The camp started with health checks and weigh-ins followed by an orientation and a pre-test of their current knowledge of diabetes, nutrition, and exercise.  At the end of the week, glucose checks, blood pressure, weigh-ins, and a post-test were given to measure each camper’s progress for the week.  Daily activities includes exercises such as calisthenics, yoga, walking, hiking, basketball, and volleyball.  Educational activities include classes such as, “Why nutrition is important”, “Living with Diabetes”, and  “Treating Diabetes”.  Cultural activities include gourd painting, shield making, as well as cultural exchanges, which were presented by members of the communities of Pascua Yaqui, Salt River, and White Mountain were made.  In addition, participants and staff went on field trips that included a trip to Slide Rock in Sedona and to Lynx Lake in Prescott. 

My volunteer experience with this camp was an unforgettable one.  My participation included assisting the campers when they arrived with loading and unloading their gear, registering campers. I took weigh-ins and height measurements, assisted with implementing the pre-test and post-test as well as recorded blood pressures and glucose measurements for the camp doctor. Each morning I lead the children on walks and during meal times I assisted serving. I even befriending those children that were home-sick and helped make them feel more at ease being away from home. All the counselors and volunteers cared deeply about the health and well being of their campers.  The campers showed respect and enthusiasm to the counselors, volunteers, and staff.  As a whole, a family was formed from the members of each tribe.  I formed a closeness with this family and was very proud to hear a compliment from the camp’s cook.  He said that we have a great group of kids. He hasn’t worked for a group of kids that was as respectful and appreciative as ours were. He had never responded to so many ‘thank yous’.  I look forward to going back next year and seeing the progress of these wonderful kids.