What is a Camp to Community Program?
The DFC's Camp to Community program is a one-day event that provides children aged 5-14 living with type 1 diabetes and their family members with fun, laughter, education, and community connection through recreational-based programming supported by diabetes care professionals. Our outstanding volunteer staff and medical counselors, most of them living with diabetes themselves, design activities that offer teachable moments about diabetes management, team problem-solving opportunities, and challenges that empower and build campers' confidence in themselves and their diabetes management and leadership skills. By offering children with diabetes the opportunity to experience camp, they learn from one another, build more authentic relationships with medical professionals, find role models in our staff, and make enduring friendships that last a lifetime.
We do not stop there. We offer families the opportunity to find resources in their area, learn from experts, and share their stories with each other. These authentic peer-to-peer connections build more resilient and cohesive communities that are based on trust, optimism, and compassion. The belonging and empowerment that participants feel at the end of a Camp to Community event transform lives and create a sustainable community that supports all those impacted by diabetes.
Why should I attend a Camp to Community Event?
Discover the joy of community at our Diabetes Family Connection (DFC) Camp to Community event on March 23! When was the last time diabetes made you feel included? Have you had a positive experience related to diabetes recently? Do you know someone navigating the world of carb counting, blood sugar checks, or insulin dosing?
Imagine a day where you can share all these experiences with people who “get it!” Join The DFC at our Camp to Community event and become part of a community dedicated to transforming life with diabetes through optimism, teachable moments, and mentorship. Learn about the impact of a positive mental attitude on achieving your dreams and relish the sense of belonging to a larger, supportive diabetes community.
Don't miss this opportunity to build your community. Mark your calendar for March 23, and register today.
What Camp to Community Events are coming up?
The DFC’s First Camp to Community event will occur on March 23, 2024, at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory. NC. Check-in will begin at 8:30 am.
What if I want a Camp to Community Event in my area?
Great question! We would love to discuss the opportunity to serve your community with this program. Please contact Gail at admin@thedfc.org to schedule an appointment to discuss the requirements and support needed to host a Camp to Community event in your area.
What is the cost to attend a Camp to Community event?
There is a $10.00 registration fee per family. Scholarships are available; please contact Gail at admin@thedfc.org for more information.
What is a typical Camp to Community schedule?
8:30 am - Camper Check-in and Drop off (Breakfast is not provided for campers)
9:30 am - Caregiver coffee and networking & Welcome
- Campers are grouped by age and start the day with “get to know you games”
10:00 am - Caregiver Workshop
10:00 am - Activity rotations will include - Field Games, Neato Repeato, Rubber Chicken tag, Bowling Camper style
11:00 am - Activity rotations will include - PMA, What is that?, Arts and Crafts, Find Someone Who
Noon - Lunch - Sandwiches, chips, cookies, and beverages — gluten-free and vegetarian options (Caregivers and Campers eat separately)
1:00 pm - Activity rotations will include - Field Games, Night at the Museum, People to People, Elbow Tag, Human Knot
1:00 pm -Ask the Expert Panel and Resources Session for caregivers. This session will allow you to ask the experts and learn about resources that support your family on their T1D journey.
2:00 pm - Activity rotations will include - Field Games, Night at the Museum, People to People, Elbow Tag, Human Knot
2:30 pm - Closing Session for all campers, staff, and caregivers
3:00 pm - 4:30 - Family tailgate- BBQ and all the sides ,games, connections and vendor exhibit
Why is The DFC adding Camp To Community Programs?
DFC’s mission is to positively transform lives through the power of community. The DFC began this mission with small family retreats in Western North Carolina. Quickly, The DFC expanded and offered rising 3rd graders through Juniors in High School the opportunity to attend Camp Morris. In a short time, Camp Morris became the largest residential camp for children living with T1D in NC. The DFC then saw the need to offer support for teens; this drove us to add teen retreats every fall that address the unique challenges of being a teen living with T1D.
In 2023, The DFC heard from communities outside of the metropolitan areas in NC. These communities shared that they lacked access to diabetes camps and needed a strong T1D community. We knew that we could change that, so with our volunteers and medical team, we built the Camp to Community program.
How can I become a Camp to Community Sponsors?
Please reach out to Anne Sutton at anne@thedfc.org to discuss all sponsorship opportunities for Camp to Community.
