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What to Expect

We understand that parents and caregivers have a long list of health and safety concerns for their children.

You may be worried about food and nutrition, proper medical care and supplies, and managing diabetes during a week of high-energy activities while away from home. No need to worry. A team of diabetes healthcare professionals at Camp MYDA is on-site to take care of our campers.

The medical team at Camp MYDA:

  • Reviews and adjusts each camper’s diabetes care plan daily-taking into account increased physical activity levels at camp.

  • Monitors and revises, as needed, the number of carbohydrates or insulin based on blood glucose readings and planned activities.

  • Provides information and education through fun, hands-on activities, chat sessions, and taking advantage of “teachable moments.”

 

At Camp MYDA, families will find:

  • Trained and knowledgeable volunteers, including counselors with diabetes

  • An onsite medical team

  • Onsite medical facilities, equipment, and supplies

  • Tailored nutrition program for campers

  • Closely monitored and administered glucose testing, insulin injections, and pump maintenance.

  • Customized activity schedules that accommodate the needs of a child with diabetes

  • Overall, focus on safety while not compromising on FUN!

 

Going to camp for the first time can be exciting at any age. First-time campers usually have a lot of questions. We will provide as much information on the website as possible. If you have additional questions, please contact Tonya Fuhrmann, Camp Director (Tonyaf@mydiabetesalliance.org) with your questions anytime.

 

Getting ready for camp involves some shopping and some packing. Click here to get ideas on what to pack (and what not to pack). 

 

Each camper is part of a cabin community: 

The campers in each cabin are similar in age and/or development level. Our supervising counselors are all age 18 or older. All counselors must provide us with references, undergo state and federal background checks, be interviewed, and participate in training and onsite orientation. Commonly, at least one counselor lives with T1D, and the adjacent counselors often study a medical program. Clinicians are available at every meal, before bedtime snack, and whenever your camper may need an extra check-in. Clinicians monitor blood sugars after bedtime from midnight until all campers are “in range.”

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Camp MYDA does a world of good for children with diabetes. They encourage new activities, ways to work and play with others, and even new foods. Diabetes camp plays an extraordinary role in the growth and development of a child living with diabetes. It’s the one place where a child doesn’t have to explain about diabetes, and it’s the one place a parent can trust that “lows” and “highs” are understood. We hope to provide a week to families knowing their child is supervised by a group of diabetes specialists.

 

Campers can look forward to the following:

  • Fun in the great outdoors while enjoying new and challenging activities

  • Forming a support system of friends that last a lifetime

  • Enjoying camp, knowing that there are people that understand diabetes.

 

Parents can look forward to the following:

  • Physicians and nurses with medical expertise providing around-the-clock supervision

  • Counselors who understand your child’s needs and are strong role models

  • The daily tasks of the diabetes regimen are integrated into the camp’s educational activities

 

Camp Activities:

Activities vary by cabin and age, including swimming, Gaga ball, arts and crafts, a camp-wide dance, and so much more! We also have daily T1D education sessions, practicing counting carbs and making nutrition choices. Evening activities include a fireside talent show, awards, and singing!

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A few other things to consider:

During registration, you must sign and agree to our Technology policy, which includes cell phones.

At Camp MYDA, like all other summer camps, we do not allow the campers free access to their phones. They are used as medical devices only. Campers will not be allowed to call, text, or otherwise communicate with family, friends, or others while at camp. This goes both ways. There are circumstances in which we will allow a camper to call home if they are homesick and we are unable to re-direct; if called, we ask that you, first and foremost, make sure your camper is ok and then re-direct. If you would like an update on your child while at camp, contact the camp director, Tonya Fuhrmann, @ 406-461-2185.

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We understand that many children are addicted to their technology, and we ask that you please communicate with your child about our policy before attending camp. They will NOT be allowed to use their phone for ANY reason other than medically necessary.

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