Medical FAQ
Payment and Fees FAQ
Registration and Application FAQ
Meals FAQ
General Camp FAQ
Diabetes Education FAQ
Volunteer FAQ
Donation FAQ
Medical FAQ:
What diabetes supplies should I bring?
All
insulin, insulin pens, syringes and blood glucose monitoring equipment
are provided. The only supplies needed are insulin pump supplies, or
special injection aids.
Do I need to bring insulin to camp?
No, all insulin is provided while at camp.
Do I need to bring pump supplies to camp?
Please bring insulin pump supplies, along with two extra infusion sets and reservoirs. Put in a plastic zip lock bag, labeled with the camper’s name.
How often are blood glucose levels monitored at camp?
All campers check blood glucose levels before every meal and bedtime.Medical
staff also checks blood glucose levels at 11PM and 2:30 AM as needed.
Staff is available to check BS levels at other times during the night
and during all activities through out the day.
What are the goal blood glucose levels for children while at camp?
We strive to keep blood glucose levels in a safe range while at camp. Because camp activities may be different from home activity level, we believe BS levels between 100-180 are considered safe. This is individualized per camper as needed.
Who oversees the diabetes management of campers?
Our
medical team includes volunteer physicians, nurse practitioners,
nurses, dieticians and pharmacists with special interest and experience
in diabetes. Many are certified diabetes educators. Every cabin of 6-8
campers is assigned a medical staff member who supervises all blood
glucose monitoring and insulin management.
Will my child be safe at camp?
We
respect it may be difficult to leave a child with diabetes into the
care of others for 4-6 days, but campers are well supervised at camp. Cabins with 6-8 campers are staffed with a counselor (at least 18), a leader in training (14-18), and a dedicated medical staff person that will be with your cabin from the beginning to the end of the week. At
all times we will have at least 25-30 medical staff at the camp to
include RNs, RDs, LPNs, Pharmacy students, Doctors and Residents.We use a buddy system, where no camper should ever be alone.
Should I wait for the doctor's checkup to send the application?
No. We do request an A1C level done within the last 6 months prior to camp.
What happens if an emergency occurs at Camp? Who are good contacts for camp, emergencies etc?
If
an emergency occurs at camp, we will make every effort to contact the
parent or guardian, using the information you have provided during
registration. If an outside facility is required, Mason General
Hospital, in Shelton is the nearest hospital for Camp Leo located only
10 minutes away. If a severe emergency were to take place
we do have access to Airlift Northwest and emergency action plans are
in place to secure onsite safe helicopter landings and takeoffs.
In
the event of a family emergency, campers can be reached at (360)
426-9523 main office phone or (360)426-6323 lodge/kitchen phone. These
phones are answered by staff members throughout the day but please
expect to leave a message until a camp director can call you back. If
no response, please call Tom Barte, Facilities Manager at (360)866-7174
or (360)870-9815. Click Here for a detailed list of Emergency Numbers.
What kind of insurance does the camp carry?
here
are three kinds of insurance carried by camp. 1) Liability and injury
insurance from Nicholson and Associates 2) medical staff carry
malpractice insurance 3) We have special horseback riding insurance
through Icicle Outfitters.
How much does camp cost?
$200 for Junior camp – going into 3rd through 5th grade in the fall of 2009
$300 for Senior camp – going into 6th through 8th grade in the fall of 2009
Can I pay for camp in installments?
We require everyone to pay a $50 deposit. The remainder can be paid in installments through special arrangements with our registrar, Carol Malcom. No child is ever turned away due to an inability to pay.
Does insurance pay for camp?
Molina has paid for camp in the past.
Can you bill my insurance company?
No
Are scholarship funds available for camp?
Full or partial scholarships are available for anyone unable to pay. We require each person to pay the $50 registration fee.
Request a scholarship application if you need assistance.
When is payment due for camp?
Payment is due on or before the start of camp. The $50 deposit is required when your application is sent in.
Can I pay for camp in installments?
Yes! With our new online registration system we will be accepting installments of $75.00 a month each month starting on April 1st until the balance is paid in full.
Registration and Application FAQ:
Can you register online?
Do I have to register online?
No, but it helps us place your child in the best possible cabin group. You may download our forms at our website Here (link) or on our registration site.
If you wish to mail your registration you can to:
Camp Leo
c/o Carol Malcom
28211 28th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003
If I send in the application is my child automatically accepted?
Your child will be accepted if we still have room and there are not severe behavioral or medical complications that we are not staffed to handle.
My child was just recently diagnosed and my application will be late. Should I still send it?
Yes, you should still send your application. Camp Leo will do everything they can to make room for your child.
My child was promised sponsorship by our local church/club/organization, should I wait for their check?
No,
you should get your paperwork in now to reserve your spot. Let us know
that you have received a promise of sponsorship so that we will know
who to apply that payment to.
