FAQs
When does camp take place during the year?
Why does camp have to be over the 4th of July?
Can the date of camp be changed?
Where is Camp Colorado located?
How long does it take to get to camp?
Am I responsible for bringing my child to camp?
If I am unable to drop-off/pick-up my child can another member of my family do it?
How do I register my child for camp?
Is there an application deadline?
Is there an application fee?
Do you offer any financial assistance?
What is the process for receiving a “campership”?
Is there a due date for turning in the financial aid application?
How much does Camp Colorado cost?
What kind of activities are offered at camp?
What does a typical day at camp look like?
What kind of food does the camp offer?
My child has Celiac/is lactose intolerant/etc. Do we need to bring special food to camp?
My child is a picky eater. What do you offer in the way of alternative dishes?
Should I pack snacks or other food in my campers things?
Will I be able to talk to my child while they are up at camp?
Can I send letters or a care package?
What about homesickness?
What diabetes supplies do we need to pack?
When does camp take place during the year?
Camp is held the first week of July every year. The 2008 camp session will run from June 29th through July 4th; Sunday through Friday.
Why does camp have to be over the 4th of July?
The main reason for camp falling on the week that it does is because our host facility is able to allow us to use their campground during this week. We work in conjunction with Eagle Lake camp to bring you Camp Colorado and the most beneficial time for both groups was this week.
Can the date of camp be changed?
The truth of the matter is that yes, the date of camp can be changed to some other time during the summer. The problem with changing the date is that we would have to find another host facility willing to work with us to provide your children with the same great camping experience at around the same price, which is not an easy task. The American Diabetes Association has worked closely with Eagle Lake for the last 9 years to present Camp Colorado to children with diabetes. After working together for almost a decade we have reached a comfortable symbiosis and my momma always said “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”
Where is Camp Colorado located?
Getting to Camp Colorado is one of the best parts about coming to camp! A beautiful drive through the mountains with Pike’s Peak in the background - this is what camping is all about. Camp Colorado is located at the Eagle Lake Camp facility outside of Colorado Springs on highway 24 and just 8 miles west of Woodland Park in the Pike National Forest.
How long does it take to get to camp?
The drive to camp depends on where you are starting out but from Colorado Springs it generally takes an hour as the road to camp is winding and unpaved and as such requires some cautious navigation.
Am I responsible for bringing my child to camp?
Yes, parents are responsible for drop off and pick up of their camper.
If I am unable to drop-off/pick-up my child can another member of my family do it?
Of course, provided that we have the name and contact information of the authorized family member and you have filled out the necessary form
How do I register my child for camp?
Registration is pretty simple; call or e-mail April Henderson, the Camp Director, and let her know that you would like to register your child for camp and she will send you a camp application. The camp application is the initial phase of registration and must be filled out in order for your child to be considered for camp.
Is there an application deadline?
Yes, there is. All applications must be received into the American Diabetes Association office by May 2nd.
Yes. The application fee is $50 and is non-refundable.
Do you offer any financial assistance?
Absolutely! Camp Colorado offers “camperships” to families who need full or partial financial aid. Camp is for everyone no matter what your financial situation. We hate to turn any camper away, especially for monetary reasons.
What is the process for receiving a “campership”?
A “campership” is acquired by first indicating on the camp application that you need financial assistance. When the application is received we will then send you a financial aid application. We must have the initial camp application in order to provide you with a financial aid application. Once the financial aid application is received the camp committee will go over the application and award funds based on the following criteria:
1. Need
2. Date of diagnosis (newly diagnosed first)
3. Never attended Camp Colorado or any other diabetes related camp
4. Members of the American Diabetes Association
5. The remaining eligible applicants will be awarded sponsorship as funds are available
Is there a due date for turning in the financial aid application?
Yes, there is. Financial aid applications must be turned into the American Diabetes Association office by May 9th, 2008.
How much does Camp Colorado cost?
The cost of camp is different and is based on the specific camping program. These being:
1. Residential camp: non-member $580, member $540
2. Equestrian Camp: non-member $695, member $655
3. Teen Challenge: non-member $600, member $560
What kind of activities are offered at camp?
There are many activites at camp to keep our campers interested and entertained and each camping program is a little different. Our residential campers have the opportunity to hand out by the beautiful lake where they can go swimming, play volleyball, canoe, kayak and try out the big daddy of all water activities; the water blob! Interested in something more land based, try mountain boarding, archery, riflery, group games or crafts. Want something a bit more daring, try the flight simulator or the zip line; where you’re strapped into a harness and “zipped” from one side of the lake to the other. Sounds a little bit scary but the view is amazing!
