Brochure

2016
never
ends.
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Camp SWEENEY
where
friendship
begins an
d
a
dream
c
o
m
e
true
Dr. J. Shirley Sweeney never anticipated the impact his dream of establishing a
camp for children with diabetes would have over half a century later. He implored
civic leaders in Gainesville to purchase 340 acres of wooded land and organized
volunteers to build cabins. As a result of his efforts, each year over 800 campers enjoy
an expansive lodge, a 13,650 square foot activity center, 8 camper cabins, 2 swimming
pools, sports fields and courts, and a waterpark on Camp Sweeney’s 34-acre lake.
Dr. Sweeney’s vision endures and thrives today because of a generous spirit of giving,
teamwork, and dedication from hundreds of donors, volunteers, counselors, and
doctors who continue to believe in Dr. Sweeney’s dream.
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Spring Fling
Family Weekend
3-Week
Summer Sessions
Stay Over
Weekends
Spring Fling is a chance for the entire
The traditional 20-day summer
We offer two convenient stay over
family to experience Camp Sweeney.
sessions span June and July each year.
weekends for campers who would like to
Campers and their families, ages 3 years
Approximately 250 campers, ages 5 to
attend two consecutive 3-week sessions.
and up, check in on Friday for three days
18, fill the cabins and campgrounds for
There is an additional fee for this service.
of fun activities and education seminars.
three weeks of fun, fellowship, medical
The sessions will consist of plenty of rest,
This weekend is an opportunity for
education and lifestyle enhancement.
laundry, movies, and more rest. This is
parents and campers to share the
The length and intensity of these
especially helpful for campers who live
Camp Sweeney experience. Parents are
sessions are the reasons campers obtain
a significant distance away from Camp
challenged to climb Reaction Hill with
successful diabetes management.
Sweeney. Of course, parents may pick up
their children, sleep in cabin bunks, and
their campers between sessions if they
enjoy other activities with their children.
choose.
During this family weekend, parents care
for their own children’s medical needs.
Children under 18 must be
accompanied by an adult
of the same gender who
can sleep in the same
cabin with them.
2016 Schedule
Spring Family Weekend
May 20-22
First Session
June 5-24
Stay Over Weekend 1*
Second Session
Stay Over Weekend 2*
Third Session
June 24-26
June 26-Jul 15
July 15-17
July 17-Aug 5
*Available for campers attending two consecutive sessions
To sign-up online or to download an application for any of these sessions go to
P FC
live!
campsweeney.org.
Camp Sweeney has a great way for current campers to stay connected with the
Sweeney family throughout the year. In several communities, host families agree to host
weekly gatherings for the campers to share their struggles and successes and support
one another in the challenges and triumphs encountered during the school year. These
nights of gathering, games, sharing and Sweeney traditions bring PFC to the real world.
To find out more about PFC Live visit pfclive.org.
"We love how the
campers have so much
fun, but also spend time
learning about diabetes
and caring for their
fellow campers."
a
Lifestyle
program
help campers accomplish
their goals, inspiring
confidence and empowering
them to have the strength
to make healthy lifestyle
choices.
Virtue
Camp Sweeney helps campers
recognize value in their own
virtues rather than in the everyday
À
venial values of the world. Campers
Camp Sweeney is one of the few camps in the country designed specifically for
kids with diabetes. Campers have fun, make friends, experience outdoor life, and
learn about diabetes. The only requirement to attend is that a camper has diabetes
or is at risk of developing diabetes. No camper has ever been turned away from
Camp Sweeney because of race, religion, color, nationality, or who has demonstrated
financial need.
are encouraged to recognize meaningful
life values in each other and to represent
these life values in their own everyday
actions. During daily small group
time campers and their “Big Sibling”
counselor talk about virtues and values.
