Summer camp is a wonderful place for children and adolescents with diabetes to enjoy a “camp experience”. It also allows parents to feel comfortable knowing their child is being taken care of by trained staff and healthcare professionals while away enjoying camp.  This can provide a much needed break for parents with a child who has diabetes.

Whether it is a specialized sports camp or a camp with many different outdoor activities, there are outstanding camps for children and adolescents with diabetes in Ontario.

Diabetes Canada offers a true camping experience while accommodating the needs of campers aged 8-15, with type 1 diabetes. Children and youth aged 8-15 participate in activities that inspire personal growth, encourage team-building and foster an appreciation of the outdoors.

There are three “D Camps” in Ontario that offer one or two week residential camps. Each camp offers different activities such as:

• swimming
• hiking
• canoeing
• ropes course
• climbing wall

• mountain biking
• pottery
• arts and crafts
• out-tripping
• sports

The Diabetes Sports Camp at York University is a camp for children and youth ages 8-16 with type 1 diabetes who participate, or have interest in participating in competitive sports. The campers can choose one sport to specialize in such as tennis, basketball, soccer or multi-sport, which is a combination of many different sports.

Fundamental skills are taught with instruction at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Children and adolescents with diabetes participate in their respective sports alongside children that do not have diabetes and who are at similar age and skill level. This camp is designed to enhance the quality of life for young persons with diabetes through sport, physical activity and physical fitness. Campers are encouraged to share strategies on managing their diabetes during exercise and share their experiences with others that have the same condition. Campers will have access to nursing staff, athletic therapy and clinical exercise physiologists while at camp. Check out the website for more information, click here.

The Dskate Hockey Program is unlike any other hockey camp, as it blends hockey and diabetes, bringing the world of T1D hockey to the forefront and helping encourage success of all athletes living with diabetes. Each Dskate hockey player will receive plenty of Dskate gear and will have the opportunity to learn from the pros, athletes and medical professionals alike. The Dskate Hockey Program is run by NCAA and CIS coaches and offers elite skill development for any skill set. Check out the website for more information, click here.