Winneshiek Medical Center Foundation to send two local youth to diabetes camp

For the second year, the Winneshiek Medical Center Foundation is offering camperships for area youth between ages 6-18 to attend Camp Hertko Hollow, an Iowa camp for kids with diabetes.  This year, the Foundation is pleased to sponsor two campers from the area. The campership program is offered thanks to donations from the community dedicated to supporting local diabetes prevention and education - with special thanks to the Calmar Corvette Club.
 
Camp Hertko Hollow was founded in 1968 with 37 campers by Dr. Edward Hertko of Des Moines.  The camp has grown to over 350 campers and 120 staff volunteers each summer.  Jean Markee, RN at Winneshiek Medical Center says,  "The week-long camp provides youth the opportunity to interact with and befriend other kids with diabetes - relationships that encourage social and emotional growth -while learning more about their disease."  She adds, "Kids can participate in traditional camp activities with others just like them."
 
The camp is staffed by physicians, nurses, diabetes educators, registered dietitians, and students of these professions, making it a safe and healthy environment for each camper.  Markee says, "Early education on how to manage diabetes greatly increases the likelihood these youth will make a life-time commitment to healthy diabetes care.  Kids that go to camp will gain the tools to better manage their disease through adulthood."  
 
Camp Hertko Hollow runs two sessions:  Kids week (ages 6-12) is from June 24- 30, 2012 and teen week (ages 13-18) is from July 1 - 7, 2012.  Camp is held in Boone, Iowa.