Camp Too Sweet
Learning to live with diabetes can be challenging, especially for children. Kids don't like feeling different from their peers. We are pleased to offer the Camp Too Sweet program for children ages 8 to 16 who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This week-long summer program teaches young people wi...
About
Camp Too Sweet is back for summer 2026!
Camp dates: July 6 - 10, 2026
Age: 8 - 16
Registration opens: Friday, February 6, 2026
Registration deadline: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
All 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 most importantly, on having fun! Campers interact with other kids just like themselves, who are facing the same challenges, in the beautiful and exciting setting of our residential camp.
Camp Too Sweet is hosted by Camp Bethel, located at 328 Bethel Road in Fincastle, VA, 24090.
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
- Equestrian activities
- Educational sessions on diabetes care
Campers stay in supervised cabins with other children. Tuition for residential camp is $450 and includes all meals, snacks, lodging and activities for the week. Tuition for day camp is $275 and includes lunches, snacks and daytime activities for the week.
Staff
Our camp is staffed by experienced counselors and graduates of outdoor recreation programs. Additionally, Camp Too Sweet is supported by Erica Reynolds, MD, pediatric endocrinologist with Carilion Children’s, who is on-site at the camp. Licensed healthcare professionals monitor the campers' diabetes management 24 hours a day.
Registration
Registration for Camp Too Sweet 2026 opens on Friday, February 6, 2026. Additional information and a link to register will be available at that time.
FAQs
Q: Where is Camp Too Sweet held?
A: Camp Too Sweet is hosted by Camp Bethel which is located in Fincastle, VA.
Camp Bethel
328 Bethel Road
Fincastle, VA 24090
Q: What is the adventure tubing activity?
A: Campers will enjoy a day of relaxing fun tubing on the beautiful and historic James River, just 6 miles from Camp Bethel. The river does the work as campers ride its gentle current over riffles and mini rapids through gorgeous scenery—keeping cool while splashing, swimming and playing. Campers can get creative with their float style or team up with counselors and new friends to build an ultimate tube-blob-flotilla! All tubes, personal flotation devices and leadership included.
River difficulty: Class I (easy)
Q: What is the equestrian activity?
A: Spend time at AP Equestrian center gaining confidence and skills and learning what ‘horse people’ know. This hands-on program for beginners or horse enthusiasts covers horse safety, health and nutrition, grooming and use of equipment so you can tack up and mount for your daily lesson. Long pants and closed-toe shoes required; boots with heel preferred! Helmets, gear and professional leadership provided.
Difficulty: Rated easy-moderate
Contact Us
For more information about Camp Too Sweet, please call Carilion Clinic Diabetes Management at 540-224-4360. Registration deadline is May 6, 2026.
