NORTH WEBSTER — For a sixth consecutive year, K21 Health Foundation is once again a sponsor for the 2016 Camp John Warvel, which offers traditional camp activities as well as constant medical assistance for children living with diabetes.

Children ages 7 to 16 with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are eligible to attend. Teens with previous diabetes camp experience may apply for counselor-in-training positions. Last year, 176 campers registered to participate in Camp John Warvel, which takes place at the YMCA Camp Crosley facility in North Webster.

The grant covers all of the registration costs and supplies for any child that is living with diabetes ages 7 to 16 and is a resident of Kosciusko County. This year’s camp will run from June 5-11, and online registration is now open.

“There is no better place for a child or teen to learn about diabetes management than through this camp experience,” said American Diabetes Association Indiana Senior Manager Carol Dixon. “While at Camp John Warvel, each child will take something away that is specific to their own stage of development. The bonus is that parents have a week off from the daily and overnight care tasks that diabetes requires.”

Parents of campers are also thrilled with the management skills their kids learn. “My son, Gabe, attended Camp Warvel for the first time last summer. It was hard to let him go and spend a week without knowing if he was going to be in good hands. After long talks with his doctor and another parent whose child has attended the camp, we decided to let him try it.”

“At the end of the week, he was a different person. He loved the camp, his roommates, the activities, learning about his disease, and becoming a more independent child with Type I diabetes. Now at the age of 8, he takes his own blood, recognizes when he is low or high, remembers to fill his medicine bag with the materials he needs, and watches the carb intake of his food closely. The Diabetic Camp was a great experience that he looks forward to again,” said, Cheryl Ihnen, Parent.

“What we love about Camp John Warvel is that it gives kids the opportunity to be educated about diabetes and to learn new skills to manage their condition while under constant medical supervision. They also get to meet other kids dealing with the struggles of living with diabetes,” said K21 Grant Coordinator Holly Swoverland. “K21 is excited to once again give kids from Kosciusko County the opportunity to attend the camp.

For more information about Camp John Warvel visit www.diabetes.org/adacampjohnwarvel or call the American Diabetes Association Indiana Chapter at (317) 352-9226 and ask for Carol Dixon.

K21 Health Foundation exists for the benefit of Kosciusko County citizens to ensure health care services are provided, and to advance prevention and healthy living. For more information about the K21 Health Foundation, visit www.k21foundation.org or call (574) 269-5188.