CAMP B.E.T.A. 2022:

WE’RE BACK!

The fifth annual Camp BETA was held on September 10 & 11, 2022 and back in person at SIU Touch of Nature Environmental Center. The overnight camp was attended by 12 boys and girls ages 10 - 16 with Type 1 Diabetes. The kids enjoyed all kinds of activities during the camp including arts & crafts, board games, campfire songs, canoeing, climbing, gaga ball, team building activities, and volleyball.

Volunteers and Touch of Nature staff were excited to see several returning campers and a return to an in person camp. However, for some of these children, this was their first overnight camping experience. Even though they only stayed one night, it was clear that the campers had formed a bond with their counselors from the SIU-C Dietetic Internship Program.

The camp concluded with a closing ceremony led by the SIU-C Parks and Rec students. During this ceremony campers got to take part in one last song, and then they shared their favorite thing about camp by acting it out with a partner. After every group shared each camper was presented a camp completion certificate and a special beaded bracelet.

Camp BETA is a collaboration between Southern Illinois Healthcare, the Diabetes Today Resource Team and the SIU Touch of Nature Environmental Center with sponsorship from the Carbondale Lions, Carbondale Rotary Club, and many others. The camp's continued success can be attributed to the hard work of many community members, parents, students, nurses, dietitians and volunteers.