Florida Diabetes Camp welcomes all children with type 1 diabetes to an engaging and safe experience, overseen by dedicated pediatric endocrinologists. Campers are grouped in cabins by age, grade, and gender, with trained counselors providing 24-hour support. Our program combines a variety of land and water activities with age-appropriate diabetes education, ensuring a balance of fun and learning.
At our Weekend Programs, we turn weekends into unforgettable adventures for children with type 1 diabetes and their friends and families. Our diverse range of weekend camps is designed to offer something special for everyone – from first-time campers to teens and entire families. Each program is a unique blend of fun, education, and camaraderie, set in a supportive and nurturing environment. These weekends are more than just a getaway; they’re a chance to learn, grow, and connect with others sharing similar journeys. Join us for a weekend in 2024!
Tampa Area “Bring-a-Friend” Weekend:
Dates: Saturday, April 20 – Sunday 21, 2024
Location: Rotary’s Camp Florida (Brandon, FL)
Our special “Bring a Friend” Weekend invites children aged 5 to 11, especially those new to overnight camping, for a fun-filled introductory experience. This unique weekend allows campers to share the adventure with a friend, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable first-time camp experience. Together, they’ll dive into exciting activities like swimming, various land sports, and creative arts and crafts.
This weekend isn’t just about fun; it’s also an educational journey. Kids with diabetes gain vital self-management skills, while their friends gain insights into the daily life of someone managing diabetes, fostering understanding and empathy. Led by our expert team of pediatric endocrinologists, nurses, dietitians, and mental health professionals, every session is designed to be informative, supportive, and, most importantly, fun!
Additional “Bring a Friend” Weekends TBD
Sam Fuld’s T1D Sports Camp
Dates: February 10th and 11th
Location: Land O’Lakes Recreation Complex in Land O’Lakes, just north of Tampa, FL
Sam Fuld’s T1D Sports Camp allows young athletes ages 8 through 17, along with a sibling or friend to experience different sports taught by trained coaches all of who have T1D.
Campers choose 3 out of 9 possible sports to either learn for the first time or practice their skills during the weekend. Sports available include: baseball/softball, basketball, tennis, soccer, football, dance, cheerleading, and golf.
The program also includes instructions on handling diabetes as an athlete from Pediatric Endocrinologists and athletes and coaches with diabetes, as well as the chance to meet new friends with diabetes.
Teen Weekend
Dates: January 26-28, 2024
Location: YMCA Camp Winona (Near Deland)
Teen Weekend is for youngsters age 12-17, and campers have the option to bring a friend of the same sex and approximate age. This weekend program allows for interactions amongst peer groups, as well as a learning experience for campers without diabetes. Educational sessions relating to “teen issues,” “school issues,” and “How-to-be-a-friend” are led by pediatric endocrinologists, nurses, dieticians and mental health professionals. We understand that networking and the support of a teen’s peers is critical at this age, so we provide fun and interactive activities such as a beach party, luaus, casino night, and a lot of land sports.
Family Weekends
Dates: Friday, October 18 – Sunday, October 20, 2024
Location: Rotary’s Camp Florida (Brandon, FL)
Held at various times and locations throughout the state, these programs allow a family to spend time together while learning to face issues related to diabetes as a unit. Family weekends provide diabetes education, nutrition education, psycho-social support, and a chance for kids, parents, and grandparents to get to know their doctor outside of the hospital setting. Family weekends allow kids with diabetes and their siblings to meet new friends, as well as given their parents the chance to do the same. These events prepare kids for the summer camp experience, and teach the whole family, that together, they can handle diabetes.