Stopping Diabetes at Camp

We’re in the middle of summer, folks, when the weather’s hottest, days are longest and kids are busiest—at summer camp, of course!

If you are a parent of a child with diabetes, the idea of sending him or her to camp might seem scary. But right now, thousands of kids with diabetes are canoeing, horseback riding, zip-lining and making new friends just like them at camp. Camp is one of the few times a child with diabetes has the opportunity to meet other kids and adults living with diabetes and feel less alone.

The American Diabetes Association is proud to be the largest provider of camps for children with diabetes in the world. Each year, more than 5,300 campers around the country are provided a traditional recreational and unique educational summer experience. Most campers don’t realize it, but a lot of learning about living with diabetes goes on while they’re having so much fun. Trained and knowledgeable staff (many living with diabetes themselves!) including endocrinologists, nurses, dieticians and counselors work with campers to teach diabetes self-management, responsibility and confidence.

This year’s superhero theme, “I don’t fight villains, I Stop Diabetes^®!” illustrates that children, too, can be a part of the Association’s mission to end this disease and improve the lives of all of those affected by it. By developing skills to take care of themselves and a positive attitude about living with diabetes, they prove that diabetes can’t stop them. Parents, friends, families, adults and children living with every type of diabetes—we are all working together to Stop Diabetes.

Our diabetes camps wouldn’t be possible without your support. So how can YOU help? By participating in your local Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes, the Association’s signature fundraising walk! Become part of the National Camp Team and help raise money to make sure every child with diabetes has the chance for a life-changing experience at diabetes camp. Register today to walk with friends, family or coworkers.

To learn more about the Association’s camps, visit our website.

Has your child with diabetes been to one of our camps? Tell us about their experience!