Diabetic campers learn life lessons

DAVIS — As the temperature rises, Oklahoma kids pack their bags and head to summer camp, where activities include archery, swimming, horseback riding and counting carbs.

At Camp Endres, insulin pumps are as common as bug bites and swimsuits.

Endres is a camp for youth ages 8 to 17 who have Type I diabetes

In late July, they converge on the YMCA's Camp Classen in Davis to learn how to manage and care for their disease. And to cut loose for awhile.

"Attitude is everything when it comes to diabetes management,” said camp director Kim Boaz Wilson. "Children often feel defeated or their self-worth isn't what is should be. Powerlessness, isolation and depression go away as children learn not only how to live with diabetes, but that other people their age have it, too.”

Staff share kids' disease

Wilson knows firsthand the ups and downs of life with diabetes. Not only has she lived with it for 35 years, but she is a nurse and certified diabetes instructor, making her uniquely qualified to help children learn to live with the disease.

"Camp changes your views of what you can do and what you can achieve,” said counselor and former camper Bill Cash of Edmond. "It doesn't have to be a handicap.”

The views from nearly every point at Camp Endres prove his point.

Dr. Hal Scofield, medical director of Camp Endres and resident at OU Health Science Center, said most of what goes on at Endres is like other camps.

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