Summer Camp, Diabetes, and the Courage to Let Go: A Story of Growth, Trust, and Community

There’s something magical about summer camp—the bonfires, the cheers, the endless laughter under open skies. For most parents, sending their child off to camp is an exciting, if emotional, milestone. But for parents of children with Type 1 diabetes, it’s a test of courage, trust, and deep emotional strength. And for the children? Camp is often the first place where they feel like they truly belong. At TempraMed, we recognize just how powerful that experience can be—and that’s why we’ve taken part in helping make it safer and more empowering than ever.

Letting Go: A Parent’s Journey

In Chapter 13 of The World's Worst Diabetes Mom, author Stacey Simms captures the raw emotion so many parents face:

“I woke up at 4am. Cold sweat, convinced I had made the biggest mistake of my life and his life too. How could I have sent Benny away to ‘regular’ camp? Didn’t I know he had diabetes?”

Those words resonate with anyone who has ever juggled the responsibility of keeping a child safe with the desire to give them the freedom to grow.

The Power of Diabetes Camp

Diabetes camp is more than just a getaway—it's often a child’s first step toward independence. It’s where kids meet others who live just like they do, where counselors check insulin pumps alongside activity schedules, and where the diagnosis fades into the background of zip lines, banana boats, and late-night dances.

As Stacey Simms—who should be every diabetes mom’s go-to—advised us: “The problem with telling your kids ‘Diabetes can’t stop you’ is that they come to believe it! Kidding, a bit, but not entirely. How could we tell our children that they are being responsible and independent and then not follow up? Ultimately, we just have to figure it out.” Her honesty and humor offer a powerful reminder that trust and action must go hand-in-hand when it comes to letting our children grow.

And the magic isn’t just in the fun. Studies show children who attend diabetes camps have better health outcomes and a stronger sense of community. They learn how to confidently manage their condition, surrounded by peers and staff who truly understand.

TempraMed's Commitment: VIVI Cap Donations to Diabetes Camps

We believe in this experience so strongly that TempraMed has proudly donated VIVI Caps to diabetes summer camps across the United States through DECA - Diabetes Education & Camping Association. Our VIVI Cap technology ensures that insulin stays at a safe temperature—even during long days outdoors or in the summer heat. It’s peace of mind for parents and freedom for kids to focus on fun, not insulin storage.

Every child deserves the chance to enjoy camp without fear. And every parent deserves the confidence that their child’s medical needs are protected, quietly and reliably, in the background.

Join Us in Supporting Camp Confidence

At TempraMed, we’re not just developing smart temperature solutions—we’re standing behind families, caregivers, and the organizations that lift children up. Whether through product innovation or community support, our mission remains the same: empower people with diabetes to live life without limits.

To all the parents sending their kids off to camp this summer, we see you. To every young camper managing Type 1 with bravery and joy: We believe in you. And to every partner who makes these programs possible: thank you.

Because camp isn’t just a place—it’s a promise.