Camp Leo
Camp Leo offers the ONLY overnight summer camp in Western Washington exclusively dedicated to serving children with Type 1 diabetes. Mixed in with regular camping activities such as swimming, zip lining, arts and crafts, and camp songs, are educational activities focused on diabetes management. Every carbohydrate must be counted, blood glucose levels checked around the clock, insulin pumps regularly monitored, and injections administered several times a day.
Type 1 used to be called juvenile diabetes, and it is an autoimmune disease usually diagnosed in children and young adults. People with Type 1 don't produce insulin, and it differs from those with Type 2 whose bodies produce insulin but don’t use it properly. There is no cure for Type 1 diabetes, but with proper management individuals can lead long, active, and healthy lives. Supporting this goal is what Camp Leo is all about.
The 2019 camp season was the 29th year of Camp Leo providing an opportunity for children with diabetes to interact with their peers, realize they are not alone, and that they can accomplish anything they want in life. Type 1 diabetes doesn’t have to limit a person’s activities or goals, and Camp Leo helps campers build their knowledge and confidence about how to manage their condition in a fun and safe environment.
Campers at Camp Leo range in age from 7 to 17, and summer camp tuition is $400-610 per camper, depending on the session. Camp Leo hosts five sessions of camp every year, including a camp for families added in 2016.
Lions Clubs of Western Washington have been long-time supporters of Camp Leo, and we couldn’t have achieved the results we have without the financial support of many clubs. Each year, nearly 60% of campers receive a partial or full scholarship. Lions donations also help Camp Leo keep fees at reasonable levels for every camper, even as the costs of hosting a camper increase.
Other ways clubs can help include hosting a barbecue at camp or by organizing a camp activity, such as woodworking or arts and crafts. To volunteer, please contact Camp Leo at admin@campleo.org or by calling 206-486-8486. Donations can be mailed to: 31811 Pacific Hwy S, Ste. B #224, Federal Way, WA 98003.
The camp returned to Camp Berachah at Buck Creek, located in the shadow of Mount Rainier, near the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort on Highway 410. The camp is located approximately 45 miles east of Enumclaw, Washington on Highway 410.
No child will be denied the opportunity to attend this camp due to financial difficulty. The Poulsbo Noon Lions will sponsor any child from North Kitsap who would otherwise be unable to attend. Just ask!