- The REACH Children Diabetes Camp at Weber State empowers kids with Type 1 diabetes.
- It provides a supportive community where kids learn to manage their condition confidently.
- Parents appreciate the camp's role in normalizing diabetes and fostering peer connections.
OGDEN — A local program is changing lives. It's a place where kids say they don't have to explain what it's like to live with Type 1 diabetes.
The REACH Children Diabetes Camp is all about empowering kids living with Type 1 diabetes – giving them a sense of community and confidence.
Harper Hassell suited up for a day of rock climbing with kids just like her who have Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that prevents the pancreas from making insulin.
"Some of my other friends that go to school, they don't have it, so they don't really understand," Harper said.
At the REACH Children Diabetes Camp, it's about normalizing the disease.
Suzy Hassell, Harper's mom, said Suzy was diagnosed five years ago at 7 years old.
"Diabetes is a 24-hour disease. It never lets up," Suzy Hassell said. "You're always monitoring, especially with kids' activity."
At REACH, kids don't have to hide the tech they use.
"This is Harper's CGM (continuous glucose monitor). So, we can see her blood sugars," Suzy Hassell said. "She also has a pump on, which is giving her insulin."
They learn how to take care of themselves while recreating with others.
"I just have to monitor my blood sugars so that I don't go too high and I don't go too low," Harper said.
And kids get to celebrate successes along the way.
"We see kids come in just as nervous as can be, hiding their diabetes, and next time they come, they're showing their diabetes tech. They are definitely confident," Suzy Hassell said.
This is part of a year-round community recreation program held on the Weber State campus.
"REACH has put on this free camp for all diabetic children," Suzy Hassell said. "Then they have a tween camp for all the teenagers to hang out as well."
The REACH program receives generous donations from local community groups to help kids and their families bond with those who understand their journey.
"I think it's important to know that you're not alone. And that you have supporters and other people understand what you're going through," Harper said.
To learn more about other camps and programs REACH Weber offers, click here.
