Lions send children to diabetes camp

By Archive

Published: May 23, 2008

Two local children learning to live with diabetes will attend a special summer camp for diabetic children thanks to a financial sponsorship by the Enterprise Lions Club.

Ten-year-old Cedric and his sister, 8-year-old Selina, have been to Camp Seale Harris before, and their mother Mary Lee said they are excited about going again. Lee said she is thankful to the Lions Club for making it possible.

Terry Ackley, executive director of Southeastern Diabetes Education Services, which runs Camp Seale Harris, on Wednesday accepted a $2,000 check from local Lions Club members for the children’s enrollment.

According to Ackley, Camp Seale Harris was founded in 1949 as a summer camp to teach young people the best practices for diabetes management. He said he became a volunteer with the camp in 1990 a few years after his daughter first attended. He was employed by Southeastern Diabetes Education Services in 1995 and became executive director in 1997.

Ackley said the summer camp would not be possible if not for support from Lions Clubs International.

Ackley said the camp offers what is sometimes the first full education children receive concerning diabetes management.

“Some kids come to us without any skills at all,” he said.

Ackley said some parents express concern about sending their children to a camp when their child can not give themselves shots and do not follow a meal plan.

“No problem,” Ackley said. “That’s what we’re here for.”

Camp Seale Harris runs three weeks during the summer at Lake Martin near Alexander City. Highlights for campers include boating, horseback riding and other traditional camp activities.

Ackley said his organization is also launching day camps around the state to help families who cannot afford summer camp or who would prefer to keep their children closer to home.

“The Lions are our largest individual supporters,” Ackley said. “And we are very thankful for what you do.

“You’re helping us motivate these kids,” he said. “We want to keep them encouraged and motivated.”