Updated 5/03/20 4:00 PM
May Update
Since the emergence of COVID-19, we have been actively monitoring and evaluating how this challenging situation would affect Sweeney this summer. After reviewing recommendations from local and state authorities with our Board of Directors, Medical Directors, and Program Directors, we have reached the difficult but necessary conclusion that our traditional, in-person sessions will not be possible this summer.
This decision was incredibly difficult and considerable time was spent discerning the potential impact on our campers and their families. Ultimately, we feel that this outcome is the only one that prioritizes the safety of our campers and staff members. Below, you will find the link to a special video message from Dr. Ernie, which we encourage families to watch together.
In the coming days, our office will be contacting each camper’s family to discuss financial information. Families will have the option to transfer current deposits to Summer 2021, credit existing account balances, or receive available refunds. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your understanding and trust. We know that the Sweeney Family will overcome this challenge together and make Summer 2020 truly incredible.
Special Video Message from Dr. Ernie
Questions about Enrollment or Financial Information
Sweet Home Camp Sweeney
Camp Sweeney is much more than a physical place. It is a family that connects all of us together, no matter the distance or circumstances. In the spirit of this bond, we are thrilled to introduce “Sweet Home Camp Sweeney,” the platform that is bringing the F-U-N directly to you! This program will provide daily activities, support, and fellowship to current campers and T1D children all summer long. Help us kickoff Sweet Home Camp Sweeney by tuning in to our Play for the Day and Sweeney 5K LIVE broadcast on Memorial Day: Monday, May 25th.
Additionally, we hope to host a series of in-person events at Camp Sweeney beginning July 4th weekend! These daytime events, if deemed safe, will allow smaller groups of campers to gather together while following current social distancing guidelines. Learn more about Sweeney Home Camp Sweeney and register using the link below.
Sweeney Home Camp Sweeney
Play for the Day and Virtual Sweeney 5K
Preventing Illness at Camp
Because camp occurs in a close community, Camp Sweeney has always taken great care to develop and maintain updated medical practices to address a variety of communicable diseases, both common and rare. Our standard check-in process for campers includes screening for fever and all communicable disease. We update our health and wellness screening policies and procedures to reflect the current best practices recommended by public health authorities.
Camp Sweeney staff members receive extensive training in both diabetes management and the identification of potential illnesses. Counselors are trained to refer campers to the Sweeney Medical Center at the first sign of potential illness. Each camper is evaluated by a team of medical professionals and given a specific care plan. Additionally, all campers and staff members adhere to health and wellness protocols which includes frequent hand washing and daily cabin sanitization.
Coronavirus and Type 1 diabetes
The CDC has determined that COVID-19 is a serious public health threat—and that people with serious chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, are at a higher risk of experiencing complications and getting very sick. The CDC recommends that all high risk individuals take actions to reduce the risk of getting sick with the disease:
- Stock up on supplies.
- Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
- When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
- Avoid crowds as much as possible.
- Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
- During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.
The American Diabetes Associates (ADA) recommends that individuals with diabetes make a plan that includes the following items:
- Phone numbers of your doctors and healthcare team
- List of medications and doses (including vitamins and supplements)
- Simple carbs to help keep your blood sugar up if you are at risk for lows and too ill to eat
- If a state of emergency is declared, get extra refills on your prescriptions so you do not have to leave the house
- If you can’t get to the pharmacy, find out about having your medications delivered
- Always have enough insulin for the week ahead, in case you get sick or cannot refill
- Extra supplies like rubbing alcohol and soap to wash your hands
- Glucagon and ketone strips, in case of lows and highs
- Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time
Talking to your child about COVID-19
There’s a lot of news coverage about the outbreak of COVID-19 and it can be overwhelming for parents and frightening to kids. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents and others who work closely with children to filter information and talk about it in a way that their child can understand. These tips can help:
- Simple reassurance. Remind children that researchers and doctors are learning as much as they can, as quickly as they can, about the virus and are taking steps to keep everyone safe.
- Give them control. It’s also a great time to remind your children of what they can do to help – washing their hands often, coughing into a tissue or their sleeves, and getting enough sleep.
- Watch for signs of anxiety. Children may not have the words to express their worry, but you may see signs of it. They may get cranky, be more clingy, have trouble sleeping, or seem distracted. Keep the reassurance going and try to stick to your normal routines.
- Monitor their media. Keep young children away from frightening images they may see on TV, social media, computers, etc. For older children, talk together about what they are hearing on the news and correct any misinformation or rumors you may hear.
- Be a good role model. COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate and neither should we. Stigma and discrimination hurt everyone by creating fear or anger towards others. When you show empathy and support to those who are ill, your children will too.