WCCD Practical Nursing Students Volunteer at Camp Seale Harris Pediatric Diabetes Walk

Wallace Community College-Dothan (WCCD) Association for Student Practical Nurses (ASPN) students recently participated in the Camp Seale Harris Pediatric Diabetes Walk. ASPN members annually support this cause, which not only raises funds for children with diabetes to attend the Camp Seale Harris summer camp, but also brings together a community of family, friends, medical personnel, and community advocates who support Wiregrass children with diabetes financially, emotionally, and physically.

“Each year we support the walk, we come away even more inspired than the year before,” said Dr. Sandra Bryant, WCCD Practical Nursing Instructor and ASPN advisor. “These kids just want to be kids. This is what community is all about – our students learning yet giving back in so many ways.  We are blessed and thankful for our partnership with Camp Seale Harris and all the area donors who make this walk and camp possible.”

The ASPN practical nursing students expressed their enjoyment in supporting this worthy cause. “I love how Camp Seale Harris supports the children and families who have been impacted with Type 1 Diabetes, said Jalessa Demeritte, ASPN Member. “You can tell the kids truly enjoy the camp and have a way to express themselves without feeling like they are different. I love how educated the children and families are about Diabetes. Camp Seale Harris is truly one of my favorite organizations in the community.”

“This experience was very heartwarming to be a part of,” said Yasmin Knight, ASPN President. “Interacting with all the kids having a blast and just enjoying being kids.  I learned so much about these kids and diabetes all together.  This will definitely be something I want to be a part of every year.”

“This was a very educational experience that involved the community,” said Rebecca Doughtie, ASPN Vice-President. “There were a variety of age groups that benefited and helped educate about diabetes.”

About Camp Seale Harris

Founded by Dr. Samuel Eichold in 1949 as the first diabetes camp in the South, Camp Seale Harris is now operated by Southeastern Diabetes Education Services (SDES), a 501c3 non-profit supporting children and families. Until there is a cure, Camp Seale Harris teaches kids to live well. Onsite camp medical teams are led by licensed pediatric diabetes specialty physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and educators. Families connect year-round at overnight and day camps, family weekends, CSH1Day events, and the annual Diabetes Walk.

Camp Seale Harris is a place where having diabetes is the norm, and where participants can compare and share stories with peers. They understand exactly what it’s like living with diabetes because they live with diabetes, too. Kids and teens learn independence in managing blood sugar and medication, making healthy food choices, and being physically active. Trained, adult volunteer counselors who also live with Type 1 diabetes join the expert medical team to provide supervision and real-time feedback.

Camp Seale Harris is a founding member of the Diabetes Education and Camping Association and accredited by the American Camp Association, which means meeting up to 300 standards for health, safety, and program quality.