1. Perfect Partners Lions and Diabetes Camps
Building Healthy Futures for Children with Diabetes Worldwide
Presented by Shelley D Yeager, MA, LCSW
Director of Outreach and Development
Diabetes Education and Camping Association (DECA)

2. Diabetes in Children
Type 1 diabetes (206,000 or 1 in in the United States and 440,000 worldwide) is an autoimmune condition resulting in the body’s inability to produce insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar
Type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance – the body’s inability to effectively produce enough or utilize existing insulin. In 1990, it was estimated that .2% of the total global diabetic population of 118 million was under 15 years of age of which 2-3% were type 2
Source:

3. Causes of Diabetes in Children
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune process whereby the body destructs insulin-producing beta cells. It is not preventable. It is partly genetically determined – a unknown “trigger” exists.
Type 2 diabetes is directly related to genetic predisposition and obesity. Over 85% of children diagnosed with type 2 are obese. Type 2 is largely preventable.

4. Diabetes Treatment
Type 1 diabetes requires treatment with insulin by injection or insulin pump, vigilant blood glucose monitoring, combined with meal planning and exercise
Type 2 diabetes requires treatment with meal planning & exercise (weight loss) and sometimes medication (oral or insulin). Monitoring of blood glucose levels is also required.
The key to long-term health is management of blood glucose levels in a near normal range to prevent complications to the heart, eyes, kidneys, nervous system and more
It makes every day difficult for children, making them feel different than their peers

5. Diabetes Camp Services
In the United States, there are over 185 separate camps operating over 440 programs, with over 30,000 campers and 7400 staff many of whom have diabetes
There overnight, day, and family camps during the summer
There are family, grandparent, sibling, adventure
and other unique programs offered throughout
the year
The estimate for the rest of the world is another
160 camps
We don’t know where they all are –
you can help us find them
More importantly, only about ¼ of children have the opportunity
to go to camp. You can help more children attend camps worldwide. Tell children
about camps in their area. Help raise scholarship money. Help a camp grow – start a new one.

6. The Benefits of Camp Camps build self-esteem in children
Camps expose children to new things
Camps teach kids by doing – “teachable moments”
Camps bring children and professionals together to promote understanding
Camps encourage independence
Diabetes camp makes a powerful difference in the life of a young person

7. Diabetes Education & Camping Association
Works with diabetes leaders worldwide so that more children with diabetes may be served at camps
Assists child and youth organizations by developing guidelines for diabetes management
Provides networking between and resources to diabetes camps in order to enhance and expand programs
Serves as the worldwide voice for diabetes camping
First scuba diving camp

8. Lions and Diabetes Camps
Lions are involved in diabetes camping around the world
They sponsor local camps
They connect children to camps
They provide scholarships for local youth
They help construct and improve facilities
In return, Lions feel great knowing they have positively impacted a child’s life

9. Resources Diabetes 101 The Diabetes Camp Survival Manual
Camp policies & procedures
Online Training Videos
Research

10. Contents What is Diabetes Diabetes management Routines Meal Planning
Ways To Balance Food With Insulin and Exercise
Managing Diabetes Away From home
Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Hypoglycemia
Hyperglycemia
Insulin Administration
Drawing Up Insulin
Administration of Insulin
Insulin Pumps
Emotional Adjustment
Preparation

11. Available Resources A simple guide to help teachers, school nurses,
day care providers and
others who have children
with diabetes in their care
Teach the child’s community
Take it to a school nurse or library
Teach your club
Download it at
Or on the Lions International
Website
Abbott Diabetes Care funded the creation of this manual to teach caregivers of children with diabetes

12. Lions and Diabetes Camps We’re Stronger Together
The mission of LCI is to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs. LCI is actively involved in supporting diabetes education initiatives worldwide, including diabetes camps.
The mission of DECA is to promote communication, provide education, share resources and serve as a worldwide voice to advance diabetes education and camping associations that meet the diverse needs of individuals and families.
Together, we can promote diabetes education and diabetes camping programs worldwide. By educating and supporting children and families who live with diabetes, the organizations can meet their common goals of promoting volunteerism, increasing cooperative diabetes education, reducing the devastating complications of diabetes, and fostering fellowship among diabetes-interested organizations worldwide.

13. Future Goals To raise awareness about diabetes
To increase the number diabetes camps worldwide
To increase the number of children served by diabetes camps
To increase participation by Lions in diabetes camping and to increase diabetes camps participation in Lionism

14. Perfect Partners Lions and Diabetes Camps
Together we can
Great Camps, Happy Kids, Healthy Futures