Each child is recognized by their peers
Since 1950, Camp Sweeney has served more than 35,000 campers. Many began
for an action of virtue that he or she
attending camp at age 5 and have attended every year through age 18. Yet others do
performed that day. Campers are also
not attend until age 17. Regardless of when they arrive, these children and youth find
asked to think about virtues on a grander
a second home at Camp Sweeney, away from the everyday pressures of the world
scale by choosing 10 characterizations
where they can safely learn to manage their diabetes. The consensus is consistent
or traits which become “The Code of
among older campers, “come as long as you can, as often as you can.”
Living” for the entire camping session.
Camp Sweeney is built upon four ideals that campers and staff alike strive to achieve:
Normalization, Self Confidence, Virtue, and Support. These ideals are designed to
help a child become a responsible adult while having fun at camp.
The recognition of their own virtues and
values gives each child the inner strength
to make difficult health and life choices.
Support
Normalization
normal, and the burdens of diabetes
Camp Sweeney truly is a place where
disappear. Campers realize that they can
friendship begins and never ends. Most
Children and youth who have diabetes
manage their lifestyles effectively and
relationships children have with their
live in a world that tends to exclude
learn to independently manage their
peers are quite superficial, usually based
them. The daily activities of multiple
diabetes with habits that help combat
on a common activity or class. True
blood testing and insulin injections,
long-term effects of diabetes.
relationships are created from service to
the ever exhausting diet regimens, and
Self-Confidence
each other. At Camp Sweeney, children
the constant anxiety of losing control
of themselves due to their blood sugar
are challenged to serve one another,
Camp Sweeney is more than a summer
to go a little out of their way to help a
is an enormous burden. Children with
camp. It is a lifestyle enhancing
fellow camper. Within a short time, these
diabetes often choose to take significant
program that builds self-confidence.
children develop great sensitivity to each
short cuts in their care so they can
Many children have anxieties that
other’s needs. As a result the campers
feel accepted by their peers. During
drive them to make poor choices. Camp
become quite bonded with each other
the 3-week sessions, Camp Sweeney
Sweeney identifies these children and
and develop enduring relationships that
creates a normalized world for them.
their anxieties and develops plans to help
help tremendously when they return
From blood tests and insulin injections
campers overcome their issues. Whether
home, knowing they are not shouldering
to activity level and diet, everything is
in sports, academics, art or other talents,
their burden of diabetes alone. Although
carefully programmed to lead to perfect
our dedicated program staff provides
summers will come and go, Camp
control. With all campers living the
daily individualized opportunities to
Sweeney friends are friends that last a
lifestyle together their world becomes
lifetime.
"Camp Sweeney is amazing! My son comes home excited
about controlling his blood sugar. He has made great
friends, learn a tremendous amount of information..."
fun is
thwe key
ord
a
n
y
d
a
d
night
The Choice is Fun
College-level, trained instructors
coordinate all activities. Campers have
their choice of five activities per day.
They may change schedules each week
to take advantage of as many experiences
as possible. By choosing their
own activities, children develop
the independence and selfassurance needed to manage
their diabetes.
"My son didn't want to
leave. He had such a great
experience at camp. Thank
you for taking such great
care of him! "
À
Activities
CampGrounds
Passive
Camp Sweeney’s tree-studded acreage has a natural outdoor beauty enhanced by
Active
the excellent quality of its recreational, living, dining, and medical facilities. The
Aerobics
Archery
campgrounds include:
Basketball
Arts and Crafts
• eight air conditioned camper cabins
• lighted roller hockey court
Boating
Broadcasting
•chapel
• sand volleyball court
Canoeing
Fishing
• laundry facilities
• skate park
Challenge Course
Internet Publishing
• two heated swimming pools
• challenge course and zipline
Cross Country
Miniature Golf
• soccer field
• paintball course
Flag Football
Photography
• 18-hole miniature golf course
• campfire area
Hiking
Publications
• archery and riflery ranges
• outdoor concert area
Lacrosse
Riflery
• hiking trails
• FCC licensed FM radio station
Jet Skiing
Skeet Shooting
Knee Boarding
Video Production
• lighted tennis court
Wake Boarding
Tubing
Nighttime
Paintball
Adventure Nights
Roller Hockey
Arcade Night
Skate Boarding
Cabin Parties
Sand Volleyball
Campfires
An on-site cafeteria, camp hospital, and testing laboratories give your child access
Soccer
Carnival
to around-the-clock nutritional and medical supervision. “Mini” infirmaries scattered
Swimming
Cookouts
all over the campgrounds provide campers with convenient testing and dosing sites
Swing/Country
Country Hayrides
A beautiful 34-acre lake surrounded by picturesque terrain full of meadows, trees and
rocky hilltops – stocked with fish and ready with:
•boats
• water slide
• jet skis
• pedal boats
• floating water park
Dance
regardless of their activities.
