May 17, 2019
Youths ages 9-17 with Type 1 diabetes invited to SIU’s Camp B.E.T.A.
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Growing up with Type 1 diabetes makes childhood and teenage years a bit more challenging, but Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Environmental Center is offering something fun especially created for youths ages 9-15 who have Type 1 diabetes.
The free overnight Camp B.E.T.A. is set for Sept. 14-15 and registration is now underway.
Teens ages 16-17 who have diabetes are also welcomed as counselors-in-training.
Wide variety of activities included
It’s an authentic camping experience, complete with hiking, horseback riding, arts and crafts, zip lining, fishing, team-building activities and much more.
The camp begins at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 14 and wraps up at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 15.
B.E.T.A. is action and attitude
The camp’s name is significant for two reasons. First, beta cells store and release insulin to reduce blood glucose concentrations in the body; they respond quickly to the concentrations by secreting stored insulin and producing more quickly.
In addition, the name is an acronym for the camp’s motto:
- Believe in yourself – a positive attitude helps with diabetes management.
- Empower yourself – you are in control, not the diabetes.
- Talk – ask for help and share your needs with the appropriate people.
- Act – be proactive, eating healthy, staying active and taking prescribed medications to help your body.
Register now
Sign up no later than Aug. 15 in one of three ways:
- Register online.
- Call 618/453-1121.
- Sign up in person at Touch of Nature Environmental Center, 1206 Touch of Nature Road (just off Giant City Road) in Makanda, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Extra details
For more information, contact Vicki Lang Mendenhall at 618/453-3950 or vickil@siu.edu.
Camp sponsors include SIU/Touch of Nature Environmental Center, Southern Illinois Healthcare, the Diabetes Today Resource Team and the Lions Club of Carbondale.