Diabetes Management
Diabetes management at camp requires careful planning and coordination to ensure the safety and well-being of campers with diabetes while allowing them to fully participate in all activities. Barton Camps have trained medical personnel available to supervise diabetes care and provide education to staff and campers about diabetes awareness which includes monitoring blood glucose levels, administering insulin, and recognizing signs of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Structured routines, balanced nutrition, and open communication help campers maintain stable glucose control while enjoying the camp experience. The ultimate goal is to promote independence, confidence, and a sense of normalcy for children managing diabetes.
Protocols
Please reference this letter from our medical directors on our protocols and other important healthcare information!
Supplies
Barton Camps provide all U-100 insulin, blood sugar checking supplies and low treatment supplies (including Glucagon). All you need to pack are insulin pump and CGM supplies! Please include at least 4 changes and chargers!
Independence
Diabetes education is a key factor in living well with diabetes. Diabetes independence at camp focuses on helping campers take greater ownership of their diabetes management in a supportive and safe environment. Camp provides an ideal setting for children and teens to practice important self-care skills—such as checking blood glucose, counting carbohydrates, and administering insulin—with guidance from trained staff and medical professionals. Encouraging independence allows campers to build confidence in their ability to manage diabetes in real-world situations, away from home. At the same time, camp staff remain available to provide supervision, education, and reassurance as needed. Through this balance of support and responsibility, campers learn to trust themselves, make informed decisions, and develop lifelong skills for managing their health—while still enjoying the freedom and fun of the camp experience. Intermingled into the camp schedule are formal diabetes education sessions and “teachable moments.” We offer numerous opportunities to learn about new technologies in the world of diabetes care as well as fun health and wellness activities that aim to leave each young person with improved self-confidence in the management of their diabetes.
Medical Paperwork
State laws mandate that all campers and staff have a current health history and physical exam (within last 12 months) with required immunizations on file. Anyone without these forms submitted at least two (2) weeks prior to arrival will NOT be allowed to participate. We understand there are a lot of required paperwork to participate, and we appreciate your understanding as we make sure every child will have a safe and healthy experience. Please make sure that all required medical documents are returned to the office manager.
Medical Check In
During medical check in, our healthcare staff reviews the campers medical documentation, asks important questions about home diabetes management, and makes insulin administration changes per our protocol. We understand that this can become a lengthy process and we appreciate your patience as each family is given the time they need to understand the changes needed for camp and ask any questions they have. To ensure thorough medical checks, please expect the overall check-in process to be lengthy.
FAQs
What medical supplies should I bring?
We supply most diabetes management supplies; however, we ask families to bring CGM and insulin pump supplies to last the length of time they are with us, plus extra! It is common for pumps and CGMs to come off due to all the activities campers do with us!
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How is blood glucose monitored at camp?
Blood glucose checks are conducted at least 6–7 times each day for each camper, and additionally as needed. These checks are performed before meals, snacks, and physical activities such as swimming, using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and finger sticks.
How does the camp support diabetes independence?
Campers are encouraged to take an active role in managing their diabetes, such as checking blood sugar and calculating insulin doses, with support from staff as needed. This helps build confidence and independence.
How often do campers eat?
Our schedule is structured for all campers to have a meal or snack every three (3) hours.
My child is above 200 mg/dL, will you correct with insulin?
This is a common question we receive. Our protocols are created, by our medical directors and health services director, to promote safety in the camp environment. Generally, campers are not corrected unless it has been three (3) hours or more since their last insulin administration. However, our medical providers can assess the camper and determine the best course of action for the situation.
Do you provide parent education?
