Many of us have fond memories of summer camp like singing around campfires, roasting marshmallows, creating arts and crafts treasures and swimming in cool refreshing lakes. Perhaps we’ll try to suppress the memories of itchy mosquito bites, rain soaked clothing, and ‘interesting’ food offerings. Good or bad, summer camp is definitely a rite of passage.

Even though the New Year has just begun summer will be here before you know it. It might be time to plan how your children will be spending their summer. If you are a parent of a child with diabetes, you have more to consider than the typical parent as you choose a summer camp program for your child.

Advance Preparation Will Reduce Anxiety and Worry

It is completely normal for parents to feel anxious about dropping their child off at an overnight summer camp. As we have discussed in other posts about diabetes , the key to managing diabetes centers on planning and preparation.

• Research Options: Take time to investigate camp choices based on your child’s interests. Don’t focus solely on managing their disease.
• Ask for help: Determine what services or accommodations your child may need during camp.
• Document Needs: Gather documentation and create a written plan of care with your child’s healthcare provider.
• Communicate: Connect with camp staff and open lines of communication as soon as possible.
• Network: Check in with other parents that have sent children to programs in consideration. Ask your healthcare provider for additional ideas.

The American Diabetes Association notes that any camp should be prepared to make reasonable modifications so that any child with a chronic disease, like diabetes, can take full advantage of camp programs and activities like any other child.

Camp Victory Junction

Children with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, and others with serious illnesses that would preclude them from attending a traditional summer camp program should look into the options at Camp Victory Junction.

This summer, children ages 6 to 16, with diabetes can register for Camp Victory Junction in Randleman, NC. The week of June 17-12 is designated especially for kids with diabetes. Camp Victory Junction provides a typical camp experience within a medically-safe environment.

Additional Resources:

Traveling With Diabetes

Diabetes Tips: Making Sure Its In The Bag

American Diabetes Association: Rights of Children with Diabetes in Camp

Find a Camp – Nationwide Search

About Camp Victory Junction

Victory Junction enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camp experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering; all in a medically-safe environment at no cost to the camper or their family.

Located in the hills of Randleman, North Carolina, Victory Junction is spread across 84 acres, allowing children to do what they do best— be kids, play, imagine, make friends and enjoy the adventures and experiences of camp life.