Camp1 FAQs

FAQS

  • Session #1 College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

    • Session #1 will be held at the College of DuPage Physical Education Center (PEC) which is located on the Southeast corner of campus and accessible on College Road between Lambert Road and Park Road (53). Enter through Door 1 of Physical Education Center. Parking lot is adjacent to the stadium.

    Session #2 Oakton College, 1600 Golf Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016 

    • Session #2 will be held at the Des Plaines campus of Oakton College. Parking is available in Lot A.

  • Not at all! We absolutely welcome siblings to Camp1. We recognize that they are integral to the success of a family living with T1D, and we celebrate them every single day at Camp!

  • Camp1 is designed for campers ages 5–14, grouped by grade levels (K–1, 2–3, 4–5, and 6–7). Campers ages 13 and 14 are encouraged to attend as Counselors-in-Training (CITs); they will be assigned CIT responsibilities and should register through standard camper registration.

  • Click on “Summer Camp” on the website and follow Steps #1, #2 and #3 to register for Session 1 or Session 2 (or both) beginning in late February 2027.

  • Camp1 offers Caregivers Corner sessions, designed specifically for caregivers, parents, and family members. The session is held from 12:30 – 2:00 pm each day. Discussions are led by a Camp1 volunteer or guest speaker to provide parents and caregivers with a place to connect, share, and learn together.  We know from experience that these connections can turn into lifetime bonds!

About Camp

  • The cost of Camp1 includes 5 days of Day Camp, medical supervision, a Camp1 shirt and swag and family/caregiver sessions.

  • Yes. Thanks to our generous Grant, Sponsors and Donors, Camperships are available for families that request financial assistance. We firmly believe cost should not be the reason your child misses Camp! Financial applications are due by April 20, 2027 and each application will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. You can download the application on the Summer Camp page or email camptype1@hotmail.com.

  • No. Camp1 will not be responsible for any money or valuables that campers bring to camp!

Registration Fee & Financial Assistance

  • This Zoom orientation is strongly encouraged as this is where you will meet your counselors, meet each other and let us get to know you! We also have our Medical Advisor in attendance to answer any questions you may have about T1D management for your Camper!

  • SUPER FUN, flexible, and accommodating! We empower campers to realize they can do anything they set their minds to and show them that T1D never has to hold them back when equipped with the right preparation and support.

    Our Camp1 programming intentionally blends physical activity, social-emotional learning, and resilient coping skills through high-energy games, engaging team challenges, and unforgettable group bonding.

    Check out a sample full daily schedule on our Summer Camp page!

    • Camp Shirt & Proper Footwear: Campers must wear their camp shirt every day, along with comfortable shorts or pants and closed-toe athletic shoes (no sandals, please!).

    • Water Bottle: COD and Oakton have refill stations.

    • Labeled Lunch: A packed lunch with the carbohydrate counts clearly labeled for each item, as well as the total carb count for the meal. Please write your camper’s name on the lunch bag.

    • Morning Snack: A morning snack, also labeled with its carb count.

    • Bags & Diabetes Supplies: Campers may bring their lunch and diabetes supplies in their provided sling bag or bring an additional backpack for extra items. Sling bags will be worn whenever campers leave "home base" in the gym.

  • Campers should bring all diabetes supplies necessary to manage their daily care, packed safely in their bag. Please include:

    • Blood Glucose Monitoring: Meter, test strips, lancets, and alcohol swabs (if applicable), or extra CGMs/sensors and devices.

    • Insulin Delivery Supplies: Insulin pens/syringes or extra pump supplies (pods, reservoirs, infusion sets, and insertion devices).

    • Emergency Supplies: Glucagon / emergency hypoglycemia medication (e.g., Baqsimi or Gvoke).

    Important Notes for Parents:

    • Label Everything: Please ensure all supplies, carrying cases, and bags are clearly labeled with your camper’s first and last name.

    • Low Treatments & Backup Supplies: We keep plenty of low snacks, juices, and industry-provided emergency backup supplies on hand at camp! However, your camper’s personal supplies will always be used first to ensure they stay familiar and comfortable with their own routine.

    • Step 1: Complete the online intake form.

    • Step 2: Register through Eventbrite (Plan on 20 minutes and you will pay here)

    • Step 3: Download and complete the Medical Forms from our website and you either mail, email or have your healthcare provider email to us depending on your comfort level!

    How to submit completed medical forms:

Preparing for Camp1

  • ABSOLUTELY! The medical volunteers and group leaders will be monitoring blood sugars throughout the day. Campers will be asked to share their blood sugar at drop-off, before lunch and certain activities, and as needed throughout the day. 

  • Yes! Camp1 is fully supported by an experienced, dedicated medical tea including endocrinologists, nurses, certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCES), and trained medical volunteers. Our staff monitors blood sugars, assists with carb counting, manages insulins and devices, and provides care throughout the entire camp day so campers can participate safely and confidently and parents and caregivers can take a break!

  • Yes! Parents and caregivers are welcome to follow their camper's CGM and communicate with Camp1 staff throughout the day. However, we strongly encourage parents and caregivers to take these five hours as a much-needed respite and break from daily T1D management—knowing your camper is in wonderful, expert hands!

  • Please consult your child’s endocrinologist or diabetes care team before making any adjustments to pump settings or nutrition plans. Keep in mind that camp’s active schedule, outdoor play, and mental engagement can temporarily alter blood sugar patterns both during the day and overnight!

  • Each camper is responsible for bringing their own packed lunch each day, with their name and carbohydrate counts clearly written on the bag or on a note in a lunchbox.

  • Please indicate any allergies or Celiac disease on your camper’s registration and medical forms, and be sure to inform our medical team during orientation. Additionally, please ensure that all lunches and snacks sent with your camper are strictly allergy-safe for your child.

  • Please list all non-diabetes medications your child takes on their registration and medical forms. While we encourage parents to administer routine non-essential medications outside of camp hours whenever possible, our on-site medical staff can accommodate and administer necessary medications during the day.

Medical Care at Camp1

  • Camp1 offers Caregivers Corner sessions, designed specifically for caregivers, parents, and family members. The session is held from 12:30 – 2:00 pm each day. Discussions are led by a Camp1 volunteer or guest speaker to provide parents and caregivers with a place to connect, share, and learn together.  We know from experience that these connections can turn into lifetime bonds!

  • Camp1 does not allow parents or caregivers to volunteer at Camp1, unless invited as a guest speaker or presenter. We encourage parents and caregivers to use the camp day to attend our Caregiver Corner sessions, or take a much needed break, with the knowledge that campers are in a fun, safe, and medically-supervised environment.

  • You are welcome to observe your camper from a distance, but we kindly ask that parents and caregivers do not participate in camp activities. This helps campers fully immerse themselves in the group environment and build independence with their peers!

  • Yes! We will provide a direct phone number so you can easily reach a Camp1 staff member throughout the day. Please keep in mind that cellular signal can occasionally be spotty inside certain room locations, but rest assured our medical and camp staff are always on-site and present with your camper!

  • Daily pick-up is located at the same site as drop-off. If anyone other than a primary caregiver will be picking up your camper, please notify our team at drop-off that morning. For safety, a valid driver’s license or government ID is required at pick-up for all individuals collecting campers.

Parents & Caregivers