Camp changes kids' lives

By Laurie Gordon
STILLWATER — Nestled in the wooded hills of Stillwater, there's a camp that changes the lives of children.
Many don't know it exists, but for those who do and for those who discover the joy and sense of belonging it brings to kids with a life-long disease, Camp Nejeda is a miracle.
The camp is one of only four residential camps in the entire country for kids with type 1 diabetes, and it is open to kids with type 1 diabetes from throughout the area. Type 1 is the form of diabetes that strikes kids at a young age. Adults also can get it later in life and its cause is mostly a medical mystery. In a nut shell, the pancreas ceases to function. In contrast to type II diabetes where medication can be taken to control it, Type 1 means the individual is dependent on insulin to live, either taking it through daily shots or through a pump which is attached to the body 24/7.
“For these kids, the disease can leave them feeling alone and frustrated,” said Jennifer Passerini, the camps development director, “Many well-meaining adults and peers don't understand why they have to go to the nurse's office every day to check their sugar and why they have to be at the front of the lunch line, ahead of all the other kids. They don't understand that if these kids don't test their sugar, they could be in real danger and that they have to be at the front of the line because they've just had an insulin shot and need to eat immediately.”
The arrival of children at Camp Nejeda is something magical.
“All of a suddent they realize, 'hey, everyone else is like me here,'” Passerini said.
At Camp Nejeda, children and teens with type 1 diabetes are given the opportunity to live, if only for one or two weeks, in a world where having diabetes is the norm and where there is no need to explain blood sugar testing, finger pricks, insulin injections or 'carb counting” because everyone at camp already understands. At Camp Nejeda, children with diabetes are free to just be children and to enjoy a fun and educational camping experience in a safe learning environment. The Camp Nejeda also helps these kids gain confidence and independence in managing their diabetes.
“Campers enjoy all the activities most summer residential camps would offer, but in addition, we have nurses and doctors on staff and all of our counselors are type 1 diabetic,” said Bill Vierbuchen the camp's executive director. “Each cabin eats all three meals together family style and in this way, kids learn what and how much they can eat and how much insulin they need to offset the carbohydrates being consumed.”
The property on which the camp sits is located on 72 wooded acres between Saddleback Road, where its entrance lies, and extends for acres and acres including a lake and stream to its far reaches behind Main Street in Stillwater. With the addition of a zip line that glides kids over the lake, the camp is also a place of empowered adventure.
“The zip line is an exhilerating experience, and that being the case, it can raise adreneline in the kids. This has an impact on their blood sugar, so it's another way they learn how to manage their diabetes,” Passerin said.
Doctors and nurses are part of the camp to help children regulate their diabetes, learn to control their sugar themselves and help out in case of any emergency. The alumni group at Camp Nejeda is an amazing group which has bonded by the disease. Kids who age out of camp often become counselors to remain a part of the Camp Nejeda experience.

In 1958, a group of insightful parents that called themselves the New Jersey Diabetes League partnered with caring health professionals (the New Jersey Diabetes Association) to create a safe place for their children and patients to come together, have fun, and at the same time, develop their diabetes management skills. The new camp was called Camp Nejeda, an acronym for New Jersey Diabetes Association. A few years later, when it came time to purchase the land where we are still located, the partnership evolved into the Camp Nejeda Foundation.
Though the camp gets some funding and provisions from grants and pharmaceutical companies, it subsidizes the cost for campers to attend, so fundraising is pivotal. To this end, each September, Camp Nejeda holds a walk and new this year, there will be a 5K run on Nov. 19.
“We get so many compliments from people who thank us for changing their child's life,” Passerini said, “That's so great but very often they give donations to national diabetes organizations. That's great, but the money doesn't go to Camp Nejeda.” To this end, the camp relies heavily on personal donations made directly to the camp by individuals and families and grass roots fund raisers such as bake sales and other initiatives taken on by members of the community.