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.
Experience CSE
Camp Sweet Escape is in the business of changing and shaping lives. The work we do at our non-profit organization is aimed at providing a holistic approach to solving some of our society’s biggest challenges. We make sure our partners are empowered by creating opportunities for individuals and communities.
Camp Sweet Escape will offer one session for the summer of 2023.
The camp location is at Camp Kinard in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina.
The setting offers adventure in a secure, natural setting while sleeping in air-conditioned cabins.
CSE June 18-22, 2023 in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina
Camp activities include ropes courses, canoeing and paddle boats, swimming, fishing, petting zoo, field sports: bubble ball, archery, color war, and arts and crafts.
Camp Registration
We are pleased to announce the renewal of our relationship with Camp Kinard in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina where we will hold Camp Sweet Escape once again. Dates for 2023 will run from 6/18 until 6/22. We are saddened to inform everyone the cost of Camp Sweet Escape must increase to $499 per camper, regardless of diabetic status. Due to space limitations, we are able to accept the first 84 applicants (42 females and 42 males) with complete forms and payment received. All forms (applications, insurance card, immunization, physician clearance and behavioral contract) will be released in January. We will post the exact date closer to time. We will not be able to “hold” spots as it will be a first-come, first-serve basis. We look forward to seeing everyone again!
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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" on website. Applications available in January.
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Complete entire form and upload photos of scanned copies of pertinent documents (physical, immunizations, and health insurance card).
- Complete payment.
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Your application will be confirmed by email within one week of successful submission.
Steps to Apply
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.
Counselor
Live in cabin with campers
Serve as a leader and role model
Enthusiastically participate in all activities
Maintain a positive, can-do attitude
Supervise your campers at all activities and programs
Assist with blood sugar checks and carb counting
Perform cabin duties as assigned
Have fun
General Qualifications
Enjoy working with children/teens
Pass a background check
Be able to provide references
Staff must be approved by the board of trustees
Medical staff must be licensed to practice in South Carolina and be approved by the CSE Medical Director
Medical Staff
Assist campers and staff in all aspects of daily camp life
Monitor blood sugars and assist with carb counting Administer insulin and home medications
Supervise pump site changes
Provide first aid
Assist with day-to-day operations of camp
Have fun
Volunteer as CSE Staff
