Q: How ages can attend Camp Morris?
A: Camp Morris supports children living with T1D who are rising 3rd graders through rising seniors. Children are grouped by age into program-focused areas:
Dreamers - rising 3rd through 5th grade
Trailblazers - rising 6th -8th graders
Pathfinders - rising 9th & 10 graders
Bravehearts - rising 11th graders
LITs - rising 12th graders (spots are limited)
Q: How do I complete all the required forms once I am enrolled?
A: We're excited to introduce you to Campanion, our new mobile app to streamline your camp experience.
To get started, follow these three simple steps:
Login to the app using your CampMinder/Campintouch login and password
Upload a reference photo of your child
Once your camper is enrolled, all medical and required forms will be available for you to complete right in the app.
Q: How much does Camp Morris cost?
A: $900.00
We understand that living with Type 1 diabetes is expensive. We do everything we can to make our programs as affordable as possible for our participants. The actual cost for one camper to attend to attend Camp Morris is close to $1,500. Our camper fees are heavily subsidized thanks to the generosity of our donors, sponsors, and volunteers. We want EVERYONE to be able to experience the magic of camp!
Q: Do I have to pay a total of $900 at the time of registration?
A: Families can pay the total amount up front OR save their camper’s spot with a $200 non-refundable deposit. The remaining $700 of the camper fee will be split into four equal payments to be paid in the first week of the following months: March, April, May, and June. Families will not be charged any amount until a camper has officially been enrolled in the program. Waitlisted campers will not be charged any amount until they have been enrolled off of the waitlist.
Q: What is the Camp Morris refund policy?
A: The Diabetes Family Connection will refund $700.00 of the camper fee ($200 non-refundable deposit) for cancellations received in writing 30 days PRIOR to the start of the program. Thereafter, no portion of the camper fee is refundable unless it is for a documented medical reason.
Q: I can’t afford camp, but want to send my child/children. Can I seek assistance with camp tuition?
A: Yes. There are two options for financial assistance for camp.
Families have the option to fundraise their camp fee for Camp Morris. More Information and a new platform are coming soon!
2. With tremendous thanks to our donors, we have a limited number of need-based scholarships available to families facin significant financial hardships. The application for financial assistance/scholarships is built into our camper application.If you would like more information, please click here.
Q: Does my camper need special camping equipment to come to camp?
A: No, your camper does not need special equipment to come to Camp Morris.
The Braveheart Program requires campers to bring sleeping bags, closed-toed shoes higher than their ankle (hiking shoes/boots), and if you would like a foam camping pad for sleeping. Bravehearts do sleep in tents at Camp Morris.
Pathfinders also participate in an overnight adventure, but no equipment is required.
The complete packing list can be found here.
Q: What is the Leaders In Training (LIT) Program?
A: LITs have limited spaces and is designed for rising 12th graders looking to one day be a leader in the T1D community and at The DFC. LITs will spend most of the program alongside our more seasoned staff, who will be imparting knowledge regarding their intentionality behind activities, debriefing questions, and more. LITs will have the opportunity to have hands-on experience working with campers and leading activities of their own (followed up by feedback/debriefing from our experienced counselors). The program involves a great deal of critical thinking as an LIT team and flexibility in the camp environment (similar to our expectations for all of our staff). The cost for the LIT Program is $700.
To begin the application process for the LIT program, complete the regular Camp Morris camper application.
Q: My camper is living with Celiac Disease. Can this be accommodated at Camp Morris?
A: We will have gluten-free options for individuals with celiac disease at every meal. While we do our absolute best to prevent cross-contamination, we cannot guarantee a 100% gluten-free environment.
Q: Can anyone attend Camp Morris? Do you have to have diabetes?
A: Camp Morris is designed for children and teens living with diabetes.
Q: Does my child need to be vaccinated for COVID-19 to be able to attend Camp Morris?
A: As we are all familiar with, Covid has continued to impact our lives and ability to make plans. Even though we are excited about our program’s fun aspects, the safety of our campers, staff, and community remains the top priority. We know we will continue to deal with Covid for some time. Though we want to move towards normalcy, our "normal" at camp is complicated as we live and work with a community that is classified as having a higher risk of severe illness if they were to catch COVID-19. With the safety of our campers, staff, and their families in mind, we will require campers to have the first two vaccinations before camp.
We know vaccination is a very personal decision. We do not view this as an either/or decision that leaves people on separate sides. We understand that there are degrees to everyone's individual choices. Please understand that Camp Morris and the DFC are not campaigning for you to do something against your wishes. We also know that some may have medical or religious reasons that prevent them from getting the vaccine, and we will carefully consider these exemption requests. If you would like to request an exemption request or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly via email at admin@thedfc.org.
Thanks again for your trust and support of our program. Our staff at Camp Morris is excited about the opportunity to have a fun, memorable week with your campers. We appreciate your trust in us and our program.
Q: My family needs to fundraise our camp fees. How do we get started?
A: Email our team at info@thedfc.org to get your personal fundraiser set-up.
Q: Can my child bring their cell phone to camp?
A: Campers may bring their phones to camp, but only for their diabetes management. We ask that all cell phones be placed in airplane mode and highly encourage you to remove the SIM card prior to arriving at camp. Diabetes devices all connect to cell phones through Bluetooth technology, so removal of the SIM card or utilizing airplane mode will not affect the ability to manage devices through the cell phone.
Campers will be able to carry their cell phone when outside of the cabin, but phones will be placed in the cup at the end of their bed when in the cabin. Cell phones will not be allowed in any bathroom areas. While cabins have plenty of outlets, we highly encourage you to pack wireless charges/battery packs to facilitate the charging of all diabetes devices.
We also ask that you do not try to contact your child via calls or texts while they are at camp. When children come to camp they (and you as parents) are making a leap of faith by temporarily transferring their primary care to our medical counselors and staff counselors. This is one of the growth-producing yet challenging aspects of camp. We believe that the emerging independence that children gain as they learn to trust caring adults is one of the greatest benefits of camp. It is one important way your child develops greater resilience. Contacting you by phone reinforces that the child is incapable of being away from a parent and that the parent has not truly come to peace with the notion of them being away from home and in camp’s care.
Please know that you are always welcome to call camp to see how your child is doing. We agree to tell you if your child is experiencing a challenge in their adjustment to camp. You can help by talking with your child before they leave for camp and telling them that there is always someone they can reach out to, whether it is a trusted activity leader, counselor, or health care provider.
We know that phones aren’t just for calls and texts. Please prepare your child now with a different type of camera (a disposable camera labeled with their name works great!) and other forms of entertainment during quiet times. Campers will not be allowed to access games, apps, or social media on their phone while at camp.
This policy is intended to help protect camp and the camp experience. If a camper abuses this privilege the cell phone will be kept with the counselor/medical staff.
Our staff will strictly enforce our cell phone policy, and we need your help preparing your campers for what to expect!
Q: Is there a pre-camp connection opportunity?
A: Yes, The DFC hosts a “Meet Camp Morris” call via Zoom so parents and campers can get their questions answered and meet Camp Morris Staff before they arrive at camp. The 2024 Meet Camp Morris call will be May 15th at 7:00 pm via Zoom. Click here to register for the call and to get the Zoom link.
Q: My child/children can’t attend camp. How will I know when other DFC programs are scheduled?
A: Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media for the most up-to-date information!
Q: I didn’t find the answer I was looking for. Who can I contact for more help?
A: Please get in touch with The DFC - Gail Machilek, at admin@thedfc.org or (919) 412-6716.