Published: June 28, 2008 12:35 am            

Candy Camp

Hula dancing — it may seem like a strange activity for a camp for children with diabetes, but it’s all in the theme of staying healthy while having fun.

CANDY (Camping Activities for Normal Diabetic Youth) Camp, held at Evergreen Hollow Park in Effingham, is for children ages 5 to 12, but camp Director Carole Corder, who also is a dietitian at Effingham St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, said she has a couple of 14-year-olds attending because they’ve had so much fun in previous years.

The camp, which began in 1989, is designed to teach diabetic children to become more independent.

“We try to encourage independence in terms of managing their diabetes. We all test our blood sugar, follow our diets and get our insulin,” Corder said.

The campers were particularly interested in learning the different ways other kids got their insulin, either through shots, pens or pumps.

“Quite a bit of teaching goes on between the kids. Everybody’s looking at the others and seeing how they do it,” Corder said.

Kaitlyn Pruemer of Golconda has an insulin pump and likes the convenience of getting her insulin every couple of days, instead of several times a day with insulin shots.

“It’s a lot easier for me. I just got it this year in January. It hurts a little more than a shot, but it’s better than getting a shot three or four times a day,” she said.

Campers were encouraged to bring one guest, such as a friend or sibling, to attend the camp with them.

“I brought my friend, Shay. It’s the second time I brought her. It helps her to understand it a little more,” Pruemer said of her diabetes.

The camp also helps kids connect with other kids with diabetes.

“A lot of kids have never met another person with diabetes,” said Corder.

“We have a lot of stuff to talk about,” Pruemer said.

Angie Faller can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 131 or angie.faller@

effinghamdailynews.com.