Mission Statement: To improve the lives of children with insulin-dependent diabetes through education, recreation, and support programs which inspire and empower.
“This is the one place I feel NORMAL and I love it!”
The Barton Center for Diabetes Education, Inc. is one of the largest, independent camping and educational programs in the country dedicated to children who live with diabetes and the people who care for them. The Barton Center is a year-round camp, retreat, and conference center where learning and shared experiences combine to support and motivate children and families. More than 2,000 children and their families participate in our programs annually, including the Clara Barton Resident Camp for girls, Camp Joslin for boys, Vermont Overnight Camp, coed Adventure Programs, Family Programs, and coed Day Camps in New York and Massachusetts. The Barton Center for Diabetes Education, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.
The focus of our programs is fun and support; the goal is to educate children and their families on how to manage the daily rigors of diabetes, so they can live fuller and healthier lives.
We collaborate on programs with a number of major medical centers, including UMass Memorial Health Care, Diabetes Research Institute, Joslin Diabetes Center, American Diabetes Association, and many others.
Barton’s diabetes team consists of experienced endocrinologists, nurse educators, dietitians, mental health professionals, and well-trained counselors – many of whom have diabetes themselves and serve as role models.
The Barton Center’s commitment to excellence is underscored by its consistent high marks from accreditation and licensing organizations and, more importantly, from the children and families served. The Barton Center’s main campus in North Oxford, Massachusetts, is located on the scenic grounds of the historic Clara Barton Birthplace and consists of modern facilities with access to over 200 acres of woodlands and fields. Camp Joslin, a program owned and operated by The Barton Center, is located just three miles away in nearby Charlton on 145 acres of forest and sports fields surrounding a scenic 20-acre pond. The Barton Center complies with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, is licensed by local boards of health, and is accredited by the American Camp Association.
