Living with type 1 diabetes can be hard for a child. But they’re not alone. There’s a place where diabetes doesn’t make them feel different – at camp!
At Florida Diabetes Camp, all kids living with type one diabetes can build skills to manage their condition, gain confidence and independence, feel included and safe, and find friendships and support that last a lifetime.
Supported by a dedicated team of volunteer physicians, nurses, nutritionists, educators, and administrators, camp is a place where kids can find:
Community where they can meet other people living with diabetes from all backgrounds, learn from their peers, and find friendships that last a lifetime
Adventures where they can have fun, learn, and build their confidence-where diabetes doesn’t have to be a barrier
Management tips and training to help set themselves up for success with diabetes in the future
Professional support from diabetes educators who can provide one-on-one teaching and care
Read more below about each program, and register today to secure your spot for an unforgettable camp experience!
Camp scholarships are available for every camp program!
Requests for financial assistance are included as part of the camp application.
Fun Sports Camp (15 to 18)
Dates: Sunday, June 8 – Friday, June 13, 2025
Location: Rotary’s Camp Florida (Brandon, FL)
Dogwood Acres Camp (7 to 12)
Dates: Tuesday, June 10 – Saturday, June 14, 2025
Location: Dogwood Acres Camp (Chipley, FL)
Adventure Camp (15 to 18)
Dates: Tuesday, June 24 – Sunday, June 29, 2025
Location: Throughout the Florida Keys
“Pee-Wee” Camp (5 to 9)
Dates: Sunday, June 15 – Friday, June 20, 2025
Location: Rotary’s Camp Florida (Brandon, FL)
Camp Winona
Session 1 (Ages 12-14): Sunday, July 20 – Saturday, July 26, 2025
Session 2 (Ages 9-12): Sunday, August 4 – Saturday, August 9, 2025
Location: YMCA Camp Winona (De Leon Springs, FL)
Read about each of our camps below, then submit your camper application today!
Dogwood Acres Camp (Ages 7 to 12)
Dates: Tuesday, June 10 – Saturday, June 14, 2025
Location: Dogwood Acres Camp (Chipley, FL)
Discover our new and improved Panhandle Area Camp for kids aged 7 to 12, set in the beautiful Dogwood Acres, a 457-acre expanse of pristine forests, freshwater streams, and adventure. This five-day camp for campers combines the excitement of outdoor activities with essential diabetes education and care.
Camp life here focuses on connecting children with peers who share similar experiences, making it a special place where they realize they’re not alone in their diabetes journey. Activities, ranging from arts and crafts to swimming to outdoor sports, are designed to show that fun has no limits.
Educationally, we empower our campers with diabetes self-care skills, fostering independence and confidence. Spearheaded by pediatric endocrinologists and supported by a medical team from the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, our camp ensures a medically supervised, nurturing setting. Join us at the Tallahassee Area Camp for a fulfilling experience where nature, adventure, and diabetes education blend seamlessly, paving the way for lifelong memories and friendships.
Get Directions to Dogwood Acres
Located in the heart of the Florida Panhandle between Tallahassee and Pensacola,
Dogwood Acres sits just off of County Road 279 near Vernon, Florida. The nearest commercial airport is Panama City International.
Attention GPS Users: If you are traveling from the North along Hwy 77, please ignore your GPS guidance if it tells you to turn on Mud Hill Rd in Wausau. Continue driving South and allow your GPS to recalculate with the instructions to turn on Hwy 279.
For those traveling along I-10, take Exit 112 (Bonifay/Panama City) and take Hwy 79 towards Vernon. In Vernon, turn left onto CR 279, aka Moss Hill Rd, at the blinking light. Dogwood Acres is 4 miles down on the Left.
From the Southwest, take Hwy 79 North to Vernon. In Vernon turn right onto CR 279, aka Moss Hill Rd, at the blinking light. Dogwood Acres is 4 miles down on the left.
From the Southeast, take Hwy 77 North to the junction of CR 279, aka Moss Hill Rd, at the blinking light. Turn Left, Dogwood Acres is approx. 5 1/2 miles on the Right.
