DFC Programs
All DFC programs positively transform the lives of those impacted by diabetes through the power of community. Our organization provides year-round recreational programs that build confidence, optimism, a supportive community, and the leaders of tomorrow.
Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) Airlift was designed in 2022 by our Leaders In Training to offer a positive pick-me-up to those feeling the mental strain of living and managing T1D daily. This NEW PROGRAM is designed to support all those impacted by T1D. If you know someone who is struggling with T1D or who needs a reminder that they are not alone in managing the highs and lows of diabetes - use this link - and nominate them to receive a PMA Airlift package. Once the nomination is complete, it will be assigned to one of our fantastic PMA Airlift volunteers. These volunteers will curate a personalized PMA Airlift package filled with a personal note of encouragement, resources to help find PMA, and a few of the nominee's favorite things. The packages are sent out within weeks of receiving the form.
Only one package per person per year and nominations are reviewed and prioritized by the DFC based on need.
Camp To Community
This NEW PROGRAM organizes, supports, and hosts community-based camp days across North Carolina. These one-day events will provide children living with type 1 diabetes and their families with fun, laughter, education, and community connection through recreational-based programming and offer teachable moments that raise confidence, resiliency, and independence. Our outstanding volunteer staff and medical counselors will host activities for children ages 5-14. Teens will have the opportunity to volunteer at the event. We will end the day with a family picnic and education resource exhibition. The exhibition will offer education, screening access to related care services, diabetes management support, and technology updates with vendors from multiple partners. The exhibition will build community networks to provide continued support after the event day.
Camp Morris is the DFC’s flagship program and largest event of the year by far. We are North Carolina’s largest residential diabetes summer camp and serve approximately 200 campers annually! Kids and teens living with diabetes will be welcomed to YMCA Camp Hanes in King, North Carolina, the week of June 9th. During this week, campers will experience an independent camp program that is chock-full of excitement, friendship, teachable moments, and opportunities to be challenged by choice. Campers are supervised by experienced counselors (many of whom are living with diabetes themselves) who are trained at “meeting campers where they’re at,” using teachable moments throughout the week to promote healthy, age-appropriate independence in diabetes management. Campers are supported by counselors and cared for by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals from across the state of North Carolina, including Atrium Health, Novant Health, Wake Baptist, Cone Health, UNC Health, and Duke Health. The Mission and Vision of the Diabetes Family Connection is the heart and soul of this outstanding week-long camp session.
This annual retreat looks to serve what we believe is the most underserved age group living with diabetes. Teenagers with diabetes often experience feelings of isolation, depression, and frustration around a disease they have limited control over…all while not wanting to be different from a typical adolescent. As well as looking to build their independence and shape their own future and relationships, teenagers often struggle to navigate those parts of their life given the care and concern of their parents or loved ones around their diabetes. Our Teen Programming is designed to help with many of those challenges. Growing up with confidence, managing diabetes on your own, and working through relationships and social pressures are all topics we work through with attendees. We are also keen to ensure they have plenty of social time to build like-minded friendships with others like them.
Family Retreat
This annual event has taken off over the last couple of years. Our family retreat allows families of children with diabetes, including parents and siblings, to share the camp experience. With active programming for the kids throughout the day, along with activities and learning opportunities for their parents, our Family Retreat is growing in popularity. Allowing parents to share and network with other parents going through similar experiences with their children helps foster a sense of community and a support system that families can rely on for years. We are mindful to keep both groups (parents and kids) engaged separately to allow free expression of their thoughts and concerns. But we also program special activities to build family memories that our attendees cherish forever.
What campers and families say about DFC Programs
My son was 14 when he was diagnosed with T1D less than 2 months before we sent him to camp. I was a total wreck and so nervous, but when I picked him up, he said BEST. WEEK. EVER!!! This will be his 3rd year at camp. He looks forward to it! I can’t say enough about how positive an experience Camp Morris was for him; the staff and counselors are amazing! - Michelle Gervasini, Camp Morris Parent
Just picked up my twins, Dreamers. They had the BEST time and are both talking about next year already. This was their first year, and they've learned so much in such a short time at Camp Morris. It was great getting to meet all the people that made the week what it was: from being introduced to some of their friends and parents, the counselors who planned out all the week’s activities, and the wonderful (and probably exhausted) medical staff who checked sugars, changed pump sites, introduced new sites to my kids, and made sure they were safe for the week. You guys are rock stars!! Thank you for EVERYTHING!!! - David Ruggiero, Camp Morris Parent
It is so nice to be around others who have the same struggles that do not judge anyone. - 2022 Teen Retreat participant
There is nothing wrong with reaching out for help, it actually shows strength. - 2022 Teen Pretreat participant
