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DYF requires that all participants be free of nits and lice prior to attending a program.
Therefore, parents/guardians must perform a head check of each camp participant 24 hours before the start of the program. Parents will be required to sign an acknowledgement at drop-off stating that their child has been checked.

• If nits/lice are found prior to the first day of the program or at drop-off, the camper will stay at home. The camper is welcome to join us at camp after professional treatment, or transfer enrollment to an alternate session based on availability. Our medical staff will accommodate the post-treatment regimen at camp.
• If nits/lice are found during camp, the camper will be removed from their group and their parent/guardian will be called. The parent/guardian will decide if they would like to pick up their child from camp or if they would like DYF to facilitate transportation to a professional treatment center. The parent/guardian will be responsible for payment of the treatment services. If nits/lice are found during camp, the camper’s clothing and bedding will be put in high heat for at least one hour. There is no refund of the camp fee if a child is sent home due to the presence of lice/nits.

Click here for more information about how to screen for lice.

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Campers attending DYF programs are required to have current immunizations
based on California law, the standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the recommendation of the Center for Disease Control. Due to the nature of camp and the communal living in which it takes place, public health and safety is of upmost importance at DYF programs.

Vaccination records will be requested in pre-camp paperwork, and those with a valid exception will be asked to complete a waiver.

Per California law, policy exceptions exist for those who have a physician-documented, medical reason for being unable to receive a particular vaccination.
For more information on vaccination schedules and recommendations, see the resources below:

• CDC
• AAP

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Loop has brought tremendous improvements to diabetes management, and has become increasingly common over the past several years. We will allow campers who are on loop at home to remain on loop while at DYF programs. However, there are several important considerations, and recommendations, for campers coming to independent camps on loop.

• Setting adjustments: Unlike traditional pumps, which we can fairly readily adjust at camp via setting temporary basals and overriding bolus wizards, Loop does not work very well with this mindset. Therefore, we WILL MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO LOOP SETTINGS AT CAMP. Please take CAREFUL NOTE of all loop settings prior to sending your child to camp, and then check those settings when they are back from camp. While some branches of loop allow us increased flexibility to adjust settings while your child is with us, this may not always be possible.
• Charging: As diabetes management has become increasingly technology driven, the number of devices have increased. We do our best to accommodate this at camp. However, if you have a backup battery pack (Anker or similar) please consider sending it with your camper to increase charging flexibility overnight.
• Labeling: There are lots of Riley Links, Dexcom receivers, and pumps at camp. Please label ALL of your child’s devices prior to sending them to camp.
• Cell phone policy: Given that loop requires a cell phone to run, we will allow campers to have a cell phone with them while at camp. However, the remainder of the cell phone policy remains strictly in effect, and cell phones running loop are to be used for this purpose only. Should campers be using cell phones for other purposes, we will either have the counselor hold the cell phone (which may interfere with loop), or keep the cell phone locked in a secure location during camp, which would mean your camper would not be able to loop while at the program. DYF bears no responsibility for phones that are broken or damaged at camp.
• No open APS: There is no cell phone reception at camp. Open APS will not work.
• Staff: We are constantly working to keep our staff up to date on the latest diabetes technology. However, please understand there may be instances where our nursing staff is less familiar with loop than with other diabetes technology. Please note that our Medical Director, Assistant Medical Director, Executive Director, and Director of Programs all use Loop, so we do have lots of familiarity!
• Extra Supplies: The Riley Link is less robust than some other pieces of diabetes technology. Please consider this when sending your child to camp, which is an environment that may be more likely to cause damage to the equipment. You can decide if you feel it is best to send a backup Riley Link to camp.

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• Calls to be completed immediately following incident:
  – Injuries that require care that cannot be conducted at camp.
  – Possible fractures/breaks, lacerations/cuts, x-rays, stitches, etc.
• Calls to be completed within 5 hours of incident:
  – Ill with ketones
  – If a camper is vomiting or feeling ill AND has ketones, a parent will be
  notified within 5 hours.
  – Those who need a site change and injection, but feel fine otherwise, will
  not have a parent notified.
• Calls to be completed within 24 hours of incident:
  – Camper begins taking antibiotics.
  – Parents will not be notified for routine use of ibuprofen, Tylenol, bendryl,
  etc.
  – Camper spends the night in the medical building
  – Those who rest for a few hours will not have a parent notified. Rest could be invoked by headache, menstrual cramps, mild stomach ache, etc.
  – Camper violates a camp rule that puts them in jeopardy of being sent home
  and/or a behavior contract is written.

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Campers
Clothing must be appropriate and comfortable for community living, participation in active games, and safety in a forested environment. Final decisions regarding the safety and appropriateness of clothing are made by the Camp Director and campers may be asked to change clothing.

