Florida Diabetes Camp has established a Campership Eligibility Policy to outline the criteria for awarding financial assistance. This policy is designed to help families facing financial challenges, allowing their children to participate in our specialized T1D camp. FDC may also offer Camperships to newly diagnosed campers under specific conditions. Applications for Camperships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited funds. A $25 deposit is required for all campers to confirm their registration. Families can apply for assistance during the registration process via CampMinder or by requesting a paper application.
Primary Eligibility Criteria
Full Camperships:
- Income-Based Eligibility: Families with a household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL) for their family size may qualify for a full Campership. Proof of income or equivalent documentation is required.
- Medicaid/Medicare Eligibility: Families providing proof of Medicaid or Medicare eligibility automatically qualify for a full Campership.
- Free School Meal Programs: Families who can demonstrate eligibility for the Free School Breakfast and Lunch programs may also qualify for a full Campership.
- SNAP/TANF Eligibility: Families receiving benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are eligible for a full Campership upon providing proof of enrollment.
Partial Camperships:
- Income-Based Eligibility: Families with a household income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Line for their family size may be eligible for a partial Campership. Proof of income or equivalent documentation is required.
- Reduced Fee School Meal Programs: Families eligible for the Reduced Fee School Breakfast and Lunch programs may qualify for a partial Campership.
Secondary Eligibility Criteria: Extenuating Financial Circumstances
In certain cases, secondary criteria may be considered for extenuating financial circumstances. In such cases, the family must submit a written letter or email explaining their extenuating financial circumstances. A committee of three people, defined as the Executive Director, the Vice President of Operations, and one member of the Board of Directors, will evaluate the letter for consideration and make a final determination.
Some examples of extenuating financial circumstances that may be considered are:
- The recent reduction in family income due to loss of employment
- Multiple children with T1D and/or documented high out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Recommendations from a physician, social worker, therapist, etc.
Newly Diagnosed Campers
Campers who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during the year before the camp session will be eligible for a full Campership. The specific cutoff date will be noted in the application for financial assistance and may change every year.