ends.

wherefriendshipbeginsandnever Ï

2016

Camp SWEENEY

Spring Fling Family Weekend Spring Fling is a chance for the entire

family to experience Camp Sweeney.

Campers and their families, ages 3 years

and up, check in on Friday for three days

of fun activities and education seminars.

This weekend is an opportunity for

parents and campers to share the

Camp Sweeney experience. Parents are

challenged to climb Reaction Hill with

their children, sleep in cabin bunks, and

enjoy other activities with their children.

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.

trueÏ

adreamcome 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.

3-Week Summer SessionsThe traditional 20-day summer

sessions span June and July each year.

Approximately 250 campers, ages 5 to

18, fill the cabins and campgrounds for

three weeks of fun, fellowship, medical

education and lifestyle enhancement.

The length and intensity of these

sessions are the reasons campers obtain

successful diabetes management.

Stay Over WeekendsWe offer two convenient stay over

weekends for campers who would like to

attend two consecutive 3-week sessions.

There is an additional fee for this service.

The sessions will consist of plenty of rest,

laundry, movies, and more rest. This is

especially helpful for campers who live

a significant distance away from Camp

Sweeney. Of course, parents may pick up

their campers between sessions if they

choose.

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.

2016 ScheduleSpring Family Weekend May 20-22

First Session June 5-24

Stay Over Weekend 1* June 24-26

Second Session June 26-Jul 15

Stay Over Weekend 2* July 15-17

Third Session 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

campsweeney.org.

PFClive!

" We love how the campers have so much fun, but also spend time learning about diabetes and caring for their fellow campers."

programÀ

aLifestyle

NormalizationChildren and youth who have diabetes

live in a world that tends to exclude

them. The daily activities of multiple

blood testing and insulin injections,

the ever exhausting diet regimens, and

the constant anxiety of losing control

of themselves due to their blood sugar

is an enormous burden. Children with

diabetes often choose to take significant

short cuts in their care so they can

feel accepted by their peers. During

the 3-week sessions, Camp Sweeney

creates a normalized world for them.

From blood tests and insulin injections

to activity level and diet, everything is

carefully programmed to lead to perfect

control. With all campers living the

lifestyle together their world becomes

normal, and the burdens of diabetes

disappear. Campers realize that they can

manage their lifestyles effectively and

learn to independently manage their

diabetes with habits that help combat

long-term effects of diabetes.

Self-ConfidenceCamp Sweeney is more than a summer

camp. It is a lifestyle enhancing

program that builds self-confidence.

Many children have anxieties that

drive them to make poor choices. Camp

Sweeney identifies these children and

their anxieties and develops plans to help

campers overcome their issues. Whether

in sports, academics, art or other talents,

our dedicated program staff provides

daily individualized opportunities to

help campers accomplish

their goals, inspiring

confidence and empowering

them to have the strength

to make healthy lifestyle

choices.

VirtueCamp Sweeney helps campers

recognize value in their own

virtues rather than in the everyday

venial values of the world. Campers

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

for an action of virtue that he or she

performed that day. Campers are also

asked to think about virtues on a grander

scale by choosing 10 characterizations

or traits which become “The Code of

Living” for the entire camping session.

The recognition of their own virtues and

values gives each child the inner strength

to make difficult health and life choices.

SupportCamp Sweeney truly is a place where

friendship begins and never ends. Most

relationships children have with their

peers are quite superficial, usually based

on a common activity or class. True

relationships are created from service to

each other. At Camp Sweeney, children

are challenged to serve one another,

to go a little out of their way to help a

fellow camper. Within a short time, these

children develop great sensitivity to each

other’s needs. As a result the campers

become quite bonded with each other

and develop enduring relationships that

help tremendously when they return

home, knowing they are not shouldering

their burden of diabetes alone. Although

summers will come and go, Camp

Sweeney friends are friends that last a

lifetime.

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.

Since 1950, Camp Sweeney has served more than 35,000 campers. Many began

attending camp at age 5 and have attended every year through age 18. yet others do

not attend until age 17. Regardless of when they arrive, these children and youth find

a second home at Camp Sweeney, away from the everyday pressures of the world

where they can safely learn to manage their diabetes. The consensus is consistent

among older campers, “come as long as you can, as often as you can.”

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.

