Re: Diabetic Scout
John Kasper (jkasper@NETTEN.NET)
Sun, 17 Nov 1996 23:09:30 -0600
>
>1. Obviously his Patrol, and to a certain extent the whole Troop, will
>have to change cooking styles (which isn't the worst thing since a diabetic
>diet is a lot healthier than what we usually eat). Are there any good
>diabetic camp recipes out there? How about advice on converting some Troop
>favorites? (Although I don't think their favorite chocolate-cherry cake
>will survive). This came at a good time for us; because of the holidays we
>don't have a campout until January.
My son is a diabetic scout, served on camp staff this summer. Diabetes
hasn't stopped him from doing anything. (he did the mile swim this summer)
Recipes really don't change much, that is if you've been having square
meals like you should. Can't skip meals, although most youth diabetics eat
snacks between every meal, snacks and meals can be swapped. Injections need
to be given within about an hour of their usual time. Regular soft drinks
and Bug Juice is out and replaced with suger free versions. Most of the
time my son is so active at camp that he burns up the sugar and eating an
extra sugar snack is OK. Can eat ice cream, but not 12 scoops. Can eat a
candy bar or chocolate for a snack but can't have more than one. Twix and
other cookie bar are better than chocolate bars. Cobbler is OK for late
night snacks. Could go on for hours here.
>2. His father is going to sit down with us and tell us what we need to
>know and watch for but are there any special conditions or circumstances
>that the father or doctor might not think of but that might show up in a
>Scouting activity?
Your doing good here by networking with others, as your parent is in a new
situation, he will be really learning as here goes and may have as many
questions for himself as you will have. Usually the typical camp injury may
drive the Scouts blood sugar low. Become familiar with the Scouts blood
sugar meter and be sure that he checks his blood suger 3-4 times a day
while camping as his blood sugar patterned change with different activity
levels and you won't have a pattern on outdoor activities for about 6
months. A separate cooler for storing insulin is a must. The key thing that
most people don't know is that it needs to be stored in a consistant
temperature as possible. Anywhere from 40 (low) to 90 (high) is OK, Don't
submerg insulin in ice as it warms up and cools down too much as it taken
in and out. A tray that stays in top of the cooler and ice in the bottom
works great. During mild weather just put the insulin in a cooler in a
shaded area with a wet towel on top.
>
>3. Are there any other diabetic Scouts out there who could offer him a
>few words of encouragement. This is quite an upheaval in his life and I
>know he is apprehensive. Hearing from other kids might help. His name is
>Josh; if you email me I will pass it on.
Don't hide his diabetes and don't treat him special. He's just another one
of the guys who has an extra duty about 1/2 hour before eating.
>
I think my son could be a help here, he's 14 and was diagnosed in the 5th
grade. Feel free to pass on our E-Mail address. (his name is Jonathan)
We'll both be glad to share info.
BTW, my Diabetic Scout needs 2 merit badges and an Eagle project. (Brag, Brag)
I don't feel that he has a handicap and neither does he.
>Thanks for the help.
>Mark W. Arend
>Beaver Dam Community Library
John Kasper | >>>--------> | jkasper@netten.net
Eagle of 1973 Scoutmaster T-415
Chickasaw Council - Memphis, TN USA
Camp Tallaha Aquatics Instructor
...and a good ole' Bobwhite too!
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