In addition, the Shull Activity Center houses:
• computer lab
• weight room
• video production facility
• climbing wall
• mini kitchen and infirmary
• basketball court
• dance studio
• special events venue
Dances
Tennis
Hikes
Tumbling
Medical Quiz Bowl
Ultimate Frisbee
Movies
Water Activities
Sing-A-Longs
Weightlifting
Talent Show
Team Sports
s
e
u
l
a
v ra
fo
e
m
i
t
life
ÀÁ
To begin each of the three-week sessions, campers vote upon 10 values they consider
important in their fellow campers. The campers agree to live by these values, thus
establishing a Code of Living. The Code of Living is designed to last, not just three weeks,
but for a lifetime. At the conclusion of each session, each camper votes for the campers
who best exemplify the 10 values. One camper from each cabin is awarded the Code of
Living necklace, Camp Sweeney’s highest honor.
Camp Sweeney
Olympics
Let the games begin! The longstanding
tradition of the Sweeney Olympics
continues each Sunday during the
summer sessions. Runners light the
Olympic Campfire accompanied, of
course, by familiar Olympic music. The
Alpha and Beta Teams then engage in their
longstanding good-hearted competition.
Celebrating Success
Each camper’s success, achievements,
and accomplishments are recognized
at an Awards Banquet. Merit awards are
presented for each class. A compilation
of the session’s events is highlighted
The Flames of
Friendship
Camp Sweeney
Carnival
through the premiere of the Session
At the closing Awards Ceremony, each
Each session features a high spirited
Candles symbolizing their bonds of true
camper is given a votive candle mounted
carnival with treats for all, including
friendship. The music-filled evening finds
on a cross-section of a tree from the Camp
obstacle course, face painting, super
campers dancing the night away in a
Sweeney grounds. During the Code of
slide, bungee run, zip line, dodge ball,
grand celebration.
Living Awards Ceremony, campers light
mechanical bull riding, money machine,
their candles and sing the camp song to
game booths, prizes and fun. At the
honor the campers selected for the award.
beginning of the evening, a Carnival
Campers take their friendship candles
King and Queen are elected and
home to light again during Christmas or
crowned by campers.
Hanukkah to remember camp friendships.
Non-Denominational
Worship
Each Sunday morning during the threeweek session, counselors and campers
conduct a non-denominational chapel
service. The service centers on an
inspirational message—usually secular
in nature—along with songs and special
musical presentations.
"It inspired me to help my parents manage my diabetes
at home. And it also helped me be more brave than I was
last year."
Video. Following the inspirational Code
of Living Ceremony, campers light the
traditional Camp Sweeney Friendship
health
program
Sick Call and
Emergencies
Á
Daily “sick call” follows breakfast each
morning. Medical staff members are
available 24 hours a day for routine ailments
as well as emergencies. The Camp Sweeney
Hospital houses a laboratory, examining
rooms, and patient beds for any camper
Learning to Independently Manage Diabetes
requiring isolation. Any situation that
Apart from the fun and games, there is the important educational aspect of Camp
the camp hospital can be accommodated
Sweeney. The medical program is conducted by a sizable and talented staff whose
at the Gainesville hospital. Should an
goal is to teach each child as much as possible about diabetes and its management.
emergency arise, parents are notified as
Camp Director Dr. Ernie Fernandez and Medical Directors Dr. Jim Tarpley and Dr.
soon as possible.
