Diabetes Camps Victoria
Each year Diabetes Camps Victoria runs camps for children with type 1 diabetes.
Diabetes Camps Victoria is a consortium made up of Diabetes Victoria, Royal Children’s Hospital and Monash Children’s Hospital.
Can you help?
*Diabetes camps are a life-changing experience for children living with type 1, and we want to deliver them to as many young people as possible. While there is growing demand for overnight camps from our community, the pool of funds is limited. Can you help? DONATE TODAY.
Why diabetes camps?Diabetes Camps Victoria offers an invaluable experience for children with type 1 diabetes. This specialised camp provides a safe and supportive environment where kids can learn, grow, and connect with others facing similar challenges. With medical staff well-versed in diabetes management, children can explore various activities while receiving personalised care, ensuring their health needs are met.
Attending camps empowers children to manage their condition independently, building crucial life skills early on. They gain a sense of camaraderie, bonding with peers who understand their daily struggles, fostering a strong support network that lasts beyond the camp. Diabetes Camps Victoria combines traditional camp fun with tailored educational sessions that teach kids about nutrition, insulin management, and self-care, enhancing their confidence in handling their health.
Furthermore, the camp experience boosts self-esteem, as children accomplish new feats and overcome obstacles, proving that diabetes doesn't limit their potential. In this nurturing setting, they can focus on personal growth, all while forming cherished memories.
Key benefits of camps include:
- Experience independence through adventure
- Meet and share experiences with other children and adult volunteers living with type 1 diabetes
- Create a long-lasting peer support network
- Supervision and support from a dedicated team of health professionals and volunteers in a safe environment
- Increase skills and awareness in managing type 1 diabetes in a relaxed setting.
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Who else will be on camps?
Camp doctor
The camp doctor participates in activities during the day and is ‘on call’if needed overnight. A paediatric endocrinologist is also ‘on call’ for the duration of camp.
2-3 Lead Diabetes Nurse Educators (DNE)
The DNEs are around to coordinate the smooth-running of the camp.
Additional Colour Group DNEs
Colour group DNEs supervise or administer insulin, administer any extra medication needed and generally oversee the day-to-day diabetes management of campers.
*Recently graduated DNEs (or student DNEs) are invited to apply as supernumerary DNEs (1-2 per camp) as volunteers.
Night shift DNE/s
We all know diabetes doesn't rest. This team of DNEswork overnight to ensure camper follow-up is attended to. (Junior, Senior & Teenage camps)
Wellbeing Coordinator
There is always support on hand with a psychology/counselling/social work background present on camp to support all attendees as needed.
Lead dietitian
The lead dietitian ensures that the camp menu is plannedaccording to appropriate guidelines. The dietitian also providesdietary guidance and support throughout camp along with carbohydrate counting.
Dietitian assistants
The assistants help the lead dietitian in everyday meal planning and preparation.*The dietitian assistant must be studying a Master of Dietetics, or have completed study as a dietitian.
Recreation Leaders
Our recreation leaders are volunteers who support and participate in activities with campers for the duration of camp. Many of our volunteers have type 1 diabetes, and went on camp as campers!
IMPORTANT
All medical staff must hold a Victorian Working with Children (WWC) Check and a Police Check
There is a tax-deductable fee for applying for a Working with Children Check (employee card).
For more information go to the Working with Children Check website.
2024 camps
*Unfortunately, our Teenage Camp and Day Activities are not confirmed at this time. Please continue to submit an expression of interest for these camps to help us gauge interest. You can donate and help Diabetes Camps Victoria camps. | Camps | Age Group | Dates | Locations | Cost |
| Junior Camp | 9-11 year olds | 5 - 7 April 2024 | Arrabri Lodge, Warburton | $210 |
| Senior Camp | 12-14 year olds | September school holidays 2024 | Camp Manyung, Mt Eliza | $210 |
| Family Camp | 5-8 year olds
(plus one parent/guardian) | November 2024 | YMCA Anglesea | $210 |
| Teenage Camp | 15-17 year olds | TBC* | TBC | TBC |
| Teen Day Activity | 12-17 year olds | TBC* | TBC | Free |
| Family Day Activity | 5-11 year olds + family | TBC* | TBC | Free |
Diabetes Camps Victoria understands that some families may find it difficult to afford activities such as camps. We offer financial assistance to help with the costs associated with attending a Diabetes Camps Victoria camp if required.
Please note: it is a current requirement that all camp attendees are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. This includes all children 5 years and upwards, and parents attending Family Camp. The same requirement applies to all volunteers and medical staff attending camps. | |
Expressions of Interest for 2024 camps are now open, and will close Saturday 30 September 2023.
Families will be notified mid-November about the outcome of their Expression of Interest.
If you missed the cut off date, please contact camp@diabetesvic.org.au to submit an Expression of Interest for a 2024 camps and join the wait list. |
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If you're passionate about type 1 education and awareness, we need you! Every dollar donated towards Diabetes Victoria Camps means we can continue empowering children to administer their own insulin, advocate for themselves and others, build forever-friendships and support families going through lifechanging diagnosis and life-long challenges.
These camps really do change lives and you can too. DONATE TODAY! |  |
Policy documents
Diabetes Camps Victoria complies with the following policies and procedures:
Got any questions about Camps? Get in contact with us:
camps@diabetesvic.org.au
Got any questions about Camps? Get in contact with us:
camps@diabetesvic.org.au  | The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is an initiative of the Australian Government and is administered by Diabetes Australia. The NDSS agent in Victoria is Diabetes Victoria. Find out more about the NDSS at ndss.com.au, the NDSS Privacy Policy or call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700. |