Our Equestrian camp combines the fun of trail riding with the skill required for dressage, tack care, jumping, and horsemanship. CHA certified instructors work with campers throughout the week and campers are also able to do many of the activities available to “rez” campers during their free time!
Teen Challenge camp is designed to prepare teens to take an active leadership role in their communities and schools. However, for our teen campers, it’s an opportunity to do activities that are a little bit more adventurous and spend time almost exclusively with other teenagers. Some of the activities that they do are rock climbing, rappelling, white water rafting, bouldering, half-day mountain biking trips, and half-day hiking trips.
What does a typical day at camp look like?
The camp day starts with breakfast and primping. Which for some of our campers (mostly boys), means washing hands and wearing the same clothes all week long. After breakfast campers meet with the senior medical staff to discuss dosages of insulin based on planned activity and intake of carbs. The campers then go off and do what most campers do - play and frolic in the woods! During the day the campers are treated to a brief educational session among their cabinmates that differs in content depending on the age of the campers. There is generally a camp wide activity before lunch (but after snack) which usually includes activities like capture the flag, a group scavenger hunt, or Camp Maximus (sort of like camp olympics). After lunch the campers are then allowed some free time to try out all of the cool camp stuff. They can sign-up for two separate activities a day and can include beach time, the zipline, the flight simulator, mountain boarding, mountain biking, riflery, archery, canoeing, and others. The evenings offer many different activities for the campers and they are anything but boring. This year we are going to have an incredible speaker, a camp talent show, and crazy night. What camp would be complete without a camp fire and s’mores under the stars. When the evening program ends its time to head off to bed, but not before evening snack and insulin doses are doled out.
What kind of food does the camp offer?
Camp food is kid friendly. With that in mind we try to combine elements that will entice the campers to fuel-up as well as provide them with some nutrients. Some examples include grilled cheese sandwiches served with tomato soup, pancakes with sugar-free syrup and fruit salad, hot dogs and hambugers with mixed salad, and chicken noodle soup with bread and assorted vegetables. Keep in mind that although we offer a number of items whether your camper eats a little of everything is really up to them.
My child has Celiac/is lactose intolerant/etc. Do we need to bring special food to camp?
Absolutely not! Believe it or not we have quite a few campers in the same boat and offer a similar menu as above but which is exclusively gluten-free/lactose free/etc. to the campers that require that. All Gluten-free items are marked in the food line to make them easily identifiable to the campers and soy milk is available as an alternative for cereal, etc. NOTE: You must mark all allergies, etc on the camp forms to allow us to prepare for them at camp.
My child is a picky eater. What do you offer in the way of alternative dishes?
For lunch and dinner every camper has the option to make a PB&J sandwich if they so desire. For breakfast, we have a variety of cereals to choose from if your child does not like the hot food item.
Should I pack snacks or other food in my campers things?
Absolutely not! The one thing that your camper will not be this week is hungry. With breakfast, lunch, dinner and three snacks they will be well-fed and satiated. Besides, packing food items in their bags increases the risk of woodsy critters roaming and scurrying in the cabins. Aside from this being nasty, it is also dangerous as some critters may appeal to biting and clawing their way to freedom.
Will I be able to talk to my child while they are up at camp?
No. There is no public phone for the campers to use. Remember that we are trying to promote and encourage the campers to be more independent and that spending time away from Mom and Dad is a normal part of child development.
Can I send letters or a care package?
Of course! It is encouraged for you to send postcards, letters, etc. to your child while they are at camp. If you are sending a care package keep in mind that they can not have any food in them. Some suggested items are: colored pencils, film, the funny pages, stickers, stationary, stamps, and puzzles. Remember that it may take a little longer for your camper to receive mail and plan ahead.
Although most campers function well away from home there is the chance that your child may experience some homesickness. This is okay! The Eagle Lake counselors are well-equipped to manage homesickness and will be prepared when your child arrives at camp. We recommend that you make it a point to have your child stay with a friend or family member before camp to gauge their reaction to that separation and prepare them for camp.
What diabetes supplies do we need to pack?
Nothing, with the exception of pump supplies, if applicable (with a few extras for those potential “oops!” moments). All insulin, glucose strips, glucose meters, syringes, insulin pens, pen needles, ketone strips, glucose tabs, pokers, and lancets will be provided. Save some space in the bag and leave it at home.