NEGAUNEE — The 22nd annual Swim Teal Lake benefit is coming up this weekend, where funds raised will be used for a summer camp experience for Yooper youth who live with diabetes.

Dating back to 2004, the event was first held when Dr. Michael Grossman, Bell Hospital and the Upper Peninsula Diabetes Outreach Network planned a two-and-a-quarter mile swim across Teal Lake. Supported by guest speakers, hundreds of swimmers, and volunteer kayakers helping to guide them, the swim raises money for those affected with diabetes in the Upper Peninsula. This year, the money will be donated to Camp UPeninsulin to help provide a summer camp experience for youth in the U.P. who are living with diabetes.

There will be two swim categories on Saturday: the traditional 2.25 mile swim across Teal Lake, and a quarter mile short swim. The “Short-n-Sweet” swim is open to all ages, and will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Two categories for the traditional swim, the Beginner and Competitive categories, will begin at 9 and 9:30 a.m. respectively. The “Short-n-Sweet” will begin and end on the Negaunee side of Teal Lake, while the Beginner and Competitive will end at Ishpeming’s beach in the Al Quaal Recreation Area, located at 501 Poplar Street. Online registration must be completed by Friday, or you can register at least 30 minutes before your desired race on Saturday.

There is a $75 registration fee for the Beginner and Competitive swims and a $20 registration fee for the “Short-n-Sweet” swim. All swimmer donations will be matched up to $10,000 by the West End Health Foundation, and all swimmers and volunteers will be treated to a free meal at Italian Fest, held at Al Quaal on Saturday.

Questions regarding scholarships for registration costs, volunteering to be a kayak guide, or additional information can be directed to Kristen Cambensy at 906-360-6906 or updiabetesoutreach@gmail.com.

Online race registration can be found at swimteallake.org. More information about Camp UPeninsulin can be found on its website at campupeninsulin.com.

Abby LaForest can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 548. Her email address is alaforest@miningjournal.net.