Disneyland for diabetics- camp nejeda

Community Share Your Stories
1

I’m Hi all- this is my first time posting and I am writing because I think that everyone with type 1 diabetes should know about this magical place- where kids feel special and normal all at the same time.

My daughter (Isa) is 7 and was diagnosed almost a year ago. I work in healthcare and a nurse that I know (not our peds endo) told me about camp Nejeda and that is an amazing, unforgettable place. Depending on the age group they have a 1 or 2 week sleep away session that is split up over the summer by age group. They also have family camp, and best friend camp, as well as other activities throughout the year.

We decided to go to family camp a few weeks ago and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Each family has their own camp counselors (high school/college kids) who have been going there for years- first as campers and then as counselors. There are group activities, family activities, and sessions where parents meet with nurses and counselors away from the kids to vent, learn, cry and laugh. Meanwhile the kids are with counselors that each carry a backpack with all supplies the kids would ever need- including a sharps container!!

I was hoping Isa would like it there for two reasons- 1. She has hit the diabetes wall where she is over it and cries about diabetes, dexcom, shots etc.
2. She will have to go on pump in the fall and I wanted her to learn more about it.

She blossomed at family camp and as there was an opening this week for sleep away she begged to go and we sent her. I thought she would be anxious but she dismissed me and barely had time for a kiss because she was going to play.

I really want everyone to know about camp Nejeda because it is truly the Disneyland for diabetic children and their families. They are a not for profit and try desperately to raise funds to stay afloat. About 1/3 of the kids go free as no one is turned away for financial reasons. They need about 700,000 to keep camp running every year and have very little support from the ADA, some of the diabetic supply companies or the medical communities at large.

I know with all of my heart that Isa will return in a week happier, more confidant, feeling less isolated and with friends that will last a lifetime. Keeping her safe, letting her blossom, and giving us some time where we don’t have to be up every night is a priceless gift.

If you would like more information or would like to donate here is the contact info
Camp Nejeda- (973) 383-2611 x 228.

Thanks for letting me gush!
Eva ( Isa’s mom)

2 Likes
2

Hi!!!

This is the second post where I learned Camp Nejeda is still open - which I am in shock about because I went back in the 1980s perhaps. Forgive me as the exact year has actually slipped my mind.

Yes, I met other Diabetics. I learned to swim and build a miniature wooden rocket, what I did not learn was how to control and deal with my Diabetes. The counselors were mean and the good had mold. My BG was always high or HHH as the meters read at the time. (Not the camp’s fault - NPH simply did not work for me.)

However, sounds like a lot has changed, which I am overwhelmingly glad to hear about. Much success to you and your daughter.

3

I live near Camp Nejeda. I recently attended part of their Survive and Thrive bootcamp weekend for T1D adults. It was a really fun, jam packed weekend, and very well attended. Lots of folks had fun on the zip lines. They have a brand new health center, a gift from the Helmsley Foundation. everyone was very friendly I thought.

May I also mention it’d located in what I think is the most beautiful part of the state, Sussex county. Deep in the woods, surrounded by farms, the Appalachian Trail nearby and the Delaware Water gap, a spectacular natural sight.

Glad to hear of your daughter’s experience!

1 Like
4

Eva, thank you! Your post about Camp Nejeda was SO great to read…thanks for helping to spread the word about Camp Nejeda’s programs, the immediate and lasting impact for kids, AND the benefits for parents!

We absolutely believe the best thing you can do for a child with diabetes is send them to camp. Kids get a vacation from being a ‘kid with diabetes’ while parents get an important break from the 24/7/365 job of diabetes management.

Advances in diabetes technologies (we joke that the diabetes community has come centuries in a few decades) offer many benefits for campers and their families…and many challenges for safely managing the diabetes care for 80+ campers at a time who all have different regimens! Charitable support helps ensure we can hire as many nurses as we need (one for every eight campers), buy the supplies we need (70,000 BG strips per summer!), not to mention offer healthy food choices and the things any fun summer camp should offer.

For those who are interested, check out Camp Nejeda’s Instagram or our [Facebook page] (Camp Nejeda Foundation) to see some of the magic. :slight_smile:

Thanks to luv2cNewThings and MarieB for your comments, too!

Jennifer

5

This topic has been approved by the TuDiabetes Admin Team (fundraising)