2021 Camp Dates & Fees
We are holding DYF Camp Office Hours & Socials for all questions pertaining to summer in-person camp. Register here.
2021 programmatic offerings have been adjusted to best adapt to COVID-19 safety protocols.
Please visit our announcement post here.
Session
Dates
Age
Fees*
Medical Staff
NEW! Family Adventure Program
June 14-19
Ages 12+
Adults with T1D encouraged to attend!
Tier 1: $2,500 per pair ($1,250 per individual)
Tier 2: N/A
- Lisa Norlander, MD
Leaders in Training – Session 1
FULL
June 21-25
Ages 16-17
Tier 1: $1,375 | Tier 2: $750
- Shy Srinivasan, MD
- Heloisa Junqueira, MD
- Mary Massella, FNP
- Jeannie Hickey, RN, CDE
Kids Camp
June 21-25
Ages 7-12
Tier 1: $1,375 | Tier 2: $750
- Shy Srinivasan, MD
- Heloisa Junqueira, MD
- Mary Massella, FNP
- Jeannie Hickey, RN, CDE
Leaders in Training – Session 2
FULL
June 28 – July 2
Ages 16-17
Tier 1: $1,375 | Tier 2: $750
- Stephen Gitelman, MD
- Anna Bakardjiev, MD
- Maureen McGrath, MS, PNP-BC, BC-ADM
- Jeannie Hickey, RN, CDE
Kids Camp
WAITLIST
June 28 – July 2
Ages 12-13
Tier 1: $1,375 | Tier 2: $750
- Stephen Gitelman, MD
- Anna Bakardjiev, MD
- Maureen McGrath, MS, PNP-BC, BC-ADM
- Jeannie Hickey, RN, CDE
Teen Camp 1
July 5-9
Ages 14-15
Tier 1: $1,375 | Tier 2: $750
- Justin Altschuler, MD
- Sarah Altschuler, MD
- Jeannie Hickey RN, CDE
High Altitude Adventure Program
July 6-16
Ages 13-16
Tier 1: $2,125 | Tier 2: N/A
- Lisa Norlander, MD
Teen Camp 2
July 12-16
Ages 14-16
Tier 1: $1,375 | Tier 2: $750
- Jenny Zabinski, MD
- Sarah Woods, RN, MSN, CPNP
- Deborah Simon-Weisberg, MD
- Jeannie Hickey, RN, CDE
Teen Camp 3
WAITLIST
July 19-23
Ages 16-17
Tier 1: $1,375 | Tier 2: $750
- Linda Stephan, RN, MSN, PNP
- Sarah Woods, RN, MSN, CPNP
- Jeannie Hickey, RN, CDE
Kids Camp + Buddy Camp
July 26-30
Ages 7-12
Tier 1: $1,375 | Tier 2: $750
- Roger Long, MD
- Michele Long, MD
- Saleh Adi, MD
- Jeannie Hickey, RN, CDE
Altitude 14,505
FULL
July 28-August 9
Ages 15-17
Tier 1: $3,125 | Tier 2: N/A
- Lisa Norlander, MD
Buddy Camp
WAITLIST
August 2-6
Ages 7-13
Tier 1: $1,375 | Tier 2: $750
- Justin Altschuler, MD
- Jeannie Hickey, RN, CDE
*Scholarships are available for all programs during the application process. Learn more about our tiered pricing model and scholarship program.
2021 Camp Programs
Independent Camps
These sessions are perfect for kids who are ready to go to camp without their parents, and for parents who are in need of a week off from diabetes! At all of our independent programs, campers are grouped with peers into pods with two or more counselors and a healthcare professional.
Buddy Camp
Ages 7-13
A unique program built for kids who want to share the diabetes camp experience with a buddy without T1D. We see lots of siblings, cousins, and best friends coming together to this session. Being a buddy means that our campers without T1D get to learn a lot about diabetes, all while participating in traditional camp activities like tie dye, night hikes, and swimming.
