The medical program is designed to teach self-management skills that empower youth with Type 1 diabetes to live longer, healthier lives. All cabins are fully enclosed and accommodate 8 to 11 youth, along with a trained counselor. Our teen summer sessions are exclusively for teens living with Type 1 diabetes, while our youth sessions welcome friends and siblings aged 7–12 to attend as well.

Each session is led by a physician experienced in working with children and young adults with Type 1 diabetes, supported by a team of physicians and nurses. With the guidance of the medical staff, campers are encouraged to take an active role in managing their own diabetes care. Many campers leave with valuable skills, such as administering insulin injections, managing diabetes during special occasions, trying an insulin pump, and understanding the importance of diet and exercise in maintaining overall health.

Every year, more than 800 campers and their families come together to share a week of summer fun, making memories that last a lifetime.

Diabetes is constant—children must manage it all day and all night and it never goes away. We know children with diabetes and their families walk a tightrope, keeping blood glucose (blood sugar) levels not too low and not too high.

Camp can be an equalizer. Surrounded by peers who understand what it's like to live with diabetes, campers can share their fears and frustrations at the same time they celebrate milestones or "firsts." Maybe it's the first time they inject insulin or change a pump site without any help. Those moments don't go unnoticed; campers will often hear their name at morning announcements showcasing these firsts, followed by clapping and cheers.

Our Camp days are a mix of cabin-group based activities and free-choice periods. Younger children spend the majority of the time with their cabin-mates while older campers have a greater amount of choice in their activities, although they are supervised at all times. Campers report that while they enjoy the activities, they particularly value the chance to get to know other kids with diabetes. Watching other campers check their blood sugars, take their insulin, deal with high and low blood sugars and talking with them about how they handle their diabetes in terms of school, athletics, peers and families are some of the most powerful learning opportunities which occur during camp.

Take a look at some of the testimonials from our past Campers:

Transportation to and from Camp is provided for all youth and teen sessions free of charge. We do not allow any camper drop offs at Camp for our summer teen an youth sessions.

The bus stop is at the Don Day Neighborhood Center located at 14501 Live Oak Avenue Fontana, CA 92337. This is located near the intersection of Interstates 10 and 15.

*Families must provide their own transportation for all Family Camp sessions.

Because Type 1 diabetes is a condition impacting the entire family, our program enables families to learn about diabetes and share common experiences with other families in a fun and supportive environment. Our top notch program includes workshops on diabetes, parenting issues for adults, stress management, and activities for the whole family.

There is on-site Medical Staff throughout the entire session. All meals and snacks are carefully planned and provided. Family camps begin at lunch, run for three (3) nights, and conclude after breakfast on the final day. Generally, approximately two families, depending on each of their sizes, share a cabin during family camps.

Going away for the first time to a sleep-away camp can be challenging for any child. It is even more challenging for a child with diabetes. To assist in helping the parent and child adjust to the experiences at Camp Conrad Chinnock, a Transition Family Camp is available for children 7 to 12 years old and their families. Transition Family Camp immediately precedes "The first Youth Session" for the same age group. It begins Saturday morning and ends after breakfast on Monday. The Youth Session begins the same day as the Transition Family Camp ends. Ideally, the child with diabetes will stay for the Youth Session if the child, parent(s), and camp staff feel it is suitable for the child.

As with the other family camps, families will share a cabin. For activities, meals, snacks, and events, the children with diabetes will be in "cabin" groups by age with a cabin counselor. This cabin counselor ideally would be the same counselor the child would have during their Youth Session. This unique opportunity enables the child and family to understand how diabetes is managed at camp, the activities available, and develop a relationship with cabin counselors and staff.

The weekend may even offer a sleep-over in the game lodge with cabin counselors! Parents are able to sleep in the cabin while the child with diabetes is under the watchful eye of the cabin counselor and camp staff. Camp staff even take care of testing blood sugars in the middle of the night and before breakfast!

When registering for this session, please also sign-up the child with diabetes in "The first Youth Session". If after attending the Transition Family Camp the child is not suitable, the family can cancel registration without penalty.

The Leadership Training Program is open to teenagers ages 17 to 19, with or without diabetes, has an application process. Qualifications we look for in our counselors in training are teens that can demonstrate a level of maturity that enables them to assume responsibility and develop strong leadership skills.

The applicant must demonstrate an interest in camping and show the ability to learn and work with diabetic children. Being a healthy role-model for children with diabetes is critical!

Young leaders are given an opportunity to learn and explore group dynamics, human development, communications skills, recreational programming, and organization. The objective of this two-year program is to build a strong counseling staff for our program and promote leadership in our communities and at camp.

All first-year applicants complete an application with two reference forms. Responsibilities in the first year will include learning camp operations, developmental needs of children, how to lead a group, and other key components of a camp staff member. You may assist in the kitchen, help at the pool, and work in crafts or the store. Focus will be on basic staff and leadership skills.

Because Type 1 diabetes affects everyone in the family, our program offers families the opportunity to learn about the condition and connect with others in a fun, supportive environment. Our comprehensive program includes workshops on diabetes management, parenting challenges, stress management, and engaging activities for the whole family. Medical staff are on-site throughout the entire session, and all meals and snacks are carefully planned and provided.

