Forty-six children ages six through 12 with Type 1 diabetes participated in Camp Red Jacket June 26 at Camp Fowler, North Whitehall Township.

Now in its 13th year, Camp Red Jacket is a free, three-day program which teaches children with Type 1 diabetes how to care for themselves and how to better manage the disease. In a fun, camp-based setting, the program features arts and crafts, games, sports, blood sugar testing, and educational courses on treating low blood sugars, nutrition, healthy eating, exercise, body image/self-esteem and other important skills needed for living a healthy life with diabetes. The camp is sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Health Network with help from Frank V. Lorretti, a benefactor who covers the cost for the children.

Chief Red Jacket was a Seneca Indian from New York named Sagoyewatha, who helped the United States in the War of 1812. He earned his anglicized name from the succession of red jackets given to him by British soldiers. Respected for his wisdom, justice and tolerance of individual rights, Chief Red Jacket also loved nature and was known as the "Pine Tree" chief.

The camp was named by Loretti, a longtime supporter and friend of Lehigh Valley Health Network. Loretti was sailing on a New York lake when a storm arose, forcing him to seek shelter. He found refuge at a pier belonging to the Red Jacket Yacht Club in Lake Cayuga, one of New York's finger lakes, named after the great Indian chief, and thought it only fitting that the camp should bear this legend's name.

Camp Red Jacket is made possible in part by donations from generous friends. Anyone wishing to join the family of donors should call The Helwig Health and Diabetes Center at 610-402-DIAB (3422).

Volunteer junior counselor positions are available to qualified candidates ages 14 and up who have diabetes. For information, call the Helwig Health and Diabetes Center at 610-402-DIAB (3422).

According to Patricia LaSalle, registered dietician and certified diabetes educator, program director, the goal of the program is to "provide a safe and fun environment for children with Type 1 Diabetes" and teach them how to manage their diabetes. LaSalle stressed these children have to learn to "be prepared" to identify and control the symptoms of diabetes.

At this year's camp, the theme declared everyone a super hero and many dressed to reflect their character.

For children diagnosed with diabetes, it can be especially puzzling. At Camp Red Jacket, children with Type I diabetes were able to find the answers to their questions about managing this serious disease in a fun, game-based environment that lets kids be kids.