DECA Conferences and Programs
DECA 2026 Conferences
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DECA Program Conference
Dates: February 16-17, 2026
Location: San Diego, CA
(There will be a virtual/Zoom option, as well!)
(*Pre-Conference Networking Events February 15 for those arriving early!)
Join diabetes camp leaders for a dynamic, solutions-focused conference designed specifically for executive directors, program directors, camp directors, administrators, staff and volunteers. Explore the most pressing topics facing diabetes camps today, such as program composition, fundraising solutions, medical protocols, leadership development, marketing strategies, best practices in camp operations, and using data to improve programs. There will also be conversations about what is on the horizon in diabetes camping! DECA conference sessions are led by experts from the various fields: diabetes and traditional camp, youth development, MESH, and more.
Conference Location:
The 2026 DECA Program Conference will be held at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA. The American Camp Association (ACA) National Conference will be at the same location immediately following our conference)!
Hotel Name and Address:
Town and Country San Diego
500 Hotel Circle North
San Diego, CA 92108
619-291-7131
ACA has contracted discounted rates with the resort, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis through January 22, 2026 – these rates are also being provided to DECA’s conference attendees. Note that rooms will go fast, and DECA’s Conference is tentatively being held in/near the Palm Tower.
Conference Rates for Standard Rooms are:
- Regency Tower, Happy Camper, Marco Polo Rooms Single/Double: $259 plus taxes
- Palm Tower Rooms Single/Double: $279 plus taxes
- Triple/Quad Occupancy: Add $20 per day for each additional person
- Daily Hotel Services Charge: $20 per room (this mandatory fee includes: in-room wifi, access to pools and twister waterslide, unlimited access to the Fitness Center, Guest room local call and 800 calls, and Coffee/Tea/Decaf Coffee in guest room
- If you make your reservation via phone, make sure that you mention that you are with the ACA conference to access the correct room rate!
Schedule Highlights:
Evening Social & Networking: Join us on February 15 for a casual networking opportunity for those who arrive early. Connect with peers and build valuable relationships before the conference kicks off!
Scalable:
This conference is for camps of all shapes and sizes! Short-term and/or smaller camps/programs all the way up to larger and/or year-round camps will find value and information in conference sessions.
Actionable:
Conference sessions will be infused with intentional action items and support so camps have the best chance of success incorporating the conference takeaways into current and future programming.
Collaborative Session:
The final day of the conference will feature a programming partnership with New Venture Fund (NVF)! All DECA member camps are welcome to the NVF session, not just those receiving a grant from them. This session will focus on highlighting how the grant funds are planned to be utilized in the current 2025-2027 grant cycle and will welcome any new camps that joined this cohort.
Don’t miss this chance to learn, network, and collaborate!
DECA Healthcare Conference
Date: March 28, 2026
Location: Virtual/Zoom
Where Clinical Expertise, Camp Care and Community Come Together
Join diabetes camp healthcare professionals for a virtual conference built specifically for camp physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, dietitians, mental health professionals and allied health staff who support campers with diabetes.
Sharpen your skills while exploring the most relevant and timely topics in camp-based care, such as advanced diabetes technology, behavior and mental health, equity and inclusion, non-diabetes medical management, and emerging therapies, all selected based on feedback from camps like yours.
Whether you’re returning to camp or preparing for your first summer, you’ll walk away with practical strategies, clinical updates and valuable connections to support the health and well-being of every camper.
2024 Diabetes Camp Conferences Sponsors
Conference Platinum Sponsor
Conference Gold Sponsor
Conference Silver Sponsors
Conference Bronze Sponsor
Continuing Medical Education
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Missouri State Medical Association (MSMA) through the joint providership of The Children’s Mercy Hospital and Diabetes Education & Camping Association. The Children’s Mercy Hospital is accredited by the Missouri State Medical Association to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Children’s Mercy Hospital designates this conference for a maximum of 4.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Note: CME credits are awarded to physicians. Other attendees completing the conference will earn a certificate of attendance. This certificate will state that the activity was approved for CME, and can typically be used to request other types of CE from licensing boards.)
DECA’s 2025 International Diabetes Camp and Retreat Conference
Save the Date! DECA’s 2025 Diabetes Camping Operations & Programs Conference is scheduled to be held in Dallas, Texas, USA at the Anatole Hotel on Sunday, February 16th and Monday, February 17th.
