Stu Stephen was born and raised in the very small town of Nyssa, Oregon. In October of 1971 he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Many miles from an endocrinologist, Stu was referred to (GCC founder) Dr. Stephens in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Stephens was sure that Stu would benefit from being around others with diabetes and recommended that he attend GCC. The summer of 1972 would be his very first camp experience at Gales Creek Camp. At that time, campers had the option of staying for two weeks! Three years later, he was asked to return as a staff member. Stu spent six additional summers at camp as a staff member. His camp name, "Sturat," came from the camp roster that had his name (Stuart) misspelled.
Sharon "OJ" traveled from Nebraska to work as a Camp Nurse the summer of 1980. She was the only RN that summer, with one student nurse and a medical technician making up the medical staff along with the camp physician.
The year 1980 was a memorable one at camp. Mt St Helens had erupted in the spring and camp was covered in ash. Medically, camp was in the process of transitioning from urine to blood testing. By the summer of 1981, GCC was using blood only for glucose monitoring. 1980 was also the first year that we offered a session for 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade campers. Camp became a nine-week commitment for staff. Also in 1980, the "Infirmary" as it had been previously known became "The Health House."
During this wild year at camp, Stu and Sharon met and have been inseparable ever since. After camp in 1981, Stu and Sharon were married. (One of many camp staff marriages over the years!)
Stu and Sharon are both currently taking advantage of retirement. Stu retired from respiratory therapy. While living in Boise, Idaho, Stu was involved with Ski patrol for many years and continues to serve on the staff of a Snow Camp for kids with Diabetes. Sharon retired from her nursing career specializing in palliative care.