Kids Camp Ages 7-13
A full week for kids with T1D, Kids Camp offers an away-from-home environment that is safe, comfortable, and fun. Our medical staff can help with site changes, shots, and carb counting, so don’t worry if your child needs additional support. Packed with fun camp activities and special programs, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and new experiences to try together!
Teen Camp Ages 13-17
Our most popular program, Teen Camp offers lots of fun. We often see teenagers who start the week resistant to the idea of diabetes camp and end the week not wanting to leave! With their cohorts, teens will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, and engage in new experiences together with friends. Near the end of the program the full camp participates in a modified Teen Ed Day; a program filled with presentations by medical professionals and recognized T1D community members to better equip teens for the world outside of camp.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- Families who rolled over their 2020 camp fees or have previously enrolled for this camp season qualify for priority registration starting April 8th at 9am PST
- Families will be limited to 1 registration per camper until April 30th. If space remains after April 30th, we will allow for families to register for a second program and keep enrollment open until 75% of each program is filled.
- To ensure equitable access to all campers, 25% of spaces for each Kid, Teen, and Buddy camp session will be held specifically for newly diagnosed campers and/or campers requesting scholarship. Registration for these slots will remain open until filled.
Our Bearskin Meadow Camp facility is located in the Sequoia National Forest, about one and half hours east of Fresno, California.
Specialty Programs
These sessions are unique programs that focus on adventure and leadership, while building skills, community, and connection with others in the group. Campers are supervised and mentored by program and medical staff, while working to gain new experiences and confidence in their own management skills. While no specific prerequisite experiences or skills are required for these programs, applicants will go through an interview process to ensure they are committed and invested in the program.
Family Adventure Program
Ages 12+
The Family Adventure Program is a new DYF backpacking program in partnership with Blue Rise Adventures. The program is ideal for youth ages 12+ and an adult family member who are ready to challenge themselves in the great outdoors! Previous backcountry experience is not required, but applicants should consider the commitment they are making to train and complete the trip. This year’s program will take place in the beautiful Yosemite National Park.
High Altitude Adventure Program
Ages 13-16
The High Altitude Adventure Program is ideal for teens who are adventurous and are ready to challenge themselves in the great outdoors! Previous back country experience is not required, and pre-trip virtual training, socializing and support will be provided. This program will take place in the beautiful Desolation Wilderness, starting at Loon Lake. Campers will have some prep days at the campsite before hitting the trail!
Altitude 14,505
Ages 15-17
Ten teens with diabetes, ages 15-17 will gather to prepare to embark on a 14,505 foot, 75+ mile journey, to the highest peak in the lower 48 states. The group will spend the first couple of days camping and training together near Lone Pine, CA before departing for 9 days on the trail with the goal of summiting Mt. Whitney. Participants will need a high level of fitness, stamina, and determination to complete the trip. Applicants must submit a supplemental application, and complete an interview prior to enrollment. Pre-trip virtual training, socializing and support will be provided.
Leaders-in-Training Ages 16-17
This program is perfect for teens with and without diabetes who are ready to take the next step in developing their leadership skills. LIT begins with an application and interview process in the spring, and culminates with a week at camp learning how to be an effective leader and working with our younger campers. Many of our awesome camp staff are graduates of the LIT program! *Our 2021 program is modified due to COVID-19. DYF will offer 2 identical program sessions where previous LIT participation is not required.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
• These are not “first come first served” applications.
• Participants will be selected based on interviews that will occur over Zoom.
• Unlike previous years, LIT programs will not require a previous LIT year. DYF will offer two sessions of identical LIT programs.
You can review the summer camp dates, fees, and COVID-19 FAQs here as well as our camp policies. For all other questions and concerns, please contact us.
U.S. Forest Service information: Bearskin Meadow Camp is an equal opportunity program because acceptance and participation in the program are the same for everyone without regard to race, color, religion, national origins, age, sex or handicap. Discrimination in any form is strictly against the agency policy and should be reported to the Secretary of Agriculture. Bearskin Meadow Camp operates under a special permit from the Sequoia National Forest.
Bearskin Meadow Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association.
DYF is a member of the Diabetes Education & Camping Association.