Staff and LITs
Staff and LITs are expected to act and dress comfortably and appropriately at camp. The Camp Director has the final say on what is or is not considered professional and appropriate in all matters at camp. You may be asked to change clothing.

The following dress code rules apply to everyone at all times:

• Undergarments must be covered.
• Shorts must be comfortable and allow for full participation in all activities.
• Clothing must be free of holes.
• Images and written content on clothing must be appropriate for all audiences.
• Closed toed shoes will be required for most activities at camp.

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At DYF Programs, we have a strict no cell phone policy for our campers at independent programs (Kids Camp, Teen Camp, Buddy Camp, and LIT). We know that this can be a big adjustment, so please read on for more information.

*This rule does not apply to campers on a DIY Loop system and those who use a Freestyle Libre CGM without access to a reader.

1. Camp is a time to be outdoors! The CEO of the American Camp Association emphasizes that camp is an opportunity for youth to put down their screens and enjoy nature. We agree!
2. Studies show that screens reduce a child’s ability to learn social skills. One of our main goals at camp is to create positive, healthy friendships between peers and staff; we can’t do this with the distraction of screens.
3. While we know that many people with type 1 diabetes use cell phones for CGM devices, the lack of wifi at camp will inhibit the use of the “share” function. Therefore, if your child is wearing a Dexcom CGM while at camp, they need to switch over to their receiver while they are at camp. Having apps, music, and pictures available at the touch of a button is much too tempting for our campers. As a reminder, you got a receiver with your original Dexcom prescription. You can reach out to your healthcare provider if you need help getting a new one. If your child’s CGM is integrated into their pump (for example Tandem) a receiver is not needed.
4. Cell phones are expensive and fragile. At camp we lead an active lifestyle through hikes, swims, and games. Phones are likely to get damaged and will be much safer left at home.
5. 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. Movies will be shown on the bus rides to and from camp.

Our cell phone policy will be strictly enforced by our staff, and we need your help by keeping those phones at home! If a camper is found with a phone at camp it will be taken away and returned on the last day of the session.

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In general, DYF views social networking sites (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, etc.) and personal websites/blogs positively and respects the rights of participants to use them as a medium of self-expression. If a participant chooses to identify themself as a participant at one of our programs on such Internet venues, some readers of such web sites, blogs or social media accounts may view the participant as a representative or spokesperson of the organization. In light of that possibility, our organization requires, as a condition of participation in our programs, that participants observe the following guidelines when referring to the program, the organization, its programs and activities, its participants, and/or employees, in any and all internet mediums/venues.
In all postings/communications related to or referencing the organization, the program, its employees, and other participants, participants must:

1. Be respectful.
2. Refrain from use of obscenities, profanity, and vulgar language.
3. Not disparage the program, other participants, employees or volunteers of the program or organization.
4. Not harass, bully or intimidate other participants or employees/volunteers of the organization. Behaviors that constitute harassment and bullying include, but are not limited to, comments that are derogatory with respect to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, color or disability; sexually suggestive, humiliating or demeaning comments; and threats to stalk, haze, or physically injure another person.
5. Not discuss engaging in conduct that is prohibited by program policies including, but not limited to, the use of alcohol and drugs, sexual behavior, sexual harassment and bullying.

Parents/Guardians must give written permission to DYF if they wish for a minor to share contact information with an employee/volunteer. This includes participants giving or receiving email addresses, exchanging cell phone numbers, social networking profiles, blogs, or other internet contact. Once staff and volunteers leave programs, we cannot take responsibility for what happens between participants and staff & volunteers.

Any participant found to be in violation of any portion of this Internet Use Policy will be subject to immediate disciplinary action, including but not limited to, dismissal from the program and the inability to attend future programs.

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DYF provides safe and accepting programming. Every participant’s cooperation is needed to build an environment where each person is able to learn, grow, and be part of a supportive community.

Participants who cannot abide by these rules should not attend.