Kathy Sumpter work hand-in-hand with volunteer physicians, pediatric resident
physicians, medical students, a registered dietitian, and highly trained counselors
to oversee every aspect of each camper’s medical care.
requires medical treatment unavailable at
Meals and Nutrition
Medical management is supplemented
Education
by instruction in meal management and
nutrition. A registered dietitian plans
Medical lectures and discussions are tailored appropriately to each age group.
meals, according to the American Diabetes
Campers are involved in their own medical management and are even given the
Association Exchange List, so campers can
chance to win prizes by demonstrating their knowledge. Diabetes education is an
maintain a “constant carbohydrate diet.”
important, ongoing activity incorporated into each camper’s day.
But meals are also designed to include
most youngsters’ favorite foods. Trays are
Testing and Monitoring
prepared specifically for each camper,
considering food allergies and preferences
With counselor and medical staff supervision, each camper tests his own blood
and supplying his or her exact caloric
sugar. Additionally, a urine ketone determination is performed each morning.
needs. Additional “free foods” are provided
Medical staff members review test results before each meal and afternoon snack
for campers’ enjoyment. Emphasis on
by using a state-of-the-art online database system to prescribe insulin dosages.
balancing fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
Insulin, by injection or pump therapy, is administered by the camper in the cabin
– and special activity buffet-style meals –
under strict supervision. If your child is not yet administering his or her own
help campers learn to become independent
insulin, do not worry. Our skilled staff is on-hand to help. All charts are reviewed
in nutritional management.
again each evening to make adjustments for the next day.
Medical Check-In
Medical Check-Out
On opening day, Camp Sweeney provides an extensive intake interview
When parents pick up their children at the end
with parents and campers to obtain medical history, current insulin
of the session, individual checkout interviews
dosages, meal plans, food or drug allergies and testing protocol.
summarize medical progress and provide
Although all insulin, syringes, alcohol swabs, and testing equipment
guidelines for easy transition to medical self-
are provided for each camper, parents are asked to bring any other
maintenance at home. Medical and counselor
medications their child may be taking and give them to the medical
reports are mailed to each family at the end of
staff at this time. All medication must be in original containers. In
week one and week two. Parents and referring
addition, campers on insulin pumps are asked to bring all needed
physicians receive a copy of the child’s complete
pump supplies for the length of their stay.
medical progress report at the end of the session.
"It was the most amazing experience of Colby's life since he
was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 2. All he can talk
about is camp and what he learned, and he can't wait to come
back for the 3rd session.
basic
facts
Õ
About Camp Sweeney
•Located 75 miles north of Dallas/Fort Worth, eight miles east of Gainesville. From
Interstate 35, go east from Gainesville on U.S. Hwy 82. Then go north on FM 678
(bridge) one mile to campgrounds.
•Operates three 20 day summer sessions and a Spring Fling Weekend.
Counselors and staff
• Supervisors and friends
•One counselor for every four campers
•Extensively trained in the care of
children with diabetes
•Head counselors in each cabin are
college graduates and frequently in the
teaching or medical profession
•Activity counselors are hired for their
expertise in teaching specific classes
•CIT (Campers in Training) — 17-18
year old campers receiving leadership
training
Keeping in Touch
• Serves over 800 children with diabetes each year.
Mail
•Owned and operated by the Southwestern Diabetic Foundation, a not-for-profit
Everyone loves mail call!
organization.
•Any child with diabetes or at risk of developing diabetes, age 5-18, may attend.
Answers to Common Parental Concerns
Weekly Letters
Letters from each head counselor and medical staff keep parents updated on their
child’s achievements and medical progress.
