From resident camps to specialized programs, DYF has something to offer all teens.

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DYF 2025 Program Flyer (English)

DYF 2025 Program Flyer (Spanish)

Bearskin Meadow Teen Camp (6 days)

2025 Dates: July 6-11

Nothing excites teenagers more than being away from their parents and getting to hang with other teens! The Teen Camp experience for ages 14-17 allows campers the opportunity to bond with other teens and counselors who understand the challenges of living with T1D. Camp empowers teenagers to take control of their diabetes and teaches them the skills to do so. Teens enjoy classic camp experiences and also have the opportunity to focus on their passion; program choices include Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Wilderness, and Sports. A highlight of Teen Camp is Teen Education Day, where we bring in a keynote speaker and experts in the diabetes field to teach our campers about life with T1D. Teens get an individualized schedule for the day that includes breakout sessions ranging in topics from “Juggling Diabetes, Insulin, and Body Image” to “Future Diabetes Technology” to “Transitioning to the Adult World.” Your teen will leave camp empowered, educated, and supported.

Teen Camp Sample Schedules:

Teen Camp 2018 Weekly Schedule

Teen Camp 2018 Daily Schedule

Bearskin Meadow Buddy Camp (5 days)

2025 Dates: June 23-27

Teens with T1D, ages 13-15, can bring a buddy from home to enjoy the camp experience together! While at least one member of the buddy pair must have T1D, the other member can be a sibling, friend, or cousin. Together, the buddies will sleep under the stars and enjoy all of the fun activities offered at Bearskin Meadow Camp. Your child with T1D will be supported in all areas of diabetes management while their buddy learns and practices right alongside them.

Buddy Camp Sample Schedules:

Buddy Camp 2018 Weekly Schedule

Buddy Camp 2018 Daily Schedule

Bearskin Meadow Leaders in Training Programs

Year 1: Ages 16-17

Open to teens with or without diabetes. Application and phone interview required for program acceptance. Those who participate in the Leaders-In-Training program gain valuable life skills through interactive workshops and activities.  The program is designed to assist in the development of a strong foundation for adulthood including school, work, family and community combined with the fun of camp. LIT 1 must be completed before beginning the LIT 2 program.

CDLN (5 days)

2025 Dates: July 29-August 2

For teens ages 13-17, this program is a great option for participants who are looking for a shorter camp experience closer to the Bay Area. Camp will be held at YMCA Camp Loma Mar, in Loma Mar, CA. Campers are grouped together with other teens their own age and live inside cabins with their counselors. In addition to diabetes education, teens enjoy a classic camp experience with activities such as swimming, archery, nature, arts & crafts, sports, campfires, and more. Our experienced staff and healthcare team will help with all aspects of diabetes from carb counting to pump site changes. Your child with T1D will be well supported and cared for at camp while having the time of their lives!

Camp de Los Niños Sample Schedule: CDLN Program Schedule 2018

Teen Backpacking (7 days)

DYF’s Teen Backpacking Program is a backpacking adventure for teens with a love of backpacking who want to push themselves while building community.

The Teen Backpacking Program will provide an incredible backcountry experience in the beautiful High Sierra Wilderness. This program is for 13-15 year-olds with T1D who have little to no backpacking experience but who are up for an adventure and a challenge! The first few days will be spent at base camp packing, preparing, and getting to know each other before hitting the trail for 5 days of backpacking. DYF will provide staff, food, and group gear for the trip.

Due to the necessary advanced preparation time for this specialized program and a pre-acceptance interview for all applicants.

Altitude 14,505 (2 week expedition)

Teens ages 15-17 will embark on a 75+ mile journey over 10 days, with the goal of summiting the highest peak in the contiguous United States, Mt. Whitney. Beginning and ending at Bearskin Meadow Camp, this program is for teens who want to be physically, emotionally, and mentally challenged and are ready for a tight-knit team.

Participation in this expedition requires a great deal of dedication for the several months leading up to the journey. Participants will be required to engage in a training regimen, supported by regular communications with the trip leaders and fellow participants, to physically prepare their bodies for the rigorous nature of this trip. We will work together to meet the challenge of hiking 15 miles per day with a heavy load on our backs, up and down steep mountains, at over 10,000ft above sea level. Summiting is not guaranteed, as there are any number of factors that could affect the chances, though every effort will be made to meet that goal. Regardless of if the summit is reached, this program will instill in its participants that it is not the final destination, but the experience that is life-changing. 

Due to the necessary advanced preparation time for this specialized program, a pre-acceptance interview is required for all applicants. All applicants who apply during this window will receive an interview regardless of the order in which applications are received. 

(Note: This program is offered every other year.)