Camp Too Sweet

Carilion Clinic Helps Kids Manage Diabetes at Virginia Camp

Learning to live with diabetes can be challenging, especially for children. Kids don’t like when they feel different from their peers.

We are pleased to offer Camp Too Sweet for children and young adults (ages 8 to 16) who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Camp Too Sweet teaches young people with diabetes the self-management skills that they need to take care of themselves.

All of the campers have diabetes, so children won’t feel alone or different. We provide positive role models to help kids establish healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Camp Too Sweet focuses on helping campers accept their diabetes, teaching them how to live a healthy lifestyle and also, importantly, on having fun! Campers interact with other kids just like themselves, facing the same challenges, in the beautiful and exciting setting of our residential camp.

We partner with Camp Bethel, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and adjoining the Jefferson National Forest. Just 10 miles north of Roanoke, and easily accessible via Interstate-81 and U.S. Route 11, Camp Bethel provides a peaceful sanctuary with 470 acres of hiking trails, ponds, streams, open meadows, forests and rolling hills. Camp Bethel is accredited by the American Camping Association, which sets high standards for quality and camper safety.

Camp Too Sweet operates a week-long summer program for children and young adults (ages 8 to 16) and, because our program has been so successful, we now also offer a spring weekend program for children to attend with their parents and, for teens, a fall weekend program.

Staff

Our camp is staffed by experienced counselors and graduates of outdoor recreation programs. Additionally, Camp Too Sweet is supported by Erica Reynolds, M.D., pediatric endocrinologist with Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital, who is on-site at the camp and by James Bailey III, M.D., endocrinologist with Endocrinology Associates, Inc., who is available on-call during the camp. Licensed healthcare providers monitor the campers’ diabetes management 24 hours per day.

Activities

Camp Too Sweet offers a fun-filled experience that will teach your child skills that will last a lifetime. Activities include:

  • Group games
  • Crafts
  • Music and singing
  • Campfires
  • Swimming
  • Adventure tubing on James River
  • Low-ropes group challenges
  • High-ropes course (campers junior high age and older)
  • Creek exploration
  • Hiking camp trails
  • Polar bear swims
  • Educational sessions on diabetes care

Campers live in supervised cabins with other children. Tuition includes all meals, snacks, lodging and activities for the week.

Registration

Fee per camper of all ages - $380

All camper registration forms and fees must be completed and paid in full by May 10, 2013.

Space is limited. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Parent packets are mailed upon receipt of registration and serve as confirmation for camp.

 

Financial Assistance

To request a scholarship, please check the appropriate space on the camp registration form. Scholarships are funded by the Lion’s Club District 24E and other donors. Funds are need-based and restriction may apply.

Contact Us

For more information about Camp Too Sweet,
please call Carilion Direct at 800-422-8482