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 Registration
To Apply for Camp:
Download and complete the camper forms (application and behavioral agreement).
Have your physician complete the physical form.
Mail completed camper forms, physical form, copy of health insurance card, and immunization record with payment to: SCYDA P.O. Box 85 Heath Springs, SC 29058
Call Traci Scott at (803) 804-4978 to confirm receipt or for questions.
Applications must be printed and mailed with payment. Incomplete applications will not hold a slot.
Cost of camp is $99 for diabetic campers and $250 for non-diabetic campers.
As a camper, you will receive a welcome letter two weeks before the start of camp.
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Included in Camp Registration
4 Nights lodging
All meals and snacks
Insulin (all types)
Fingerstick supplies
Camp t-shirt
All activities
24/7 medical care from diabetic experts
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Lifelong friendships and the support of other children living with type 1
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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 or to text 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.
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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.
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).
Volunteer as CSE Staff
Counselor or Medical Staff
General Qualifications:
Enjoy working with children/teens
Pass a background check
Be able to provide references
Counselor 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 is strongly encouraged to have the COVID-19 vaccination.
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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: 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.
We check sugars on every camper between midnight-2am each night to ensure optimal safety.
Counselor
Live in cabin with campers, serving as their leader & 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!
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!
Contact CSE
P.O. Box 85 Heath Springs, SC 29058
803-804-4978