Summer Camp for Kids Living with Diabetes: A Chance to Learn, Grow, and Have Fun

Summer camp is a great way for kids to have fun learn new things and make new friends. For children living with diabetes, summer camp may be scary to think about. The American Diabetes Association has created camps for families with children living with diabetes. These camps provide a safe and supportive environment where kids can learn how to manage their diabetes while having fun. CCS is committed to helping families and their children. CCS is proud to have sponsored children to attend the ADA camps. We believe children should have the opportunity to experience the benefits of camp. 

Benefits of ADA camp:

• Peer Support– Campers get a chance to connect with one another. They can share experiences, offer support, and learn from each other.

• Learning– At camp, kids can learn how to better manage diabetes. They will also learn about nutrition, exercise, and other healthy habits.

• Fun– Camp is all about having fun! Kids can participate in activities including swimming, singing, sports, and skills-building.  

• Friendship- Campers make new friends who share their interests and challenges.  

• Increased Confidence- Learning how to manage diabetes independently can boost a child’s confidence. 

 If you are a parent, grandparent, or caregiver considering sending your child to camp here are some additional tips to help make camp a great experience: 

• Visit the camp before sending your child. This will allow you to see the facilities and get an idea of the camp environment.  

• Talk to your child about their diabetes management plan– Make sure your child understands how they will be managing their diabetes at camp. Tell them who to talk to at camp if they need assistance. 

• Pack plenty of supplies – This may include extra insulin, test strips, and snacks. 

• Have a backup plan– Things can happen at camp. It is important to be prepared for anything.  

Camp is a place where kids can go and create lasting memories. It is also a place for families to connect and learn from one another. There’s still time to send your kid to camp this summer. Click here to find an ADA camp location near you. For those who want to learn other ways to support campers, click here.  

This site is for educational purposes only. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health.

Resources:

ADA Camp. ADA Camp | ADA. (n.d.). https://diabetes.org/get-involved/camp