" 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..."

day nightÀ

and

fun isthe key

word

CampGroundsCamp Sweeney’s tree-studded acreage has a natural outdoor beauty enhanced by

the excellent quality of its recreational, living, dining, and medical facilities. The

campgrounds include:

• eight air conditioned camper cabins

• chapel

• laundry facilities

• two heated swimming pools

• soccer field

• 18-hole miniature golf course

• archery and riflery ranges

• hiking trails

• lighted tennis court

• lighted roller hockey court

• sand volleyball court

• skate park

• challenge course and zipline

• paintball course

• campfire area

• outdoor concert area

• FCC licensed FM radio station

A beautiful 34-acre lake surrounded by picturesque terrain full of meadows, trees and

rocky hilltops – stocked with fish and ready with:

• boats

• jet skis

• floating water park

• water slide

• pedal boats

An on-site cafeteria, camp hospital, and testing laboratories give your child access

to around-the-clock nutritional and medical supervision. “Mini” infirmaries scattered

all over the campgrounds provide campers with convenient testing and dosing sites

regardless of their activities.

In addition, the Shull Activity Center houses:

• computer lab

• video production facility

• mini kitchen and infirmary

• dance studio

• weight room

• climbing wall

• basketball court

• special events venue

The Choice is FunCollege-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 self-

assurance needed to manage

their diabetes.

activitiesactiveAerobics

Basketball

Boating

Canoeing

Challenge Course

Cross Country

Flag Football

Hiking

Lacrosse

Jet Skiing

Knee Boarding

Wake Boarding

Tubing

Paintball

Roller Hockey

Skate Boarding

Sand Volleyball

Soccer

Swimming

Swing/Country

Dance

Tennis

Tumbling

Ultimate Frisbee

Water Activities

Weightlifting

passiveArchery

Arts and Crafts

Broadcasting

Fishing

Internet Publishing

Miniature Golf

Photography

Publications

Riflery

Skeet Shooting

Video Production

NighttimeAdventure nights

Arcade night

Cabin Parties

Campfires

Carnival

Cookouts

Country Hayrides

Dances

Hikes

Medical Quiz Bowl

Movies

Sing-A-Longs

Talent Show

Team Sports

"my son didn't want to leave. He had such a great experience at camp. Thank you for taking such great care of him! "

lifetimeÀÁ

valuesfor a

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.

The Flames of FriendshipAt the closing Awards Ceremony, each

camper is given a votive candle mounted

on a cross-section of a tree from the Camp

Sweeney grounds. During the Code of

Living Awards Ceremony, campers light

their candles and sing the camp song to

honor the campers selected for the award.

Campers take their friendship candles

home to light again during Christmas or

Hanukkah to remember camp friendships.

Non-Denominational WorshipEach Sunday morning during the three-

week 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.

Camp Sweeney CarnivalEach session features a high spirited

carnival with treats for all, including

obstacle course, face painting, super

slide, bungee run, zip line, dodge ball,

mechanical bull riding, money machine,

game booths, prizes and fun. At the

beginning of the evening, a Carnival

King and Queen are elected and

crowned by campers.

Camp Sweeney OlympicsLet 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 SuccessEach 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

through the premiere of the Session

Video. Following the inspirational Code

of Living Ceremony, campers light the

traditional Camp Sweeney Friendship

Candles symbolizing their bonds of true

friendship. The music-filled evening finds

campers dancing the night away in a

grand celebration.

" 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."

Learning to Independently manage Diabetes Apart from the fun and games, there is the important educational aspect of Camp

Sweeney. The medical program is conducted by a sizable and talented staff whose

goal is to teach each child as much as possible about diabetes and its management.

Camp Director Dr. Ernie Fernandez and Medical Directors Dr. Jim Tarpley and Dr.

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.

EducationMedical lectures and discussions are tailored appropriately to each age group.

Campers are involved in their own medical management and are even given the

chance to win prizes by demonstrating their knowledge. Diabetes education is an

important, ongoing activity incorporated into each camper’s day.

Testing and monitoringWith counselor and medical staff supervision, each camper tests his own blood

sugar. Additionally, a urine ketone determination is performed each morning.

Medical staff members review test results before each meal and afternoon snack

by using a state-of-the-art online database system to prescribe insulin dosages.

Insulin, by injection or pump therapy, is administered by the camper in the cabin

under strict supervision. If your child is not yet administering his or her own

insulin, do not worry. Our skilled staff is on-hand to help. All charts are reviewed

again each evening to make adjustments for the next day.

