For most kids going to a T1D camp, the biggest joy is that practically everyone has T1D! All the campers, as well as most of the counselors and staff. It’s a nice treat to be sitting in the dining hall and everyone is checking their blood sugar, using their pumps or insulin pens to bolus for the meal, and counting carbohydrates. Attending diabetes summer camp can increase a child’s diabetes knowledge, their self-confidence, and ability to manage their diabetes, plus benefit their emotional well-being.

We are fortunate that there are several amazing T1D camps within a half-day drive. Dr. Jill Brodsky is hosting a Diabetes Camp Open House on March 16 and representatives from these camps will all be there to discuss the unique opportunities for your child and to answer all your questions.

The Barton Center for Diabetes Education has resident camps for both girls and boys, ages 7 to 18, in North Oxford MA. There are 1, 2 and 3 week programs offered from June 23 through August 10. The summer season culminates with their Family Camp from August 11 to August 16. During the rest of the year, they have numerous weekend camps and special events. Their programs focus on fun and support; the goal is to educate children and their families on how to manage the daily rigors of diabetes so they can live fuller and healthier lives.

The Barton Center also hosts week-long day camps and one is in Greenwich CT: Rainbow Club will be held at Round Hill Community Church from Monday, June 24 through Friday, June 28. This day camp is open to siblings and friends and offers a great week consisting of diabetes education, crazy camp games, crafts, water fun, and the optional overnight for campers ages 6 and up. There is an adult program designed for parents and by parents that is offered alongside the children’s program. It includes lectures and break-out group topics ranging from pump therapy and current research to parent sessions for both newly diagnosed and more “seasoned” parents.

Camp Nejeda is a co-ed resident camp located in Stillwater, New Jersey. Camp Nejeda’s summer sleep-away camp sessions include two one-week sessions and three two-week sessions for kids ages 7 to 16. Sessions run from June 30 through August 24 and are age-specific. They offer all the activities you would expect to find at any sleep-away camp, but the Camp Nejeda experience also provides hands-on learning opportunities for campers to learn how to better manage their diabetes, make healthy food choices, and maintain a good attitude about living with diabetes. They also host day camps in South Jersey and New York City, plus 2 family camp sessions.

Setebaid summer camps are located at two facilities in Southeastern and Central Pennsylvania. The major difference between the two camps is location, dates, and ages at each camp. Two sessions are scheduled for July 14 to July 20 and July 28 to August 3. Their summer camp programs take a fun, unique, and hands-on approach to diabetes education. The “home away from home” element of our camps facilitates valuable real-life learning experiences. Campers, ages 8 to 18, who attend their programs return home with a sense of independence and understanding, and new friends who share their same life experiences!

You can find more information about all these camps on their websites and to find camps all across the country and around the world, visit the Diabetes Education & Camping Association (DECA). DECA unites the worldwide diabetes camping community through leadership and education, as well as shares resources to advance programs that dramatically impact people’s lives.

For additional reading, check out Summer Diabetes Camp: It’s More Than S’mores! and Youth Ambassador Spotlight: Meet Nola Ryder who shares her T1D story and diabetes camp adventures.