Teen Retreat

Are you a teen living with type 1 diabetes — or do you know one who is? The DFC Teen Retreat is your chance to connect, learn, and grow in a community that gets it.

October 16–18, 2026

Location:: YMCA Camp Hanes, King, NC
Ages:: Current High School Students

Five people from the Teen Retreat crowded together for a photo on the grass, all grinning, one of them in a colourful propeller hat — Our people

A dozen teens standing in a huddle on the lawn with their hands stacked in the middle, seen from above — Team huddle

Teens painting rocks around a picnic table in the open-sided craft cabin, several of them looking up at the camera — Craft cabin

The whole Teen Retreat group, teens and staff together, posed on the grass in front of the lake in autumn — By the lake

Find Your People. Fuel Your Confidence.

Managing type 1 diabetes as a teen comes with its own unique set of challenges. The DFC Teen Retreat is designed specifically for high school students who are learning to take the reins of their own diabetes care — in a supportive, fun, and judgment-free environment alongside peers and counselors who truly understand.

At the retreat, you’ll:

Discover new ways to manage diabetes on your own terms
Strengthen your confidence and independence
Connect with friends who understand the highs and lows — literally
Grow as a leader by practicing communication, teamwork, and self-advocacy
Leave feeling empowered, supported, and ready to take on anything

The whole Teen Retreat group posed together on the grass beside the lake — The whole crew

Teens crossing a low ropes balance element while the rest of their group spots them — Low ropes

A line of teens holding one long wooden beam together during a team challenge — All together now

A teen in a green climbing helmet and harness giving two thumbs up before a climb — Ready to climb

Teens laughing their way through a game on the lawn — Game on

Teens sitting in a circle on the hillside with the ridge behind them — Hillside circle

Teens performing on a deck strung with lights in the evening while the group watches — Under the lights

Financial information

Cost: $300

Need help with the cost?

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Teen Retreat FAQs

Read all 6 questions

What does the Teen Retreat cost?

The Teen Retreat tuition is $300.

What is the Teen Retreat refund policy?

The Diabetes Family Connection will refund $275.00 of the camper fee ($25.00 non-refundable deposit) for cancellations received in writing 30 days PRIOR to the start of the program. Thereafter, no portion of the camper fee is refundable unless it is for a documented medical reason.

Who can attend the Teen Retreat?

Current high school students. A T1D diagnosis is required.

What should my teen bring?

Check out the packing list included in our Teen Retreat Handbook.

How is diabetes care handled during the retreat?

Teens are supported by a full medical team throughout the weekend to help them monitor and manage their blood sugars. We encourage teens to take an active role in their diabetes management, with medical staff providing guidance, oversight, and support as they build independence and confidence. Cell phones and diabetes technology are used as needed to monitor and manage blood sugars. To give parents a break from the constant oversight of diabetes management, remote sharing features will be turned off during the retreat. Our medical team will be there to support teens, helping them safely manage their diabetes while enjoying time with friends who understand life with T1D.

I didn’t find the answer I was looking for. Who can I contact for more help?

Prefer to call? Reach The DFC at (919) 412-6716.

Help Send a Teen to the Retreat

Your gift helps teens with type 1 diabetes build confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships. Every donation makes a difference.

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