What happens when I arrive? At check-in? Check in process?
When
you arrive at camp, you will be directed into a parking lot. From
there, Lions club volunteers and camp staff will direct you to the
lodge where you will check your child in. At check in, you will meet
your child's medical staff volunteer who will supervise diabetes care
for the week. You will then be taken to your child's cabin to meet
their Counselor and Leader in Training. You and your child can check
out the camp, and then you will leave your child to have a great week
with our dedicated staff!
What if I can’t come to camp at the last minute? If you can't come to camp at the last minute, you should call the number listed for Panhandle Lake to let us know not to expect you. If you can come later in the week, let us know so that we can prepare for your arrival.
Meals FAQ:
What kind of food do you provide at camp?
Healthy eating is the overall goal for nutrition at Camp Leo. We try to eliminate the myth that diabetes means "not eating sugar" , but means balancing carbohydrates, protein and fat. All meals and snacks are based on carbohydrate (CHO) counting. This system may be used for children on a constant CHO meal plan or on CHO counting with insulin adjustment.
At camp, the chief dietitian sets up the meal plan that is adequate in calories and nutrients for the child's age, sex, and energy level while at camp. Three meals and three snacks will be served during the day. Each child's meal plan will be kept by the dietitian and placed on the camper's table at each meal. The meal plan should be used as a guideline for appropriate, healthy eating.
Do you do carbohydrate counting at meals?
Yes, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator supervises all food preparation. Carbohydrate choices and grams of carbohydrate are listed for all meals and counted as appropriate for every camper’s individual need.
Amount of Carbohydrate in Foods:
Carbohydrate is found in the fruit, starch, milk/yogurt, and combination groups that contain sugar such as cookies. At each meal, carbohydrate must be counted, either in grams or carb choices (“exchanges”). Each carb choice (exchange) equals 15 grams of carbohydrate.
Do we need to bring any food to camp?
Please do not bring extra food for the camper. All food and snacks will be provided. Food in the outside cabins will attract unwanted wildlife.
What if camper has other special food requirements?
Any food allergies of special needs should be written on the medical form when applying for camp. The chief dietitian will communicate with the family if needed. Allergies will be written on the campers name tag on their bunk bed and the name tag worn at all times while at camp.
**Replacement food will be provided for any child with food allergies**
General Camp FAQ’s
What is Camp Leo?
Camp Leo is a 100% dedicated resident (overnight) camp for children with diabetes entering grades 3rd-8th grade. We do not integrate campers without diabetes into the week unless it is special family circumstances. We
run the junior and senior camps simultaneously (with varied activities) but have Jr campers leave earlier due to the younger age and potential home-sickness. For many younger campers, it is there first time away from home and have a hard
time making it to the end of an entire week. For more details click here About Camp Leo.
Where is Camp Leo located? What is the address for summer camp? How do I get to camp?
The camp is located in the town of Shelton about 30 minutes north of Olympia at Panhandle Lake 4H Camp.
Address:
370 West Panhandle Lake Road
Shelton, WA 98584-8923
For Directions click here Directions and Maps.
What do Campers and Families Learn about Diabetes by attending Camp? Families learn that their child can be away from home in a fun and safe family atmosphere. They
will return to you with stories of their many new friends and
adventures of living a week where diabetes is the norm and not the
exception.
The campers learn how to manage their diabetes based on what is appropriate for their age. Our goal is for campers to become self reliant and know how to handle the daily challenges of living with diabetes.
Our
days at camp involve archery, crafts, hiking, swimming, boating,
fishing, camp outs, campfires, singing, low ropes course, and most
importantly diabetes education. Please click here for more info About Camp Leo/Activities.
Tell me about the Facilities?
Lake and Lodge:
The facility is based around our own private lake and the lodge. The lodge
is 10,000 square feet (handicap accessible) and houses the following:
stage, fireplace, office, craft/breakout rooms, meeting room, small
kitchen, nurse’s quarters, balcony room and dorm rooms with toilet
facilities and showers.
Dormitory for Jr. Camp:Girls and Boys sleeping quarters, sleep up to 100 people. There is an adjoining conference room with separate showers and bathrooms.
Cabins:Twenty-one Adirondack style cabins, scattered throughout the nearby wooded area, are ideal to house up to 12 campers in each cabin (though we only house on average 4-9 campers). Every cabin has an adult counselor (at least 18, sometimes two per cabin), a counselor in training (14-18 year olds), and medical staff member. Together these cabins can sleep up to 252 people comfortably.
Barn:8,000 square foot barn and outdoor arena complete with bleacher seating and five miles of trails.
Camp Fire: Fire pit with view of lake
Fishing:2 Docks are available, one for canoes, paddle boats, and fishing. The other for swimming (lifeguards on duty).