Family Winter Camp begins with lunch and runs for three nights, concluding after breakfast on the final day. Typically, two families—depending on their size—share a cabin, each of which has two private sides.

A Quick Glimps:

What happens on the first day of camp?

You will arrive between 11:00a.m. and 12:30p.m. on Saturday. Lunch will be at 1:00p.m. We will have an orientation fol­lowed by family recrea­tion activities, introductions and games, and dinner. After dinner, staff will play a game with the kids while the parents enjoy a social hour with desserts and beverages. The night ends with a fun and en­tertaining campfire and snack.

I still owe camp fees or haven’t paid money for the camp store. Can I bring the money to check-in?

All fees must be paid by 10 days before camp unless alternative ar­rangements have been made through the ad­ministrative office. Con­ tact the office if you have questions regard­ing your balance or store account.

What kind of weather can we expect?

Generally, the tempera­tures are brisk during the day and into the 10s and 20s at night...

Fun in the snow!?!

Camp is at 6,800 feet, so listen to snow reports for the San Bernardino Mountains at or below that level. Temperatures may range between 20 and 50 degrees. For cur­rent weather conditions, go to http://www.bensweather.com

What time do we check -in?

Check-in is between 11:00a.m. and 12:30p.m. and activities begin thereafter.

What time do we leave?

About 10:00a.m. on the last day (Monday).

A family member has special needs. How can they be accommodated?

If a family member needs additional assis­tance, you must notify the administrative office at least two weeks prior to the camp. If the per­ son may only eat certain foods (e.g., celiac, lactose intolerant, etc.), those unique foods will need to be brought to camp; this is coordinated­ with the Food Service Manager. Serious aller­gies, physical limitations, and developmental disa­bilities need prior notifi­cation to ensure they are able to enjoy camp to their potential.

What is the process at check-in?

At check-in, a representa­tive will let you know who you will be sharing a cab­ in with and take your fam­ily on a camp tour if it’s your first time. While at check-in, you can make a deposit for your family's camp store account to pay for a camp photo and oth­er incidentals at the camp store. Check-in occurs in the dining hall. Please park in the parking lot, leave your items in the car, and walk towards the dining hall. Just look for the signs!

More information will be given shortly after you register.

Teen Winter Camp is packed with exciting activities designed to challenge, inspire, and create lasting memories! From team-building challenges and snow sledding to campfires, snowball fights, and games, there’s never a dull moment. Throughout the weekend, teens will engage in meaningful discussions about living with Type 1 diabetes and what it’s like to be a teenager navigating this journey. And, of course, there are plenty of opportunities for fun, relaxation, and personal growth.

All campers must bring their own diabetes supplies and medications, and our medical staff will be on-site to provide support and monitor diabetes management throughout the weekend.

What’s more, campers living with Type 1 diabetes can invite a friend or sibling (without Type 1 diabetes) to join the adventure! The friend or sibling must pay the camp fee and complete the registration process. To room together, the campers must be of the same gender and within one year of age. It’s a great opportunity to share the experience and make unforgettable memories together!

Mission

We are committed to providing a community for adults with Type 1 diabetes to have a shared space through peer support in navigating the impact of managing this lifelong chronic illness.

Vision

Our Adults with Type 1 diabetes group aims to provide each camper the opportunity to increase their circle of support to help manage the daily struggles of Type 1 diabetes. We aim to provide a casual environment with activities that foster community and a learning experience for all.

Values

*Taking care of our own health requires ongoing self-care, support, and relaxation.

*Without community, it would be more difficult to cope with disease fatigue or burnout *By sharing our experiences as adults with Type 1 diabetes we can better support each other and support our own individual journey.

Goals

*To have fun in a safe environment that offers support and validation for adults with Type 1 diabetes.

*To provide an outlet to rest and rejuvenate with peers who experience the same challenges of living with Type 1 diabetes.

*To enhance our circle of support and ongoing education about taking care of type 1 diabetes.

Objectives

*Create a revision of a residential summer camp experience through communal living

*Campers will have opportunities to share their experiences about living with Type 1 diabetes

*Campers will have the opportunity to build ongoing relationships through meaningful shared volunteer activities including Kitchen Patrol, Crafts, or Aquatics; and other recreational events.

*Campers will learn about different ways of managing their type 1 diabetes through unstructured peer interactions.

Enrollment & Membership

While our hope is to connect and find former campers and welcome them back, prior attendance at Camp Conrad Chinnock is not required to participate. In order to register for this weekend retreat you must fit the following at least (1) of the following criteria:

*You are an adult over age 21 with Type 1 diabetes

*You are an adult over age 21 who previously attended or worked at Camp Conrad Chinnock

*You are attending with a friend, parent or partner who has Type 1 diabetes

The cost for this weekend includes (3) three nights of lodging, seven meals, access to the pool, archery, crafts, bikes, campfires, and a hiking excursion. In order to keep this weekend retreat as affordable as possible, we operate with a skeleton crew. If you are interested in volunteering during the weekend, it is both encouraged and appreciated.

Camp Conrad-Chinnock is operated under special use permit with the San Bernardino National Forest. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, Camp Conrad-Chinnock is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). To file a complaint of discrimination: write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.