabetes management. Our teaching is guided by the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, which showed that tight control of blood sugars can delay or even prevent complications. With this knowledge we can help our campers make wise choices about diet and insulin. Camp teaches the most effective ways for campers to achieve healthy blood sugars. Campers check their blood sugars before each meal and as needed overnight or during active days. Insulin adjustment, with medical staff, is a regular part of every day's schedule. To enjoy active camp days, each camper's insulin dose is adjusted according to the activity level and carbohydrate intake. What do campers learn about diabetes just be being at Camp? They are not alone How to recognize and treat low blood sugars How to have an active, fun life with diabetes How to cope with the emotional ups and downs of diabetes through friendship and sharing Skills for blood glucose checking Techniques for adjusting insulin How food choices and activity affect blood sugar They can accomplish any goal and undertake any activity Some of these topics are also presented through formal education sessions, while discussions on many topics naturally arise when you live with over 150 friends who have diabetes! 2002 Camp Sessions Kids Camps (ages 8-13) Sessions 1 is a 10-day programs for kids looking for an independent camp experience. Campers are in groups of about ten (with other kids their age), and they live on a deck with two counselors. Special "only at kid's camp" activities include overnight camping trips, group day hiking and our end-of-session Carnival. Along with all of our in-camp activities, the older campers (12 and 13 year olds) take a three day backpack trip into the wilderness and high country, and have rock climbing instruction. Session 1: Ages 8-13 Sunday, June 23 - Tuesday, July 2 (10 days) Teen Session (ages 14-17) Teens choose one program area and spend most of their time there with others who have chosen the same program. We offer a variety of camp-wide evening activities. Social and activity time is balanced, and diabetes education is presented in small-group seminars that allow campers to interact with diabetes professionals and their peers. Choose from these programs for 2002: Backpacking Day Hiking Rocks & Ropes Music Performance Fine Arts Girls' Performing Arts Basketball Enjoy all of Camp's activities plus special dances, starlight hikes, rock climbing, and more. Teen Camp: Ages 14-17 Sunday, July 7 - Tuesday, July 16 (10 days) Counselors in Training (ages 16-17) CIT's are a select groups of 16 and 17 year olds (with and without diabetes) seeking the skills and knowledge to be future staff members. CIT's live on deck with the kids and function as counselor assistants, plus they have their own recreation and education programs. A limited number of qualified applicants will be accepted after registering. The 12 day CIT program takes place during Family Camp Sessions 1 and 2. CIT Program: Ages 16-17 Saturday, July 20 - Thursday, August 1 (12 days) Family Camp For families with children who have diabetes. Each morning, adults attend relaxed and supportive educational seminars while children participate in camp activities and their own education sessions. Social and recreational activities designed for the entire family are an important part of the program. Non-diabetic siblings attend a special support session designed just for them, and there are rap groups for kids with diabetes. Families with a child who is newly-diagnosed, too young for kid's camp, or is not yet ready for an independent camp experience are encourage to attend Family Camp. Both parents in 2-parent families are strongly encouraged to attend. Parent education topics include: Adjusting Insulin Managing Sick Days Current Research Balancing Food, Insulin and Exercise   Family Dynamics Low Blood Sugars Pumps and New Technologies Carbohydrate Counting Family Camp #1 (Type 1 & 2) Saturday, July 20 - Thursday, July 25 (6 days) Family Camp #2 (Type 1) Saturday, July 27 - Thursday, August 1 (6 days) Family Camp #3 (Type 1) Saturday, August 3 - Thursday, August 8 (6 days) Family Camp #4 (Type 1) Saturday, August 10 - Thursday, August 15 (6 days) Family Camp #5 (Type 1 & Spanish) Saturday, August 17 - Thursday, August 22 (6 days) Adult Retreat Fri, Aug. 23 - Mon, Aug. 26 Family Camp Fees FC 1-5 Type 2 Child with diabetes and 1 parent $700 $575 Child with diabetes and 2 parents $850 $725 Additional siblings $200 $150 Additional adults 18 and over $300 $250 Non-diabetic siblings under age 3 at time of camp: FREE! Financial Aid The DYF never wants a child to miss Camp for financial reasons. If you have difficulty paying the full fee, please request a campership and/or make payments over a number of months. Full and partial camperships are available, depending upon need. Fees will be adjusted according to each family's demonstrated need. Transportation is available for Sessions 1 and Teen Camp for a fee of $60 each way from Santa Rosa, San Francisco, Walnut Creek, Modesto, Fresno, Merced, Visalia, Sacramento, LA, and Bakersfield. For More Information For more information about the Camp, and to request an application, contact: Diabetic Youth Foundation 5167 Clayton Road, Suite F, Concord, CA 94521 Phone (925) 680-4994 Fax (925) 680-4863 Emails: Director: Kathy Sweeney Assistant Director: Taryn Jones

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Last updated: 24/02/02

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