Picnic area: Outdoor picnic shelter with BBQ pits.
Dining hall: Accommodates up to 220 people and has a fully equipped commercial sized kitchen.
Ropes Course: low level ropes course.
Facility pictures: Please click here, link to facility pictures. or visit www.panhandle4-hcamp.org
**Boys and girls are separated for sleeping, restroom facilities, and also for some activities such as ropes course, horseback riding, and some education times. Campers will be in their own cabin groups based on age, and gender for meals, activities, education**
What happens if my child becomes homesick?
Separation and anxiety issues are always a concern at resident camps and have been since its conception. There
are many ways of dealing with it and our staff is well trained in
recognizing and addressing potential issues before they become problems. Under
extreme circumstances we may ask for the child to be picked up early as
it can take away from the experience of the other campers.
What if my child has special needs?
We work with all types of developmental, physical, diabetes related disabilities or limitations. So as long as our registrar knows about it we can accommodate almost anything.
What about Transportation?
You are responsible for providing transportation to and from camp for your child.
What should we bring to camp?
For detailed info and printable list lease click here: What To Bring.
Can I make phone calls from camp?
There
is only one phone at Panhandle Lake Camp. Only emergency calls may be
made from camp. Campers are discouraged from calling home. There is
limited cell service at Panhandle Lake Camp. Please note Campers cannot have cellular devices while at Camp Leo.
What behavior is expected at camp?
Camp Leo
has some simple rules of conduct and behavior—similar to a public
school. All campers will be required to fill out a behavior contract
prior to the beginning of Camp. If unacceptable behavior occurs, your
child will be required to fulfill his/her obligation on the behavior
contract and you will be notified. For extreme or persistent problems,
you may be required to pick up your camper before the end of camp. We
appreciate your support and understanding on this issue. Click here for a copy of
our behavior contract.
Is there a dress code?
Similar
to public schools, Camp Leo does not allow provocative or inappropriate
clothes. For example, please take care to have a modest swimsuit.
Can my child bring electronic items to camp?
Your
child should not bring any kind of electronics to camp. No cell phones,
iPods, portable DVD players, portable game systems etc. Any electronics
brought to camp which are lost or stolen will not be Camp Leo's
responsibility.
Can I send mail/care packages?
Of
Course!! We highly encourage parents and family members to send mail as
it tends to help campers deal with being away from home for the first
time. Please note that in order to get mail to camp
earlier throughout the week send letters at least two days before you
want them to get to camp.
Diabetes Education FAQ
Will my child receive diabetes education at camp?
Campers receive diabetes education both informally and formally while at camp. Bonding
with other children with diabetes their own age that go thru similar
situations and feelings, is the biggest learning experience. They
learn they are not alone in dealing with the many responsibilities of
diabetes. Formal “diabetes brain time” occurs daily as campers play
“diabetes jeopardy, 3 legged races to healthy eating” or other fun
learning activities about diabetes. It’s common to give out many “first
own injection award” or other recognition of learning at camp fire.
Volunteer FAQ
Can I volunteer to help at camp while my child with diabetes is there?
Yes,
you can volunteer to help at camp. However, we prefer that you give us
notice and let us find the right place for you to help. -- For safety
reasons --We would rather not have parents show up unannounced at camp.
If you think that a visit from you might trigger homesickness in your
child, then volunteering is possibly not the right situation for you.
If I get selected as a staff member/volunteer, can my child come? Cost?
Children
of medical staff volunteers can bring their children without diabetes
to camp for the duration they are there for no cost (a discount code is
on the online registration that will allow it to be free). Children of
counseling staff can attend camp for the duration they are there at a
reduced cost.
Who are the volunteers at Camp Leo?
Camp Leo is a 100% volunteer camp that will be celebrating our 20th year. We typically have about 100 campers and about 75 volunteer staff working to make camp a possibility. On a
side note; all of our counselors have diabetes, all of our counselors
in training have diabetes, and about 1/4 of our med staff have
diabetes.
Can another family member attend even if they don't have diabetes?
We
are always looking for support and help from our campers parents, but
unless you have a specialized degree in working with children with
diabetes or in a medical role we find it hard to keep you busy.
Donation FAQ’s
Are donations to Camp Leo tax deductible?
Yes! Camp Leo is recognized by the IRS as a Non Profit 501c3 Organization. Donations are tax deductible, but Registration fees are not.
What do donations help pay?
Some donations are used to maintain an infrastructure at camp while most are used in allowing children to attend camp through scholarships. Our actual cost of running a diabetes camp far exceeds what we charge but we rely on donations such as yours to help children attend diabetes camp no matter what their financial situation.
Donations/Checks can be sent to our Treasurer:
Contact Info:
Art Weatherly
3029 Sleater Kinney NE
Olympia, WA 98506
Email: artweatherly@cushmanlaw.com