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Camp to Community

A day of diabetes camp in your own neighborhood.

For:
The entire family
Campers:
Ages 5–15
Cost:
$10.00 per family
Location:
See below
Camp FAQs

Next season’s Camp to Community dates are being finalised. Check back soon.

Two campers in matching green Dexcom caps standing arm in arm in the lodge, both grinning at the camera
New friends
A camper wearing a foil crown and a paper costume she decorated herself, smiling in the craft lodge with DFC staff behind her
Camp crafts
A younger camper in sunglasses and a costume of foil and tape, standing by the craft tables under the lodge string lights
Suited up
A wide circle of campers sitting cross-legged on the grass of a sports field on a clear spring day
Circle up
Campers lined up on the grass watching the games, the youngest in a green Dexcom cap holding a drink
On the sideline
A DFC volunteer with both arms in the air, cheering beside the football team on the field
Our loudest fans

Connect. Learn. Belong.

Living with T1D can feel isolating, but families don’t have to navigate it alone. Camp to Community brings the spirit of camp to families for one day filled with fun, learning, connection, and belonging.

In just one day, children and families can:

  • Build confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills
  • Learn from peers and diabetes care professionals, many of whom live with T1D themselves
  • Connect with local resources and experts
  • Share experiences with families who truly understand
  • Make new friendships and find their people

One day. New confidence. Lasting community.

What the Day Looks Like

You’re among people who get it.

From the moment you arrive, you’re surrounded by people who don’t flinch at a CGM beep or wonder why you keep checking your phone. We meet your family where you are and support you every step of the way.

Children and a volunteer running across the field together during a Camp to Community game
Two campers laughing, one giving the other a piggyback ride by the lake at a Camp to Community day
Caregivers and volunteers standing together on a wooden footbridge at a Camp to Community day

For campers

A full day of camp fun—field games, arts & crafts, camp songs, new friends, and PMA—with opportunities to build confidence, independence, and leadership along the way.

For caregivers

A chance to breathe, connect, and learn. Hear from experts and other caregivers who understand the everyday realities of T1D. Leave with new ideas to try, people to call, and a little more PMA.

One day. A whole lot of camp. And a community that gets it.

Dates & Locations

Next season’s Camp to Community dates are being finalised. Check back soon.

Cost: $10.00 per family.

Getting registered

  1. Choose a location and datePick the Camp to Community event that works for your family from the dates above.
  2. You registerFill out the registration form online. One $10.00 fee covers your whole family—caregivers and siblings included.
  3. Find your peopleBuild connections through a shared adventure and watch your community grow!

What families say

A camper and two caregivers smiling together at a Camp to Community event

At the Hickory Camp to Community event, our son met other kids who also had type 1 diabetes. He walked into that event feeling different and alone. He walked out knowing he belonged.

What I wasn’t expecting was how much the day would change me, too.

My wife and I benefited just as much, if not more, than our son did. After nearly a year of navigating this life-changing diagnosis, sitting in a room full of families who truly understood what we had been living through was incredibly healing. For the first time, we felt seen, understood, and validated. It was the medicine we didn’t even know we needed.

Since that day, our entire outlook on diabetes has changed. Our confidence has grown, our fear has lessened, and our hope has returned.

The Patrick family
Two caregivers and their two children standing together at a Camp to Community event, the younger child wearing a green DFC bandana

As parents, we loved being able to share difficult things and also see what we can celebrate. We appreciated the reminder to turn things into a more positive situation. It was nice to listen, pay attention, and know our children were in good hands for the day. Our kids had a wonderful time and loved being around other children with T1D.

Boone C2C family, 2025

Camp to Community FAQs

Read all 13 questions
Do I have to be new to T1D or The DFC to attend a Camp to Community Event?

No! We love seeing all our T1D friends at any stage, age, or experience level. We want to see you all!

Why should I attend a Camp to Community Event?

Discover the joy of community at a Diabetes Family Connection’s Camp to Community event! When was the last time diabetes made you feel included? Imagine a day where you can share these experiences with people who “get it!” Join The DFC and become part of a community dedicated to transforming life with diabetes through optimism, teachable moments, and connection.

What is the cost of attending a Camp to Community event?

There is a $10.00 registration fee per family. Scholarships are available. Please contact The DFC for more information.

What is a typical Camp to Community schedule?
  • 8:30 am – Camper check-in & drop-off (breakfast not provided)
  • 9:30 am – Caregiver coffee & welcome; campers grouped by age for “get to know you” games
  • 10:00 am – Caregiver workshop; activity rotations (field games, Neato Repeato, rubber chicken tag)
  • 11:00 am – “PMA. What is that?”, arts & crafts, Find Someone Who
  • Noon – Lunch (gluten-free & vegetarian options)
  • 1:00 pm – Activity rotations; Ask the Expert panel & resources session for caregivers
  • 3:00 pm – Closing ceremony & sharing
Who takes care of the children at Camp to Community Events?

The DFC has a highly trained staff, many of whom live with T1D. Our counselors and medical counselors are all experts in T1D management, excited to help your child manage T1D, have fun, and enjoy a day of community connection and PMA.

What should I bring to Camp to Community?

It is essential that the person living with T1D bring all their supplies: a fully charged pump, insulin, an extra site, an extra CGM, a glucometer, and strips. For safety, the DFC supplies all lancing devices, pen needles, and syringes if necessary. Also bring a refillable water bottle, dress in layers, and bring rain gear if needed!

What if my child has never been away from me – EVER?

This is an excellent opportunity to try it in a safe environment! Camp to Community is a perfect place to build confidence and practice advocating while having support. We can’t wait to celebrate this accomplishment with you!

Can siblings attend Camp to Community Events?

YES, we would love to have your whole family join us! The camp experience starts at age 5; if you have younger children, please contact us for options.

What do caregivers do at Camp to Community Events?

Caregivers share their T1D experience with others who attend. The discussion is facilitated by a DFC staff member or volunteer with expertise in caring for children with T1D, ensuring attendees leave with resources and a supportive network of T1D friends.

Are the caregiver sessions sad and overwhelming?

NO — there may be emotional moments depending on where you are on your T1D journey, but the sessions are fun, interactive, and give you new perspective, skills, and coping techniques to try with those you love.

How can I become a Camp to Community Sponsor?

Please reach out to us to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

Why is The DFC adding Camp to Community programs?

Our mission is to positively transform the lives of people living with type 1 diabetes through the power of community. We began with small family retreats in Western North Carolina, expanded to Camp Morris — now the largest residential T1D camp in NC — and added teen retreats. In 2023, communities beyond the metro areas asked for access to diabetes camps, so we created Camp to Community to bring camp experiences and support to families across North Carolina.

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.