Take Charge Family Camp
A Fun, Supportive, and Empowering Environment for Youth Living with Type 1 Diabetes and Their Families
Take Charge Family Camp Dates: July 22 - July 23, 2023
Take Charge Family Camp offers youth living with diabetes the opportunity to attend an overnight camp with their families! Families have the chance to have fun while learning diabetes management in a supportive environment.
The goal of Take Charge Family Camp is to reduce the social isolation that is often associated with this condition and increase knowledge and understanding of diabetes. The camp provides opportunities for youth and their families to work with professional staff and become more confident advocates and managers of their condition. Parents can feel comfortable that they are learning from trained and experienced doctors, nurses, diabetes educators, pump specialists, and healthcare professionals who are experts in the field. Take Charge Family Camp was developed by Brainy Camps in conjunction with the Comprehensive Diabetes Program of Children’s National Health System.
Condition-specific camps have proven to be an effective way for children to learn more about their conditions and to develop adaptive behaviors. Family camps allow parents to connect with other families who are experiencing similar issues and form support networks that survive long after the end of camp. Families learn from each other and are offered hope for the future. They gain a better understanding of the condition, their strengths and their ability to handle what lies ahead.
The cost of Take Charge Family Camp is $150 for all participants 6 years old and older; $75 for all participants 5 years old and younger. At least one (1) legal guardian must attend with their child. Need-based scholarships are available and payment plans can be arranged. Don't hesitate to get in touch with Brainy Camps at BrainyCamps@childrensnational.org for more information.
Camper Testimonials
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Maya
Name: Maya
Cabin: C-2
Age: 12How long have you had diabetes? 2 ½ years
Is this your first time going to diabetes camp? If not, what other camp have you gone to and for how many years? Yes, it is my first time.
What was your favorite activity at camp so far? The slip ‘n slide
What is the best part about being at a camp with other kids with diabetes? You are not alone.
If you could describe Camp Take Charge of Diabetes to someone who hasn’t gone to camp before, how would you describe it? You have fun and learn at the same time.
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Alex
Name: Alex
Cabin: B-2
Age: 13How long have you had diabetes? 9 years
Is this your first time going to diabetes camp? If not, what other camp have you gone to and for how many years? No, I went to Lions Camp Merrick for two years.
What was your favorite activity at camp so far? Archery
What is the best part about being at a camp with other kids with diabetes? I made new friends.
Have you learned anything new about diabetes? I learned how to count carbs.
If you could describe Camp Take Charge of Diabetes to someone who hasn’t gone to camp before, how would you describe it? Awesome and so much fun.
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Millie
Name: Millie
Cabin: C-3
Age: 14How long have you had diabetes? 3 ½ years
Is this your first time going to diabetes camp? If not, what other camp have you gone to and for how many years? Yes, it is my first time.
What was your favorite activity at camp so far? Pottery
What is the best part about being at a camp with other kids with diabetes? I don’t have to hide the fact that I have diabetes and I can do shots out in the open.
If you could describe Camp Take Charge of Diabetes to someone who hasn’t gone to camp before, how would you describe it? Fun, active, welcoming, nice people.
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Jacob
Name: Jacob
Cabin: B-2
Age: 12How long have you had diabetes? 10 years
Is this your first time going to diabetes camp? If not, what other camp have you gone to and for how many years? No, I went to Huronda in Toronto, but I was so fed up with the bad medical staff that I left after 2 days.
What was your favorite activity at camp so far? Dance party
What is the best part about being at a camp with other kids with diabetes? It’s like you are not the only one in the world.
If you could describe Camp Take Charge of Diabetes to someone who hasn’t gone to camp before, how would you describe it? Awesome activities, great staff, and if 4 days was this awesome, it should be more than twice as awesome next year.
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Courtney
Name: Courtney
Cabin: C-4
Age: 14How long have you had diabetes? 9 years
Is this your first time going to diabetes camp? If not, what other camp have you gone to and for how many years? No, I went to Lions Camp Merrick/ Camp Glyndon for two years.
What was your favorite activity at camp so far? The slip ‘n slide
What is the best part about being at a camp with other kids with diabetes? It’s not weird to test your blood sugar.
If you could describe Camp Take Charge of Diabetes to someone who hasn’t gone to camp before, how would you describe it? Normal campy things except it’s not weird to stop because you’re “high” or “low”
