Children with Diabetes Find Fun and Friendship at Summer Camp

Summer camp is often where lifelong memories are made, but for many children living with Type 1 diabetes, the typical camp experience can be out of reach due to the complexities of managing their condition. That’s exactly why Camp All-Stars exists.

The launch of this first day camp is a collaborative effort between Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Nova Southeastern University (NSU), and the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Together, these organizations have created a safe, inclusive, and joyful environment where children with Type 1 diabetes can simply be kids, while still receiving the expert care they need.

More Than a Diabetes Camp—A Community

Hosted at Nova Southeastern University, the children at Camp All-Stars participate in classic summer activities like swimming, playing games, and making new friends. But what sets this camp apart is the sense of community. Every camper shares the common experience of managing Type 1 diabetes, and that shared understanding creates an instant bond.

“It’s not about diabetes, it’s about having fun,” said Lisa Kenigsberg Fechter, MD, a pediatric endocrinologist at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. “But they learn a little bit more about their diabetes, and more than that, they get to see other kids who are living the same experience as them.”

That peer connection is transformative, especially for children who may be the only one in their school or friend group with diabetes. At Camp All-Stars, checking blood sugar and administering insulin becomes normal, even empowering.

A Model for Collaborative Diabetes Care

The success of Camp All-Stars is rooted in its strong partnership.

NSU provides a vibrant, activity-rich campus, and brings an interdisciplinary team of trainees, including psychology, physician assistant, and dietitians students.

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital delivers exceptional medical leadership and staff, including endocrinologists, diabetes educators, and registered dietitians. Broward Health Medical Center also provided residents.

The ADA adds its nationally recognized expertise and advocacy in the diabetes community.

“It’s a really special partnership,” said Dr. Jessica Valenzuela, a pediatric psychologist from NSU. “It’s been a long time coming, and we’re so excited to see it finally come to life. We’re already planning to make this a yearly tradition.”

A Gift to Families with Children with Diabetes

Camp All-Stars isn’t just a gift for the children; it’s also a welcome respite for their families.

“Very seldom do these parents get even eight hours off from managing their child’s diabetes,” said Dr. Kenigsberg Fechter. “But at camp, they know their children are in good hands with endocrinologists, nurses, and trained staff who understand exactly what to do.”

For parents, that peace of mind is priceless.

Creating Memories and Milestones

Beyond fun and friendship, Camp All-Stars empowers campers with skills and confidence. Some gave themselves their first insulin injection. Others learned how to calculate a dose. There were also emotional firsts like feeling seen, supported, and not alone in their journey.

“There have been a lot of firsts here,” said Lital Reitblat, MD, pediatric endocrinologist at Joe DiMaggio and one of the camp’s medical directors. “And the kids are having a lot of fun. We’re already looking forward to expanding next year.”

Camp All-Stars is more than a camp—it’s a beacon of possibility, partnership, and progress for children with Type 1 diabetes and their families. Thanks to the vision and collaboration of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, NSU, and the ADA, these campers are not only learning to live with diabetes—they’re learning to thrive.