Áhealthprogram Sick Call and

EmergenciesDaily “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

requiring isolation. Any situation that

requires medical treatment unavailable at

the camp hospital can be accommodated

at the Gainesville hospital. Should an

emergency arise, parents are notified as

soon as possible.

meals and NutritionMedical management is supplemented

by instruction in meal management and

nutrition. A registered dietitian plans

meals, according to the American Diabetes

Association Exchange List, so campers can

maintain a “constant carbohydrate diet.”

But meals are also designed to include

most youngsters’ favorite foods. Trays are

prepared specifically for each camper,

considering food allergies and preferences

and supplying his or her exact caloric

needs. Additional “free foods” are provided

for campers’ enjoyment. Emphasis on

balancing fats, proteins, and carbohydrates

– and special activity buffet-style meals –

help campers learn to become independent

in nutritional management.

medical Check-In

On opening day, Camp Sweeney provides an extensive intake interview

with parents and campers to obtain medical history, current insulin

dosages, meal plans, food or drug allergies and testing protocol.

Although all insulin, syringes, alcohol swabs, and testing equipment

are provided for each camper, parents are asked to bring any other

medications their child may be taking and give them to the medical

staff at this time. All medication must be in original containers. In

addition, campers on insulin pumps are asked to bring all needed

pump supplies for the length of their stay.

medical Check-Out

When parents pick up their children at the end

of the session, individual checkout interviews

summarize medical progress and provide

guidelines for easy transition to medical self-

maintenance at home. Medical and counselor

reports are mailed to each family at the end of

week one and week two. Parents and referring

physicians receive a copy of the child’s complete

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.

Õ

basicfactsCounselors 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 TouchMail Everyone loves mail call!

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

Email Directly to your camper’s cabin at

cabinname@campsweeney.org (i.e.

bonner@campsweeney.org).

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.

• Serves over 800 children with diabetes each year.

• Owned and operated by the Southwestern Diabetic Foundation, a not-for-profit

organization.

• Any child with diabetes or at risk of developing diabetes, age 5-18, may attend.

answers to Common parental ConcernsWeekly Letters Letters from each head counselor and medical staff keep parents updated on their

child’s achievements and medical progress.

Daily Sweeney E-newsletters E-newsletters are sent out in the evening with updates from each class, highlighting

camper accomplishments for the day.

HousingCampers are housed in eight sturdy, wooden, climate-controlled cabins…four for

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 940-665-2011

Fax 940-665-9467

E-mail info@campsweeney.org

Website www.campsweeney.org

" 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."

" 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."

Îhi-tech

eventscampers

KpFC-Fm 91.9/89.1Camp Sweeney operates KPFC-FM 91.9/89.1, a non-commercial educational

radio station serving the Cooke County area in north Texas. The station,

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.

Live/REpLaY Video WebcastsThe Camp Sweeney Video Production Class webcasts live many of the

nighttime activities as well. Parents and friends can watch many of these

events live or in replay at: campsweeney.org.

Cabin WebpagesEach cabin publishes a webpage which

is updated daily. Intended to inform

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

will be distributed during camper

check-in.

RaDio avaiLabiLiTy Live• SweeneyMorningShow

• Campfires

• TalentShow

• QuizBowl

• AwardsandCodeofLivingNight

• CampSweeneyOlympics

• ChapelService

WEbCaSTS Live• MedicalQuestionoftheDay

• Campfires

• TalentShow

• QuizBowl

• AwardsandCodeofLivingNight

• CampSweeneyOlympics

• ChapelService

PoDCaSTS Replay• MedicalQuestionoftheDay

• Campfires

• TalentShow

• QuizBowl

• AwardsandCodeofLivingNight

• CampSweeneyOlympics

• ChapelService" 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!

campsweeney.org

Broadcast

events

Southwestern Diabetic Foundation, Inc.P.O. Box 918 Gainesville, TX 76241940-665-2011940-665-9467 Faxinfo@campsweeney.org

Ernie M. Fernandez, M.D.

Camp Director

Dr. Jim Tarpley

Dr. Kathy Sumpter

Medical Directors

Skip Rigsby

Program Director

camp

swee

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Gainesville

I-35

FM678HWY

82

CampSweeney

To Nocona

To Ardmore

To Sherman

1 mile north on

FM 678

To Denton,Dallas and Fort Worth

gettingthere