Family Retreat

The DFC Family Retreat is one of our most loved annual events — a special weekend where families of children living with type 1 diabetes come together to share the camp experience, strengthen bonds, and find community that lasts long after the retreat ends.

October 16–18, 2026

Location:: YMCA Camp Hanes, King, NC
Ages:: EVERYONE! From infants to grandparents.

Five members of one family, from a young child to a grandfather, standing together on the camp lawn at the Family Retreat — Three generations

An adult and two children in orange life jackets at the lakefront, with rows of jackets hanging on the rack behind them — Life jackets on

Two parents sitting together on a bench in the open-sided pavilion, sunlit woods behind them — A minute to sit

Two girls painting rocks at a picnic table in the craft cabin, a plate of purple paint between them — Painting rocks

A boy giving two thumbs up at the evening gathering under the string lights, glow goggles pushed up on his forehead — Under the lights

A young girl holding a glowing rainbow hoop above her head on the pavilion after dark — Glow night

Connect, Learn & Grow Together

This retreat is for the whole family — parents, siblings, and even grandparents. It’s a chance to step away from the day-to-day, connect with others who truly understand, and make memories that remind you that you’re not alone on this journey.

While kids dive into fun camp-style activities with our trained volunteer counselors and connect with peers who share their experiences, parents and caregivers take part in sessions designed just for them — filled with learning, laughter, and conversations that build lasting support and friendship. Together, families join in special activities that create powerful shared moments of joy and connection. Your family bunks together, in a cabin shared with other retreat families.

You’ll leave refreshed, encouraged, and part of a community that feels like family.

A smiling boy in an orange life jacket paddling a green canoe on the lake at the Family Retreat — The Guy family

Retreat Activity Details

Family retreat attendees take a minute to relax together and enjoy the lake.

For Kids

Kids will be assigned to groups according to their grade in school. Under the supervision of counselors trained in diabetes management (most of whom are living with type 1 diabetes themselves), kids groups will rotate through multiple age-appropriate activities such as: zip lining; arts & crafts; a climbing tower; nature hikes; canoeing; sports & games, and more.

For Adults

Adults take part in education sessions pitched at every experience level, from a brand-new diagnosis to years of managing diabetes. Topics include: diabetes technology (pumps; CGMs; artificial pancreas); beginner basics (carb counting; sick-day plans; understanding ketones); family dynamics, mindset and self-care; navigating the school system; building positive relationships with teachers and coaches, and more.

For Everyone

There will be multiple opportunities throughout the weekend for participants to partake in various activities together as a family. Additionally, all meals will be eaten together as an entire community.

Families share comfortable cabin accommodation with full restrooms, showers, heating, and air conditioning — everything you need for a relaxed and meaningful weekend away.

Join us for the Family Retreat — where connection grows, support strengthens, and memories are made.

Getting registered

Registration opensRegistration for the 2026 retreat is open. Register your family through CampInTouch.
You registerYou’ll fill out one registration form for your family online.
We confirm your spotThe DFC will confirm your family’s enrollment. All retreat forms are then due on or before September 15.

Financial information

Cost: $225.00 (Children under 3 are free)

Need help with the cost?

Fundraise your fee Scholarships

Family Retreat FAQs

Read all 6 questions

What is included in the $225.00 cost?

Tuition covers food, lodging and activities for the retreat. Tuition is charged on a per person basis.

What is the Family Retreat refund policy?

The Diabetes Family Connection will refund $200.00 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.

Does the whole family need to attend?

Any and all family members are welcome at the Family Retreat.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

Families share comfortable cabin accommodation with full restrooms, showers, heating, and air conditioning — everything you need for a relaxed and meaningful weekend away.

Is medical staff on site for the weekend?

Yes! A full medical staff is on-site throughout the day while campers and caregivers participate in separate activities. Medical staff stay with the campers to provide support, guidance, and assistance with diabetes management, allowing caregivers time to connect with other adults who understand life with T1D.

During Family Retreat, caregivers are responsible for dosing insulin for their child’s meals and managing blood sugars during the evening while families are together in their cabins after the day’s programming has ended. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where children can build confidence and independence while caregivers enjoy opportunities to recharge, connect, and feel supported by their DFC community.

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 Make Retreats Like This Possible

Your gift helps families living with type 1 diabetes connect, learn, and grow together.

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