A diabetes camp is specifically designed for children and sometimes adults with diabetes, focusing on education, support, and management of the condition in a fun and supportive environment.

Key differences between a diabetes camp and a regular camp include:

• Medical Supervision: Diabetes camps have medical staff, including endocrinologists, diabetes educators, and nurses, to monitor and manage campers’ blood sugar levels, administer insulin, and handle any diabetes-related emergencies.
• Education: These camps combine the traditional fun of summer camp with real-life diabetes education, too. A big part of the education comes with simply being surrounded by other campers — this camaraderie alone can do so much for a child’s spirit, empowerment, and determination to keep dealing with T1D.
• Peer Support: Nothing compares to being in a room filled with other kids and teens who know exactly what life is like with T1D. You’re not different at diabetes camp. Instead, you’re surrounded by other kids who have to count carbs, take insulin, treat lows, and correct highs. They get it. 
• Activities: While diabetes camps offer traditional camp activities like swimming, hiking, and arts and crafts, every activity comes with the support and understanding around T1D needs, including: blood sugar management, adjustments for diabetes tech, and plenty of available snacks for lows!
• Dietary Considerations: Meals and snacks at diabetes camps are just as delicious as the food at every other camp — but they come with carbohydrate counts listed at every table!

Regular camps may not have the specialized medical staff or focus on diabetes education and management, making diabetes camps a more supportive environment for individuals with diabetes.