For five years now, Camp COPE comes alive every year to more or less young adventurous campers with insulin dependent diabetes. Amidst the lush backdrop of trees, a rolling blanket of healthy green grass, and an inviting lake, children look forward to this camp.

The camp aims to provide a fun and safe camping experience for children with Type 1 Diabetes. It gives the campers the opportunity to meet and develop friendships with the other children who also have diabetes. These relationships could build self-confidence and the more important self-esteem to cope with the emotional ups and downs of diabetes. Specifically, the campers learn that they are not alone. They are assured of having great counselors (who also have diabetes) to look up to, as well as an incredible support staff of doctors, nurses and dieticians who understand their condition. In camp, it is emphasized that they can be capable of meeting any of life's challenges and of pursuing goals they desire.

Aside from the activities in the camp, the children get an informal education on diabetes. Innovative learning techniques such as rap sessions, games interactive sessions and other teachable moments are adopted to make the education process interesting. The kids are taught how to recognize and treat high and low blood sugars. They learn skills in monitoring their own blood sugar and in adjusting their insulin. They get information on how their food choices and activities affect their blood sugar. In general, they are guided on how to develop confidence in managing their diabetes.

Camp COPE stays in the cutting edge of diabetes management aided by the results of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial. Results of this study indicate that the tight control of blood sugar is essential. He staff continuously teaches the campers the most effective ways of achieving healthy blood sugars though the frequent monitoring of such and corresponding adjustment of their insulin to match both the level of activity and carbohydrate intake.

Whether it is a great balloon party, a tough hike or trek the group accomplished or a song or cheer the participants presented at campfire, as long as it is done together, with a cooperative spirit, the camp is rated as successful. In camp, where having diabetes is the rule rather than the exception, the children feel at ease and accepted. Gradually, the kids gain self-confidence to participate in an increasing number of activities. They begin to talk freely about having diabetes to others who can relate and understand. They start to reach out to their peers and take home new skills to enrich their lives. At camp's end, they can confidently say - "I went to Camp COPE and had fun!"

*Camp COPE is supported by the Philippine Center for Diabetes Education Foundation and its cooperative sponsors. The last Camp COPE was held last May 11-14 at the Forest Club in Bgy. Puypuy, Los Banos, Laguna.