Daily Sweeney E-newsletters
Write to your camper:
CAMPER’S NAME
c/o CAMP SWEENEY
P.O. Box 918
Gainesville, TX 76241
Fax
They can be faxed to:
940-665-9467
E-newsletters are sent out in the evening with updates from each class, highlighting
Email
camper accomplishments for the day.
Directly to your camper’s cabin at
Housing
Campers are housed in eight sturdy, wooden, climate-controlled cabins…four for
[email protected] (i.e.
[email protected]).
girls and four for boys according to age group. In addition to bathroom facilities, each
cabin offers a small infirmary used for daily testing and for storage of nutritional
snacks and medical supplies.
Calls to the camp counselors or medical staff are welcomed.
Staff members are usually accessible during meal hours and can be reached by
calling 940-665-2011. The medical staff will provide a complete review of your child’s
medical progress during parent consultations during medical check-out at the end of
each session.
Camp Sweeney
can be contacted by:
Phone
Fax
"Excellent Camp!! My son gets many compliments
and praises from all the nurses and doctors at his
Endocrinologists about his A1C. He tells them that the
training, education and accountability taught by Camp
Sweeney is the reason why he keeps such tight control."
940-665-2011
940-665-9467
E-mail
[email protected]
Website
www.campsweeney.org
"This is the best place I could have
ever found for my son to go. He has
made so many friends and learned a
lot about diabetes. Best camp, best
staff and counselors ever."
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KPFC-FM 91.9/89.1
Camp Sweeney operates KPFC-FM 91.9/89.1, a non-commercial educational
radio station serving the Cooke County area in North Texas. The station,
Broadcast
s
t
n
e
ev
programmed by staff and campers, is used to promote and inform the public
on the pertinent health and social issues important to the community.
Campers who take BROADCASTING as one of their weekly class selections play
a key role in the daily programming. Parents outside of the listening area can
tune in at: www.kpfc.org. Parents and friends can tune in live to many of the
camp’s nighttime activities.
Radio Availability
Live
• Sweeney Morning Show
• Campfires
• Talent Show
• Quiz Bowl
• Awards and Code of Living Night
• Camp Sweeney Olympics
• Chapel Service
Live/REPLAY Video Webcasts
The Camp Sweeney Video Production Class webcasts live many of the
nighttime activities as well. Parents and friends can watch many of these
Webcasts
Live
• Medical Question of the Day
events live or in replay at: campsweeney.org.
• Campfires
Cabin WebPages
• Quiz Bowl
Each cabin publishes a webpage which
• Camp Sweeney Olympics
is updated daily. Intended to inform
• Chapel Service
• Talent Show
• Awards and Code of Living Night
families on the happenings of their
camper’s cabin, it includes cabin news,
daily routines, camper achievements,
and other pertinent information. Cabin
webpage information and password
campsweeney.org
Podcasts
Replay
• Medical Question of the Day
• Campfires
will be distributed during camper
• Talent Show
check-in.
• Quiz Bowl
• Awards and Code of Living Night
• Camp Sweeney Olympics
"My son was a new diagnosis at a very critical age and the camp sent
him home with a good attitude and understanding. Thank you."
"Camp Sweeney is heaven on earth and has helped me mold Ryan
into the amazing person he is today. I can't imagine our life without
Camp Sweeney in it."
"This is the BEST program ever! I'm so glad my daughter has been able
to go 6 times!
• Chapel Service
s
campsweeney.org
Southwestern
Diabetic Foundation, Inc.
Ernie M. Fernandez, M.D.
Camp Director
Dr. Jim Tarpley
Dr. Kathy Sumpter
P.O. Box 918
Gainesville, TX 76241
940-665-2011
940-665-9467 Fax
[email protected]
Medical Directors
Skip Rigsby
Program Director
getting
there
To Nocona
Camp
Sweeney
To Ardmore
1 mile north
on
FM 678
FM
678
HWY
82
Gainesville
I-35
To Sherman
To Denton,
Dallas and
Fort Worth