Camp focuses on Native American children with diabetes

More than 123,000 children under the age of 19 suffer diabetes in the United States, according to the Juvenile Diabetes Association.

The center is working in cooperation with Arizona tribal communities to coordinate the camp- the only one of its kind in the United States

The weeklong program is held at Whispering Pines Camp in Prescott.

It was established in response to the increasing number of Native American children developing Type II, or adult-onset diabetes, usually found only in people over the age of 30, said Jennie Joe, the center's director.

"We were the first ones to start noticing this problem," Joe said.

Several research projects in Arizona address obesity prevention, which is critical to controlling diabetes. However, scientists across the nation have only focused on adults, she said.

Researchers locally are trying to determine why Type II diabetes is increasing in Arizona minority populations like Native Americans, Mexicans and African Americans, she said.

"We're trying now to better understand it," Joe said.

Children at high risk are from families with a history of adult-onset diabetes, and who are born in a gestational diabetic situation, where their mothers have developed diabetes during pregnancy, Joe said.

At the Wellness Camp children 10 to 15 years of age learn to prevent and manage their diabetes through diet and exercise.

"We try to make it as fun as possible," she said. "We help them check their blood (sugar level) so they can see changes after activities."

Campers also gain a sense of hope and personal empowerment from volunteers who serve not only as role models but also as friends.

George Harrison, a mathematics junior, said he has participated in several camps before, although this is his first time volunteering with the Wellness Camp.

"My job is to get to know them on a personal level," Harrison said.

He said he participates as a kind of role model for the children.

"I tell them, 'Don't be scared to make the first move.'"

Harrison said he tells the campers about college, obtaining financial aid and what it is all like.

"I love being with kids," he said.

Harrison said in this instance, it is a lot more special because the children's health is important for them to move on in life. He said he tries to lead them by example.

"I do intramural sports, like football and softball," Harrison said. "I take it upon myself to make it exciting for them."

Joe said there is a waiting list for children who want to participate in the camp. She said the camp receives requests from all over the country, which it cannot accept.

All the children participating in the camp come from communities with active volunteer groups who help the children after the week is over.

"We like the idea of following up after they leave the camp," Joe said.

Campers come from the Pasqua Yaqui community in Tucson, the Salt River Indian Reservation and Fort McDowell communities in Central Arizona, the Colorado River community in Western Arizona, and the Whiteriver community in Eastern Arizona.

The camp is primarily funded through donations, and UA fund-raising efforts pay for the counselors. Volunteers from specific communitiesalso help out.