Camp Sweet Escape
Until there's a cure, there's Camp Sweet Escape!
Here at Camp Sweet Escape, we are driven by a single goal; to improve the lives of the youth in the southeast who are living, and dealing with, the challenges of type 1 diabetes. The South Carolina Youth Diabetes Association (SCYDA) was created by a group of like-minded individuals who saw the need for additional medically-driven camping opportunities for children with diabetes. Camp Sweet Escape was created to be both adventurous and medically safe. Summers are made for Camp Sweet Escape.
Camp Registration
We are excited that Camp La Vida in Winnsboro, South Carolina has invited Camp Sweet Escape to use their beautiful grounds. Dates for 2024 will run from 7/28 until 8/1. We are delighted to announce that with the generosity of donors and fundraising we have been able to decrease the cost of camp by half. The cost of Camp Sweet Escape for 2024 is $250 per camper, regardless of diabetic status. We will not be able to “hold” spots as it will be a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper spot will be reserved when the completed application and payment are received. Applications will be available in January. We look forward to seeing everyone again to celebrate out tenth year!
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Download the physical form.
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Have your physician complete the physical form.
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Click on "Camper Application" link.
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Complete entire form and upload photos of scanned copies of pertinent documents (physical form, immunization record, behavioral agreement, health insurance card, and La Vida release form). All forms must be uploaded to submit application.
- Upon approval of application, an email will be sent with payment information, complete payment within 24 hours.
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Once payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email.
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Come to camp, have fun, and build memories.
Steps to Apply
There are several scholarships available. The scholarships will be distributed based on need which will be verified. The last day to apply is May 1, 2024.
Email SCYDA4life@gmail.com for the application process.
Included in Camp Registration
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4 Nights lodging
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All meals and snacks
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Insulin (all types)
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Fingerstick supplies
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Camp t-shirt
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All activities
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24/7 medical care from diabetic experts
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Lifelong friendships and the support of other children living with type 1
What's not Included is linens, home prescription medications, and insulin pump supplies
Common Questions About Camp
Is the food good?
The food is delicious! We have three meals per day, a "refresh time" in the afternoon, and a bedtime snack.
Can I bring my cell phone/iPod/iPad?
The safety and privacy of our campers is paramount. Therefore, we restrict the use of these items.
Campers will not be allowed to use these while at camp.
Can I stay in the same cabin with my friend?
We make every effort to accommodate friend requests. Campers are grouped by gender and age/grade level.
Is there a TV at camp?
No, besides we will be having too much fun to watch TV. However, we do have movies for a rainy day.
Do we sleep outside?
No. We sleep inside in very comfortable accommodations, with air conditioning.
T1D Management at Camp
How often will my child's blood sugar be checked?
Finger stick glucose checks are before meals, at bedtime snack, at midnight, and any other time campers need extra glucose checks. The entire team monitors blood sugars to make sure they are in a safe range. The medical staff checks sugars on every camper between midnight-2am each night to ensure optimal safety.
Do I need to send a glucometer, insulin, or pump supplies?
You do not need to send a glucometer or insulin. We have plenty of glucometers, test strips, and an assortment of insulin. However, because there are so many different pumps, please send enough pump supplies for your child to change his/her site every 2 days, plus an extra change.
How many trained medical staff are at camp?
Our medical director, Dr. Chris Houk, is a pediatric endocrinologist with years of experience operating diabetes camps. In addition to physicians, we also have paramedics, nurses, certified diabetes educators, nurse practitioners, and physician's assistants as part of our medical team. We attach at least one medical team member to each camper group (roughly 10 campers per group).
Will there be medical staff available?
Many of our staff have years of experience with children with diabetes and camping. Our core group of medical team members has a combined total of 75 years of diabetes camping experience!
We aim for a camper to staff ratio of 1 to 3. A licensed medical team member is assigned to each age group of campers. Our camp medical team is available 24 hours a day during camp.
Volunteer as CSE Staff
General Qualifications
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Enjoy working with children and teens
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Pass a background check
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Be able to provide references
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Staff must be approved by the board of trustees
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Medical staff must be licensed to practice in South Carolina and be approved by the CSE Medical Director
Medical Staff
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Assist campers and staff in all aspects of daily camp life
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Monitor blood sugars and assist with carb counting
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Administer insulin and home medications
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Supervise pump site changes
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Provide first aid
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Assist with day-to-day operations of camp
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Have fun
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Complete volunteer application and sign La Vida release
Counselor
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Live in cabin with campers
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Serve as a leader and role model
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Enthusiastically participate in all activities
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Supervise your campers at all activities and programs
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Assist with blood sugar checks and carb counting
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Perform cabin duties as assigned
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Have fun
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Complete volunteer application and sign La Vida release
