Over 120 kids from ages 5 to 14have gathered at Camp Kyle in Rehoboth over the past several weeks for a four week-long program of summer fun. The camp is unique in Massachusetts in providing an opportunity for children with Type 1 diabetes to have the same camp experience that is often difficult for these youngsters to arrange. Because diabetes requires frequent check of blood sugar levels and administration of insulin by injection, these kids are often restricted from participating in other camp experiences. Camp Kyle, named for a boy who died from diabetes, has operated for 25 years and is supported entirely by donations, grants and volunteer support. The program emphasizes vigorous activity, something that helps people with diabetes and is protective for persons who are at risk of the more common Type 2 condition that primarily affects adults. People with Type 1 diabetes inherit the disease which usually first manifests itself in childhood or adolescence. For more information, contact the  Diabetes Association, Inc at 508-672-5671.
 

(Top row, left) DAI staff include Bill Daponte, Melissa Duclos and Rosa Oliveira from the Diabetes Association in Fall River. (Middle row, left) Camp nurses Margaret Arieta and Jean Shea help Aiden Bowen prepare his insulin for an injection. (Bottom row, center) Kathy Costa of the Somerset Lions Club receives a plaque acknowledging the Lions' Club District 33 South's support of Camp Kyle from Diabetes Association Executive Director Julianne Kelly. Other support for the camp also comes from the United Ways of Fall River and New Bedford, the TJX Foundation, the Fall River Women's Union, and the Rotary Club. (Bottom row, right) Nick Perreira (with the rabbit ears) watches as Marissa Vargas is prompted by Vinny Lovegrove of the Toe Jam Puppet Band who entertained the children on the last day of camp.