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
[email protected] (i.e.
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 [email protected]
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
Southwestern Diabetic Foundation, Inc.P.O. Box 918 Gainesville, TX 76241940-665-2011940-665-9467 [email protected]
Ernie M. Fernandez, M.D.
Camp Director
Dr. Jim Tarpley
Dr. Kathy Sumpter
Medical Directors
Skip Rigsby
Program Director
camp
swee
ney.o
rg
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