KULPMONT - For children attending Camp Pauline on Thursday, it was a day for laughing, playing in the sunshine and learning about the disease that brought them together - diabetes.
After raising funds for several years to send children to diabetic day camps, the Mother Pauline Foundation opened its own, Camp Pauline. It was held on the grounds of the former St. Casimir's Church convent and rectory along Chestnut Street (Route 61), next door to the church building, which is home to the St. Mother Pauline Center.
"We have been doing a lot of work on the building and getting it ready for today," said camp director Robert Greco. "We are hoping the word will get around about the work we are doing here and the camp will grow."
About 15 children, ranging in ages from two to 16, attended. With a goal of merging diabetic education with recreation, the camp involved playing sports and learning about proper nutrition.
Camp physician Dr. Jeffrey Greco, Mount Carmel,
Robert Greco's nephew, spoke to campers about living with diabetes and how their experience is shared with some prominent people.
"The King of Saudi Arabia, tennis great Arthur Ashe, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin and many others, all either had or have diabetes and went on to do great things," Dr. Greco said. "We all have special gifts and it's up to you to use them and control your diabetes to realize your potential."
Community support
After a healthy breakfast, the youth were outside playing volleyball and climbing trees, all while putting smiles on the faces of staff members, many of whom work in the medical profession.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, the children at Camp Pauline Thursday attended free of charge.
"We have a lot of people to thank for their help in making this day possible," Greco said.
People like the Shamokin Area Community Hospital education and dietary staff for assistance in coordinating the camp; former state Rep. Robert E. Belfanti Jr., who donated funds and office equipment; nurse Nancy Litwin, who sponsored one child to come to camp and will sponsor two next year; Mount Carmel Area students who raised money through their "Baking for a Cause" project, and the Serenity Gardens Activity Department, under the direction of Diane Dallazia.
"With all their help, the kids are coming here and enjoying themselves, and we want more and more to do the same," Greco said.
Attracting near, far
In trying to attract those from outside the region, literature about the camp promotes those coming from all directions to visit. A brochure lists driving times from Philadelphia, Lancaster and New York City.
"Camp Pauline is about 15 minutes away from Knoebels Amusement Resort and five minutes away from the Weiser State Game Lands," the brochure reads. "Family can make this trip a planned vacation with a recreational experience for the child while providing diabetes management and self-esteem."
'Hope for a cure'
Robert Greco said the camp motto, "A hope for a cure," visible on a sign at the front of the building, is an important part of its mission.
"It is our hope that everyone who passes by that sign has hope that whatever problems they have can be cured," he said.
Camp Pauline is a project of the St. Pauline Visintainer Religious Foundation, Kulpmont, which works to fight against diabetes, a disease that affects over 26 million Americans currently and, if current trends continue, a disease every one in three children will face, according to the American Diabetes Association. St. Pauline Visintainer is the patron saint of diabetics.