Then she wants to go back and be a counselor. At school it can be awkward to give yourself shots and prick your finger with everyone watching, said Brittany, who attends Petrolia, Texas, Elementary School. But at camp, everyone does it, so it's no big deal. Camp Sweeney focuses as much on fun as any other summer camp, but there's an educational component, too. Trained counselors and medical staff teach campers how to handle their diabetes and learn independence so they can take care of themselves wherever they go, Hood said.
Kids even learn about proper nutrition - a key component for avoiding complications as a diabetic.
They'll examine a typical buffet and decide what foods they should choose, and how they should eat the rest of the day, Hood said. Campers spend about an hour and a half each day learning about diabetic issues, and the rest of the time is pure summer camp. Sports activities combine well with Camp Sweeney's goal of instilling confidence and independence in its campers. Exercise is especially important for diabetic children and there is no lack of opportunity at Camp Sweeney. Brittany's favorite activity is hiking, she said.