Camp to Community

Location	Ages	Cost
Varies	5-15	$10.00

Camp FAQs

The DFC’s Camp to Community program is a one-day event that provides children aged 5-15 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.

Camp to Community FAQs

Do I have to be new to T1D or The DFC to attend a Camp to Community Event?

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No! We love seeing all our T1D friends at any stage, age, or experience level. We want to see you all!

Why should I attend a Camp to Community Event?

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Discover the joy of community at a Diabetes Family Connection’s Camp to Community event! 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 a Camp to Community event and become part of a community dedicated to transforming life with diabetes through optimism, teachable moments, and community. Learn about the impact of a positive mental attitude on achieving your dreams and relish the sense of belonging to a supportive diabetes community.

What is the cost of attending a Camp to a Community event?

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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?

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8:30 am	Camper Check-in and Drop off (Breakfast is not provided for campers)
9:30 am	Caregiver coffee and networking & Welcome
9:30 am	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 including – Field Games, Neato Repeato, Rubber Chicken tag, Bowling Camper style
11:00 am	Activity rotations including – “PMA. What is that?”, Arts and Crafts, Find Someone Who
Noon	Lunch – gluten-free and vegetarian options (Caregivers and Campers eat separately)
1:00 pm	Activity rotations including – 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 allows adults to engage with experts and learn about resources that support families on their T1D journey.
2:00 pm	Activity rotations including – 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	Family Picnic -Hamburgers/hot dogs and all the sides, games, and vendor exhibit
5:00 pm	Close

Who takes care of the children at Camp to Community Events?

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The DFC has a highly trained staff, many of whom live with T1D. Our counselors and medical counselors are all experts in T1D management. They are excited to help your child manage T1D, have fun, and enjoy a day of community connection and PMA.

What should I bring to Camp to Community?

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It is essential that the person living with T1D bring all their supplies, including a fully charged pump, insulin, an extra site, an extra CGM, a glucometer, and strips. For safety reasons, the DFC will supply all lancing devices, pen needles, and syringes if necessary.

Outside of diabetes, please bring a refillable water bottle, dress comfortably in layers, bring your rain gear if necessary, and enjoy the day!

What if my child has never been away from me- EVER?

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This is an excellent opportunity to try it in a safe environment! It is essential that children learn they are capable of caring for their needs and asking for help when they need it. Camp to Community is a perfect place to build confidence and practice advocating while having support. We can’t wait to celebrate this accomplishment with all of you!

Can siblings attend Camp to Community Events?

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YES, we would love to have your whole family join us! The camp experience for children starts at age 5; if you have younger children, please contact Gail at admin@thedfc.org for options.

What do caregivers do at Camp to Community Events?

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Caregivers have the opportunity to share their T1D experience with others who attend. The discussion is facilitated by a DFC staff member or volunteer who has expertise in caring for children with T1D and helps ensure that attendees leave with resources and a supportive network of T1D friends.

Are the Caregiver sessions all sad and overwhelming?

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NO, there may be emotional points for all who attend, depending on where they are at on their T1D journey, but really, the sessions are fun and interactive and give you a new perspective, skills, and coping techniques to try with those you love.

How can I become a Camp to Community Sponsors?

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Please reach out to Anne Sutton at anne@thedfc.org to discuss all sponsorship opportunities for Camp to Community.

Why is The DFC adding Camp To Community Programs?

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At The DFC, our mission is to positively transform the lives of people living with type one diabetes through the power of community. We began this journey with small family retreats in Western North Carolina, where we laid the foundation for our growing T1D community.

We expanded to offer Camp Morris, welcoming rising 3rd graders through juniors in high school. Camp Morris swiftly became the largest residential camp for children living with T1D in North Carolina. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by teenagers, we introduced annual teen retreats every fall, providing targeted support for this critical age group.

In 2023, communities beyond the metropolitan areas expressed a need for access to diabetes camps and a robust T1D community. Determined to address this, we created the Camp to Community program. This initiative, powered by our dedicated volunteers and medical team, brings camp experiences and support to families across North Carolina.

Join us as we expand our reach and strengthen our community, transforming lives every step of the way.