Summer camp to reopen for children with Type 1 diabetes

The Board of Directors of the Camp Ho Mita Koda Foundation has announced that the camp for children with type one diabetes will reopen.

“A great deal of time and effort has been contributed to try to keep Camp Ho Mita Koda open, this summer and in the future,” said Foundation Chairman Ted Rusinoff in a press release. “Our Board is grateful to the many volunteer leaders who have stepped forward to chair committees and to engage our community, including our health care partners. I am thrilled to formally announce that we can offer Camp this July.”

Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. It comes on suddenly, causes dependence on injected or pumped insulin for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications.

People with the disease must carefully balance insulin doses with eating and other activities throughout the day and night. They must also measure their blood-glucose level by pricking their fingers for blood six or more times a day.

Children with Type 1 diabetes learn to manage their disease better, and meet other children who struggle with it, at Camp Ho Mita Koda in Newbury Township.

In April, the Diabetes Partnership of Cleveland announced that they were dissolving effective June 30 and that historic Camp Ho Mita Koda would be closing as well, according to a press release. Soon after that meeting, the Camp Ho Mita Koda Foundation, a new nonprofit organization, was formed by community leaders, camp alumni, families of campers and others.

According to the press release:

Two separate weeks of camp will be offered, from July 9-14 and July 16-21, as well as day camp July 16-18. Children ages 8-15 are eligible for overnight camp and younger children for day camp.

Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis and organizers are hopeful they can accommodate all requests. To register, visit www.chmkfoundation.org.

Financial assistance (Camperships) may be available to families who meet certain requirements. contact info@chmkfoundation.org to learn more.

Financial contributions are needed to ensure the success of Camp Ho Mita Koda. Donations can be made online at www.chmkfoundation.org or mailed to the attention of the Camp Ho Mita Koda Foundation, 14040 Auburn Road, Newbury Township, OH 44065.

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