Let’s face it – living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) can be a lot of work. DYF programs provide a safe environment where kids can just be kids. At camp, EVERYONE GETS IT! We understand how an out of range blood sugar makes you feel, how complicated it can be explaining T1D to your friends, or needing to take a quick break to treat a low. Camp creates a community of resilient heroes that are all facing this condition TOGETHER.
“We just wouldn’t be the people we are today without diabetes and without camp.”
DYF provides children, teens, and families the encouragement and education that living with type 1 requires. Since 1938, we have provided a camp experience and a “home away from home” for tens of thousands of children and families affected by T1D.
Hear what some of our campers have to say
“[At camp] there are just so many people supporting you and helping you to do the best you can in your life. It’s just a great place.” |
“Camp has shown me that it is really important to embrace diabetes, you shouldn’t hide it.” |
“There are other people who are going through the same thing, who have the same issues, camp’s one of a kind!”’ |
“A Beautiful Life with Type 1” |
Every person with diabetes I ever meet I tell them to go to camp. It is an amazing environment with supportive people and the bonds you make with people at camp are fantastic. If you are newly diagnosed or have even had T1D for 10+ years, camp will change your life in some way. Camp will help you learn how to better manage your diabetes and will show you that you are not alone in facing this disease. If you are hesitant about going you should try it. It may just change your life like it changed mine!
— Camp Participant
All of us left camp feeling that we aren’t alone, that we can reach out to others for help and that type 1 diabetes just became easier due to the knowledge and support we gained at camp. We appreciate all that you have done for our family and continue to do for the T1D community.
— Family Camp Participant
You owe it to your child to send them to this camp. CDLN has been a game changer for [our daughter]. It has given her confidence and it has taught her how to take care of herself. Most importantly it has taught her that she is not the only one, which is often how she feels.
— Camp de los Niños Parent
There’s a huge difference between the patients that go to camp and the patients that don’t…people are able to acquire a lot of education up here, both the kids and the parents. I also see kids that are just more comfortable in their own skin.
— Dr. Greenspan, Pediatric Endocrinologist