For immediate assistance in locating the camp, call the camp office at (850) 535-2695 or cell (850) 867-2800.
Travel Distances & Driving Times:
From Panama City – 32 miles/45 minutes
From Pensacola – 117 miles/2 hours
From Tallahassee – 106 miles/1 hour 45 minutes
Fun Sports Camp (Ages 15 to 18)
Dates: Sunday, June 8 – Friday, June 13, 2025
Location: Rotary’s Camp Florida (Brandon, FL)
Our Sports Camp, a dynamic six-day program based in Tampa, caters to young athletes aged 15-18, offering an exciting blend of sports, teamwork, and diabetes management education. Campers reside at Rotary’s Camp Florida in Brandon, FL, and travel daily to various Tampa Bay area venues, including high schools, community colleges, and universities, which generously provide their top-notch facilities and coaching staff for our sports clinics and games.
Participants have the opportunity to engage in a wide array of sports, from basketball, volleyball, soccer, and tennis to golf, baseball, water skiing, and more, under the expert guidance of college coaches and certified instructors. Evening activities add to the camp’s allure, with roller skating, bowling, and even a night out at Tropicana Field to watch the Tampa Bay Rays, ensuring the fun never stops.
Teen Sports Camp aims to involve campers in their diabetes management, promoting independence in diabetes care crucial for their transition to college and beyond. Foster enduring friendships and mentorships, encourage a lifelong passion for sports, and nurture the independence needed for future success. Join us for an empowering summer where sportsmanship and health go hand in hand!
Adventure Camp (Ages 15 to 18)
Dates: Tuesday, June 24 – Sunday, June 29, 2025
Location: Throughout the Florida Keys
Get ready for the ultimate Adventure Camp! It’s a whirlwind 5-day extravaganza packed with non-stop action! Campers dive headfirst into all the excitement Florida has to offer, zipping through its scenic trails on bicycles. Each day brings a 10-mile bike ride, exploring the rugged beauty of Florida’s trails and discovering hidden gems like the breathtaking Florida springs. But that’s just the beginning! Adventurers can plunge into the crystal-clear waters for swimming, hop on tubes for a wild ride down the river, or paddle their way through picturesque rivers in canoes. Join a tight-knit group of fellow adventurers and forge friendships that will stand the test of time. If you’re craving excitement and unforgettable experiences, don’t wait—secure your spot today for the adventure of a lifetime!
“Pee-Wee” Camp (Ages 5 to 9)
Dates: Sunday, June 15 – Friday, June 20, 2025
Location: Rotary’s Camp Florida (Brandon, FL)
Welcome to PeeWee Camp at Rotary’s Camp Florida, a magical six-day journey designed for our youngest campers aged 5 to 9. Nestled near Tampa, this camp is a gateway for little adventurers to experience the joy of summer camp, forge lasting friendships, and embrace the great outdoors.
From nature explorations and swimming lessons to creative arts and crafts, each day is packed with experiences that spark curiosity and joy. Evening carnival events and storytelling moments add to the camp’s enchanting atmosphere, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Join us for an enriching experience that combines joy, learning, and personal growth in a nurturing community.
Camp Winona
Session 1 (Ages 12-14): Sunday, July 20 – Saturday, July 26, 2025
Session 2 (Ages 9-12): Sunday, August 4 – Saturday, August 9, 2025
Location: YMCA Camp Winona (De Leon Springs, FL)
Located near the scenic Ocala National Forest in Central Florida, Camp Winona is the home of our largest programs, two week-long overnight camp experiences for ages 9-12 and 12-14. Campers can enjoy swimming, canoeing, fun-yaking, blobbing, and more, fostering teamwork through sports and cabin challenges. Evenings come alive with beach parties, carnivals, dances, and scavenger hunts, making every moment at Camp Winona unforgettable.
Alongside a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, including on-site physicians, nurses, dieticians, and mental health experts, campers learn valuable life skills to take charge of their diabetes care, build independence, and find motivation through deep connections with peers and mentors who understand their journey.
