Diabetes Cat Camp
About CAT Camp
The Diabetes Institute offers the only Type 1 Diabetes Camp to youth of Southeastern Ohio so that children and adolescents living with diabetes can connect with peers, learn important diabetes management skills, and have a lot of fun! Your child will grow their confidence in managing their diabetes and in themselves.
Dates & Location
CAT Camp will take place June 9-June 13, 2025, on Ohio University’s Athens Campus.
Daily Schedule
Dropoff will be between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. daily at the Ping Recreation Center. Pick-up will be at 3:00 p.m. daily at the Ping Recreation Center.
Daily activities include arts and crafts, music, drama, games, physical activity, and adventures such as a low ropes course and climbing wall. Our camp encourages independent diabetes management while providing medical staff to help educate and assist campers when needed. The group environment allows the campers to learn coping skills needed for everyday management of their diabetes.
Lunch and snacks will be provided. Campers may bring a reusable water bottle, but water will also be available to those who do not have a water bottle.
Staff
CAT camp is operated under the direction of the Diabetes Institute with assistance from volunteers. Camp counselors include volunteers from Ohio University staff, faculty, and students. Counselors will lead activities and provide supervision and guidance during camp. Volunteer nurses, dietitians, and physicians assist with diabetes care and emergency first aid when necessary, preparing and distributing snacks, and providing diabetes education.
Eligibility
This day camp is open to youth ages 8-17.
Cost
The cost is $50 for the week.
*Through generous support from donors, scholarships to attend camp are available. It is the desire of the Diabetes Institute to serve all children, regardless of ability to pay. For more details, please contact Karie Cook, cookk1@ohio.edu.
Housing
While this is a day camp, we know that travel to and from Athens can be a barrier for some families. Therefore, we have worked with Ohio University’s Residence Life staff to provide housing options for families who would like to stay on campus in the residence halls. OHIO staff will not be providing supervision to camp participants outside of camp hours. Families will be responsible for meals outside of camp hours. Rooms have a mini fridge and microwave but not full kitchens.
Enrollment & Forms
***Registration closed for 2024**
In addition to enrollment forms, all campers will receive and must submit an Authorization for Medication Administration, which must be completed by the camper's physician outlining any medication required including their insulin regimen. Instructions will be sent over e-mail.
Preparation
- Send your child in play clothes that can get dirty and with a change of clothes just in case. Socks and closed toed and heel shoes must be worn at all times.
- Be sure to talk to camp staff about food allergies, asthma, anxiety, or other needs, so we can best support children.
- Your child will need to bring a bag daily to bring their materials home with them. Your child may choose to bring a reusable water bottle.
- Camp is a NO entertainment technology zone. Leave the following at home: Cell phones (except for CGM purposes), Kindles, tablets, laptops, Nintendo Switch, or other electronic devices.
Families will receive a parent manual with more detailed information on policies and preparation prior to camp.
Other
Your camper will get a free tee shirt and may come home with other prizes too!
Contact
For more information, contact Karie Cook, Director of Operations of the Diabetes Institute, cookk1@ohio.edu.
Give
We welcome donations to the Cat Camp Diabetes Day Camp Fund. A gift to this fund supports Cat Camp and the mission of the Diabetes Institute to improve the quality of life for those affected by diabetes.