Rules of Conduct at DYF Programs:

• Smoking, vaping, and/or the use of any tobacco product is not permitted at any DYF program nor on the bus to and from any program.
• The use of and/or presence of alcohol, drugs, and/or tobacco products are not permitted at any program.
• Participants will not engage in sexual contact of any nature nor form exclusive relationships.
• Participants will focus on courtesy, cooperation, respect and responsibility and will not intentionally harm another person or themselves physically or emotionally. Fighting, foul language, racist language, homophobic language, name calling, bullying and threats are not tolerated.
• During overnight, weekend and residential camp programs, participants must remain on deck/in cabin throughout the night and pre-breakfast unless accompanied by a staff member.
• Unless otherwise specified, participants will not bring candy or food items. This excludes food for bus/van transportation.
• Cell phones are not permitted. Please see handbook for details.
• Clothing must be appropriate and comfortable for community living, participation in active games, and safety in a forested environment. Finals decisions regarding the safety and appropriateness of clothing are made by the Camp Director and campers may be asked to change clothing.
• Participants will respect themselves, others, the facility, and its surrounding property. Participants will not take personal property, or destroy facilities or surrounding areas.
• Firearms, knives (including pocket knives) and any other weapons are not allowed.
• Pets and animals are prohibited. If your child plans to bring a service animal to a DYF program please contact DYF directly so we may partner together.
• Any modes of transportation including bikes, skateboards or scooters, unless pre-approved by the Camp Director are prohibited.
• Participants are expected to follow the rules. Behavior that is inappropriate or unsafe is not tolerated.

Participants who persist in NOT following these Rules:

• Will be dismissed from program.
• Will NOT be refunded program fees.
• Must be picked up by a parent, guardian, or representative designated by parent/guardian. If a parent or guardian refuses to pick up their child at any program upon request, child protective services will be called.
• Risks losing the privilege of participation in future DYF programs.

Diabetes Technology Guidelines at 2021 DYF Programs

At DYF programs, we want campers to be able to manage their diabetes with the same tools they use at home and we therefore encourage the continuation of devices such as CGMs and insulin pumps if they are a part of your child’s care plan. Because camp life is so different compared to typical routines at home or at school, some variability will exist and we urge you to read our guidelines and recommendations below regarding your child’s diabetes technology at camp.

Continuous Glucose Monitors:

• Cell phones may not be used as receivers/readers at our programs where parents are not present. Please see our Cell Phone Policy for more information. For campers whose CGM displays on the pump (Control IQ, Medtronic 670G or similar), cell phones will not be allowed as a CGM receiver.
• Exceptions are:
  • If your child is using a Freestyle Libre or Dexcom and you do not have access to a reader. In this case your child may bring their phone, but a counselor will be in possession of the phone during the camp session.
  • If your child is on a DIY System (eg Loop) and requires the phone for management/dosing.
• Numbers from Dexcom and Freestyle Libre will be used to dose insulin.
  • All campers will do fingersticks when needed.
  • If any of the following are true, the number will confirmed with a fingerstick before dosing:
    • Child’s symptoms do not match the reading.
    • CGM has not been calibrated as per manufacturer's guidelines.
  • The “share” feature will not be available at camp programs. Not only do we not have internet capability, but we strongly believe that camp should serve as a respite for parents as well. Your child will have many eyes on them at camp and their diabetes will be well taken care of.
  • Sensors will be replaced as needed in case the sensor session ends, stops working, or the sensor falls out prematurely; please send at least one extra to camp.
  • High blood glucose alarms may be disengaged or changed during camp. Low glucose alarms will remain engaged, but may need to be adjusted given different activities at camp.
  • DYF will not be responsible for lost, misplaced, or damaged devices.

“Do It Yourself” Pumps (Loop, OpenAPS, AndroidAPS):

• We will have staff on hand to help manage these systems. However, please call if you have any specific concerns you would like to address. Please send extra components in case of failure (eg. Rileylink). If your system requires an internet connection to function, it will not work at camp, and you should make other arrangements. Please call to discuss with us if needed.

Hybrid-Closed Loop pumps:

• Our goal is to keep the camper in Automode/Closed loop as much of the time as possible.
• We strongly recommend that the automated insulin dosing be enabled for more than one week prior to your child arriving at camp. Camp is not the place to start using Loop/Control IQ/Automode.
• Prior to camp, parents should review manual mode settings with their healthcare provider to be sure they are as up to date as possible at camp.
• Camp life differs from your routine at home, and our medical staff will likely need to make adjustments while at camp. We will do our best to enter these as temporary adjustments. However, given the design of these systems, this is not always possible, and may involve changes to basal rates, ISF, and carb ratios.
  • Please ensure you have a copy of ALL of your child’s pump settings before sending them to camp.
• Be sure you review your child’s pump settings when they return home, as these settings may be changed at camp.

Non-Hybrid Closed Loop Systems:

• Temporary basals may be used at camp due to changes in activity level and routines.
  • Most commonly, campers are put on a reduced temporary basal for the first 1-2 nights of camp as they adjust to the new schedule and excitement of camp.
• Be sure to review your child’s pump settings when they return home, as some settings may be altered at camp.
• The bolus calculator (example: Bolus Wizard) will be used at camp. Please be sure your child’s settings and ratios are as up to date as possible prior to attending.