Living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) can be hard for a child, but there’s a place where diabetes doesn’t have to make them feel different… at camp!

The Diabetes Education & Camping Association (DECA) provides resources where every child living with T1D can find a place of belonging. They report that 99% of kids who went to camp were able to independently achieve at least one diabetes management skill after attending, including measuring blood sugar levels, rotating sites for injections, and inserting their own pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) devices. After attending a camp, 63% of attendees were also able to solve diabetes management problems on their own and 61% of parents/caregivers saw above-average confidence in campers’ interactions with their peers.

Every child living with T1D deserves to feel like they belong. To find a summer camp that best fits your needs, use DECA’s Find a Camp tool here!

Here are some local highlights:

Colorado

Riding on Insulin empowers, activates, and connects the global diabetes community through shared experience and action sports. Their core programs are ski/snowboard, surf, and mountain bike camps for kids and teens ages 7-17. They are located in Winter Park. Learn more here.

ADA Camp Colorado is a lifeline for children with diabetes to develop the critical skills needed to thrive while managing their diabetes. It’s an overnight camp for children ages 8-17. They are located in Nathrop. Learn more here.

Utah

Riding on Insulin empowers, activates, and connects the global diabetes community through shared experience and action sports. Their core programs are ski/snowboard, surf, and mountain bike camps for kids and teens ages 7-17. They are located in Park City. Learn more here.

REACH (Recreate, Educate, Advocate, and Climb Higher) programs help attendees increase resiliency, foster friendships, and increase diabetes knowledge. Day camps operate year-round and serve toddlers, youth, teens, and their families. They are located in Ogden. Learn more here.

Wyoming

Camp Hope has a philosophy that centers around peer association and the learning of life skills that are not driven by diabetes, but make room for control of diabetes each day. It’s an overnight camp for children ages 7-18. They are located in Casper. Learn more here.

To learn more about DECA and camps all around the country, visit their website here.