About Us

Florida Diabetes Camp is much more than just “camp.”  In addition to the usual recreational activities associated with camping, scheduled diabetes education sessions are conducted by pediatric endocrinologists and diabetes educators at all programs. Caring individuals provide motivation and support for the children to learn self-care, independence in diabetes management, and good self-esteem.

 

We aim to provide a fun, safe, educational, and diabetes-friendly camp environment for children with type 1 diabetes and their families where they can gain the confidence, skills, and knowledge to achieve their full potential.

MISSION

  • Provide a fun, safe and physically challenging camp experience for children with T1D.
  • Give campers and their families the opportunity to meet and develop friendships with others affected by and living with diabetes.
  • Educate campers to better understand and control their diabetes.
  • Promote awareness of nutrition and exercise as an essential component of diabetes management.
  • Promote independence and self-discipline in the child’s approach to life with diabetes.
  • Educate health professionals, students and staff about children with a chronic condition and about Type 1 diabetes and its management.
  • Provide opportunities for families to come together to improve their knowledge, understanding and diabetes-related skills within a community of health-care providers.
  • Provide a wide-range of programs throughout Florida to help children and families regardless of their ability to pay.

HISTORY

Florida Camp for Children and Youth with Diabetes (FCCYD) was incorporated in 1970 by Dr. Arlan Rosenbloom. Forty-five years later, FCCYD serves over 500 youngsters ages 5-18 at its six summer sessions and another 700 youngsters and their families in weekend sessions throughout the year, at locations thorough-out the state. Between 6 and 10 weekend sessions including Family Weekends, Bring a Friend Weekends, Teen Weekends and Family Days are held each year.

STATS

Every year at our camps:

  • Over 75,000 blood sugar tests are taken
  • Over 50,000 insulin shots are given
  • Over 204,000 units of insulin are used
  • Over 200 volunteers including physicians, nurses, dietitians, psychologists, medical students, teachers, young adults and just plain good folks donated over $500,000 worth of services to ensure the best care possible for the children.

OFFICE STAFF

  • Paul Hiers, MD, Medical Director
  • Prescott Cowles,  Executive Director
  • Casey Golden, Vice President of Operations
  • Robena Cornwell, Finance

FINANCIALS

Since the founding of the organization, the policy of the Board of Directors has been that all children can attend regardless of the family’s financial situation.  Therefore donations from those who believe in our mission are essential for the programs to continue and to grow.

The organization is a non-profit organization that does not receive any governmental money nor is it underwritten by any national diabetes organization.  An independent volunteer Board of Directors governs FCCYD.

A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state 800-HELP-FLA.  Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.  Florida Diabetes Camp registration number is SC-00506.  The organization uses no professional solicitor. Contributions are tax exempt No 23-7098099