American Diabetes Association Imagine Camp

Amid the ever-changing reality of COVID-19, we have been closely monitoring the developments of this pandemic as it relates to camp. We have consulted Departments of Health, camping partners, medical leadership, and our internal ADA experts. As you know, diabetes summer camp is unique, and it comes with a unique set of challenges under these circumstances. 

Our major points of consideration include:

• Camp is a gathering place of a large group of people on-site at any given time. Our assessment has determined that we will not have enough indicators of containment or control for exposure to COVID-19 before our camps are set to open.
• Camps rely heavily on our medical volunteers. Because of the enormous stress being put on the medical system, doctors, PAs, RDs, and nurses are necessarily focused elsewhere. As a result, many are likely to be unavailable or severely limited during the camp season.
• ADA also relies heavily on donations of medical supplies. Basic supplies (like exam gloves, cleaners, alcohol swabs, and syringes) are in high demand, and our concern is that they won’t be available to us.

We have made the very difficult decision to not bring campers, volunteers, and staff to American Diabetes Association Camps in the summer of 2020. The amount of time, energy and dedication you have committed to planning is beyond appreciated. 

The health and well-being of all is our highest priority. As news changes daily and all our lives continue to be significantly impacted by current measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19, we know that it is in the best interest of the communities we serve to not bring people together at a physical camp.

While there is no way we can replace being at camp, we are excited to invite all families to ADA Imagine Camp, an alternative virtual summer camp experience including

• small group and all camp interactive online discussions with the camp counselors you know and love,
• a customized series of camp boxes complete with an ADA Camp Shirt, ready-to-go activities and so much more,
• a summer-long speaker series hosted by Rob Howe of Diabetics Doing Things,
• age-appropriate diabetes education and games to enhance knowledge and confidence.

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We know that this will pass, and when it does, we will be ready to continue providing the traditional programs you know and love. We have the latest resources, information and updates on COVID-19 at diabetes.org, across all social media channels, and at 1-800-DIABETES. Please also be aware of insulinhelp.org for anyone who may be struggling financially and in need of support. And find us on Facebook: Because of Camps for Kids with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) to connect with camp families and camp staff across the country.

In the meantime, we are grateful for the time and commitment that many of you have given to our programs.  Thank you for making a difference for these campers!