2018 has been a fantastic year for the children as they participated in diabetes camps! They enjoyed the songs and laughter that filled the air as they started their days with blood glucose testing, insulin administration and a nutritious (and usually delicious) meal. They had loads of fun as they swam, rappelled, played organized sports and games, had talent shows and joined in lots of other great activities. Perhaps what they enjoyed most was just being a child. For a time, there was no awkward attention or stigma given to them because of their diabetes. They felt safe, accepted and normal.
While they enjoyed themselves some of their parents had sleepless nights as their child spent his/her first time away from home. However, when they returned to pick up their child the parents were appreciative for what their child had learned and the outstanding care that they had received.
I am thankful for the staff, volunteers, organizations, businesses and other friends who gave the life enriching experience of diabetes camp to our children. We estimate that they were a blessing to more than 25,000 children who will have attended more than 400 diabetes camping programs by the end of this year. To them I offer heartfelt thanks!
Terry Ackley, Executive Director
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Empowering Youth with Diabetes!
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2019 International Diabetes Camping Conference, February 17 & 18, 2019
Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Joins us as Dr. Bruce Buckingham talks about the development of diabetes care technologies and what camps can anticipate in 2019 and beyond. In addition we will have several other speakers addressing topics of great interest to diabetes camping leaders and volunteers. You will hear about fun and motivational approaches to teaching children how to thrive with diabetes. Learn about effective Leadership Development Programs. Share about the opportunities and challenges that diabetes camps face. Discuss with others how to effectively manage the operation of diabetes camping businesses. Enjoy sharing ideas and experiences with our community of diabetes camping professionals. We look forward to seeing you there!
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DECA Members, including individuals associated with DECA Member Camps, are eligible for a 25% discount on Conference Registration. Contact terry.ackley@diabetes camps for the Member Discount Code.
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Announcing the New DECA Website
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We are excited to announce the launch of a new DECA website. It beautifully and dynamically displays pertinent information including:
- Why Camp
- Find a Camp
- For Camp Staff
- Partners and Friends
- About DECA
The website features a helpful Resource Library for Members with a great Search tool.
As a reminder, anyone who is a staff member, volunteer or board member of a DECA Member camp in good standing is eligible for a free User Account.
User Registration Instructions
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Lions International & Diabetes Camps
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Lions International invited DECA to participate in its recent USA/Canada Leadership Forum. We delivered an informative program about diabetes, and shared information about diabetes camps in an exhibit. During our meeting Lions International announced the “Half-Day Diabetes Family Event”, a new service activity for children with diabetes. We discussed the opportunity for Lions Clubs to partner with their local diabetes camping organizations to develop and provide these programs.
I extend heartfelt thanks to DECA member camps Diabetes Youth Services and the Central Ohio Diabetes Association along with Lilly Diabetes, Lions International and our young friend Jackson of Camp Hamwi for their assistance with the program at The Lions Forum.
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Jackson - A Wonderful Advocate for Diabetes Camping
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Jackson, our inspirational camp speaker at the Lions Forum meeting, is a very active and energetic young man. He enjoys participating in a lot of different activities. He really loves playing baseball, and he was excited to make this past summers All-Star team! He is currently playing fall baseball. He has many other fun and interesting things that he is involved in.
But the one activity he loves the most and looks forward to is his week at Camp Hamwai - he really enjoys his time with not only his friends he has made there - but with all the counselors as well. He was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 2.5 and started to attend the camps as soon as his parents could enroll him. So he started with the drop off camps to the Stepping Stones to the current Camp Hamwai.
We thank you Jackson for your inspirational message!
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Slam Dunk for Diabetes began with a spark of an idea fueled by the belief that all children with diabetes deserve the opportunity to participate in fun and meaningful activities related to their diabetes. There are many children throughout the country without resources. Slam Dunk is a one of a kind diabetes educational experience that creatively provides learning opportunities targeting children and families who often lack these activities and resources.
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DECA Leadership Series – Advocate, Researcher & Director
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Nicole Johnson, DrPH, MPH, MA
has served as a diabetes advocate since she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1993. Although she is most well known for her time as Miss America 1999 when she brought awareness to diabetes by sharing her personal story, she has gained a reputation most recently for her engagement in diabetes research focused on quality of life, psychosocial issues, and family dynamics.
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DECA Board of Directors - Nominations
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Diabetes Education and Camping Association is governed by a Board of Directors, comprised of volunteers. The Board sets the direction of the organization, oversees its finances, is responsible for its adherence to nonprofit laws and standards, and is the engine behind its fundraising.
We seek your input as we develop a pipeline of board prospects.
Do you or someone you know have an interest
in working for DECA’s goals of supporting all diabetes camps and advancing the exchange of best practices in our camping community? Specific attributes for candidates include:
- Understanding of and commitment to the mission of diabetes camps
- Experience on nonprofit boards
- Ability to connect DECA with resources such as grants, funding in general and relationships with pharmaceutical and other suppliers to our camps
- Finance and Accounting expertise (e.g., CFO, CPA)
- Marketing, communications experience
Please review our Board Expectations document for more information. Terry Ackley and current Board members are happy to talk with you!
Thank you!
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Officers
Dennis Pillion, PhD, Chair
Lisa Gier, BA, Vice Chair
Alex Allen, MBA, Treasurer
Carla Cox, PhD, RD, CDE, CSSD, FAADE, Secretary
Directors
Carolyn Gershenson, RN, MSN, MPH, CDE
Nicole Johnson, PhD
Debbie Jones, RN, CDE
Kevin Kaiserman, MD
Kelly Mueller, MS
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Giving Tuesday - Save the Date - November 27th
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We invite you to play a role in helping DECA and our member organizations give children living with diabetes the very best in education, support and care. We are always challenged with fundraising and donations to support our important purpose of inspiring Health and Confidence in children living with diabetes.
I ask that you Donate Now or contribute in support of our work on Giving Tuesday, November 27, 2018.
We sincerely thank you.
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