Anyone Know How Philmont Handles Diabetic Scouts?

[Brad P]

We have 1 scout with diabetes.  His dad is an ASM and will be coming with us. His dad read through Philmont’s literature and it’s clear diabetes does not prevent a scout from participating (with certain criteria that our scout meets).  He’s going to contact Philmont, but I just wanted to ask if others have experience.

The biggest question is getting ice to keep the insulin cold. I’m assuming they provide it at staffed camps, so as long as we don’t have a long gap between staffed camps, we’d be OK.  The little cooler he has is like a Thermos and can go 2-3 days while keeping the insulin cold enough.

Thanks!

[Bruce Tolley]

I had heard that insulin no longer requires refrigeration???

If you cannot get ice at staffed camps, you could arrange with staff to ship the chemical first aid ice packs that are activated by crushing to Philmont, and they could be distributed by Philmont and picked up with your food drops,just like folks get kosher or gluten free food in the back country.

[Brad P]

He always keeps his in a cooler.  My mother in law keeps her insulin in the refrigerator.  I think it can go a certain amount of time without being cool, but I don’t know that.  I found an article written by a diabetic scout who didn’t use ice on his trek.

Our scout went to Sea Base last year, but the ship we were on had plenty of ice.

I’m not sure how long those chemical packs last, but that is an idea to consider.

One other thing is needing glucose during the night. This is obviously a smellable.  Philmont allows such medically necessary items in the tent.  I’m not sure I’d want to have to use the Oops bag for this.  If they keep them in the tent, I told his dad to get an Opsak.  I know they’re not foolproof, but they can’t hurt and could help reduce the smell.

His dad is going to contact Philmont to get details. I’m just trying to get as much info from experienced folks as possible to ease their minds.  It’s amazing what kids with diabetes are able to handle.

 

[bjc]

My son keeps his in a Frio wallet pack that just needs to be immersed in water every 2 to 4 days depending on outside temps. He says he can go a month this way.

[Brad P]

My son keeps his in a Frio wallet pack that just needs to be immersed in water every 2 to 4 days depending on outside temps. He says he can go a month this way.

That looks like a fantastic solution!

[Matt Drewry]

Brad,

Was a ranger last year (and will be returning). My briefing for glucose at night was much to my surprise, candy in the heel of their boot left out or in the vestibule at night.

Did not think of an Opsack at the time, but if it was me I would certainly do so for peace of mind with critters.

[Brad P]

@ Matt,

Thanks!  Bears are the bigger risk.  I suspect mini bears are the more likely risk.

Considering the likelihood of it being needed multiple times during the trek, the Oops bag seems rather cumbersome, but I have no experience.

[Bob Shuff]

Is a bear canister warranted (or even allowed) if urgent access to medication at night is a likely scenario?

Candy (or tablets) for low blood sugar, and insulin if it spikes high.  I’m type 2, and not on insulin, but I know plenty of folks that take it daily.  Those I know often take insulin with a meal or just prior.  The days of hiking and non-typical at home food might make the sugar unpredictable, but I’m sure Philmont has lots of experience with this.

 

[Brad P]

With the massive number of scouts going through there every summer, I’m sure they have plenty of experience with crew members with diabetes.

I don’t think a bear canister is warranted.

If the in the shoe method is what they’ve been doing with success, I think an Opsak in the shoe should suffice.  I’ll have the dad run that by the folks at Philmont before we go.

[Joe G]

+1 on the Frio.  I have Type 1 diabetes and I’ve used one exclusively for the last four years on Scout campouts.  Worked fine in the humidity of coastal North Carolina, so it should only work better in the dry air of New Mexico.

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