Elliott P. Joslin Camps for Children with Diabetes

The Elliott P. Joslin Camps for Children with Diabetes combines diabetes education, treatment, and support with recreation, sports, and camping.

History

During a talk in the 1930s, Elliott P. Joslin, M.D. spoke of his dream to develop special camps for children with diabetes that would serve as “islands of safety,” where children could enjoy a vacation while under the care of diabetes specialists. In 1932, he joined with the Association of Universalist Women and opened the Clara Barton Birthplace Camp for girls with diabetes. Seeing the success of this camp, Dr. Joslin convinced the organization to open a boys camp, The Elliott P. Joslin Camps for boys, in 1947. Dr. Joslin and his staff provided the medical supervision while numerous donors provided the financial support.

The logistics of operating the two camps became a burden and the women’s organization gave total control of the boy’s camp to the Joslin Diabetes Center in 1976.

Mission Statement

The Elliott P. Joslin Camps provide young people with diabetes the opportunity to learn more about themselves, the management of diabetes and skills for coping with the special challenges of living with diabetes. Children and adolescents with diabetes and their families enjoy recreational and camping experiences that promote safe independence, healthy self-discipline and personal growth.

Programs

ummer Camp (Camp Joslin)

Camp Joslin is located convert|50|mi|km west of Boston in Charlton, Massachusetts, near Old Sturbridge Village. It sits on approximately convert|300|acre|km2 of land with a 20 acre pond, and is located only three miles from The Clara Barton Camp, with whom it frequently collaborates.

Summer camp is for boys between the ages of 6 and 16 and is divided into several two and one-week sessions. Camp Joslin Staff consists of a camp director, administrative team, wilderness leadership experts, cabin counselors, recreation specialists, kitchen and maintenance staff and a 24-hour healthcare team that includes resident physician(s), nurses and nutritionists. The camp has a ratio of one counselor or medical professional to every three campers. Staff from Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, including pediatricians, pediatric nurses, psychologists and dietitians, also provide support to the camp team.

Diabetes Camp Outcomes Research Study

The first diabetes camp outcomes research study was performed at Camp Joslin and showed that participation in Joslin camping programs, especially for a few years or more, has a positive impact on campers’ life-long health. The study followed alumni over the last 30 years and showed that Joslin campers, when compared to children with diabetes who received care from the same clinic and hospital practices, but never went to camp, have significantly better long-term health outcomes.

Financial

Dr. Joslin and his team felt it was essential that Camp Joslin serve all children with diabetes who want to attend camp. Thanks to the generosity of many individuals, foundations and corporations, financial aid is available in the form of camperships.

Wilderness Leadership Program

Wilderness backpacking trips are offered to young men and women with diabetes, ages 15 – 18, and focus on:
* Mountain Backpacking Skills
* Individual Leadership Skills
* Diabetes Management Skills (in extreme conditions)

Joslin-trained staff members with extensive experience in wilderness programming, leadership development and diabetes management lead the Wilderness Leadership Program. Staff includes healthcare professionals and Wilderness First Responder certified wilderness leaders.

Life After High School Program

The Life After High School Program is for young men and women in their junior and senior years of high school who are transitioning to life after high school. Young adults learn tips and techniques on managing their diabetes outside the home.

Winter Camp

Winter Camp allows teenagers ages 12-17 the chance to enjoy great winter activities while learning new skills to manage their diabetes through their teen years. In 2006, Joslin collaborated with the Barton Center to bring two camps into one program.

Accreditations

The Elliott P. Joslin Camps is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and is a member of the Diabetes Education and Camping Association (DECA).