DECA 2024 Diabetes Camp & Retreat Conference Program
Have questions or need assistance during the conference?
Text us at 205-498-9560!
Sunday, Feb 4
7:30am-8:30am CST (GMT-6)
Check-In
Sunday, Feb 4
8:30am-9:00am CST (GMT-6)
Welcome
Meeting ID: 898 8948 2974
PW: deca2024
Sunday, Feb 4
9:00am-10:15am CST (GMT-6)
Session 1
Churchill C1
Get the Education Edge
Deb Hadiji, Tara Littler, Belinda Childs, APRN, BC-ADM, CDCES, Matthew Shofroth, Paul Hiers, MD
Formal and informal ways to meet the needs of each individual camper
Churchill B1
Turning Slow Season into More Greetin’s – How to Easily Integrate Year-Round Programming Into Your Rotation
Do your campers ever tell you, “I wish camp lasted longer?” This session will focus on how to integrate year-round programming easily into your calendar. We will walk through how to set up, run, and receive feedback for programs like Mother’s retreats, young adult gatherings, supporting schools and much more. Come ready to discuss what your goals are/ any ideas you have!
Meeting ID: 898 8948 2974
PW: deca2024
Meeting ID: 898 3770 2644
PW: deca2024
Sunday, Feb 4
10:15am-10:30am CST (GMT-6)
Networking Break
Sunday, Feb 4
10:30am-11:45am CST (GMT-6)
Session 2
Churchill C1
The iLet at Diabetes Camp
Kathryn “Kate” Lucas, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC, PCNS-BC, BC-ADM
Using the iLet Bionic Pancreas at Camp
Churchill B1
Hot Topics in Diabetes Camping
During this time we will be utilizing breakout out groups to discuss tips and tricks around the camp planning process. We will have stations discussing; Supply Procurement, Fundraising – Major Events and Grants, Fundraising – Off the Wall, Role Progression and the Awkward in between, and Marketing/Camper Recruitment. There will five stations and individuals will be pre-assigned what station they start at with one of our veteran DECA voices positioned in each group. Individuals will rotate around the room in 12 minute increments, allowing for a little time for set-up and transitioning between stations. After the conference, we will compile all the tips and tricks and combine them into one document to share with all DECA.
Meeting ID: 898 8948 2974
PW: deca2024
Meeting ID: 898 3770 2644
PW: deca2024
Sunday, Feb 4
12:00pm-1:30pm CST (GMT-6)
Lunch On Your Own
Sunday, Feb 4
1:30pm-2:15pm CST (GMT-6)
Session 3
Churchill C1
Group Drumming – A Fun and Engaging Activity at Diabetes Camp
In this interactive musical session, Antoine will demonstrate how to create an African drumming (djembes) class with djembes for the campers. Applicable to all ages and skill levels, Antoine will show how to curate a perfect class for every type of camp situation.
Churchill B1
Vasoterapia Diabetes
Daniela Rojas Jiménez, Psy, CDE and Christina Gomar, Psy
The Vasoterpia Diabetes session looks to show a new proposal on how to facilitate conversations around mental health and diabetes. In this interactive session, we will explore the emotional landscape of living with diabetes, shedding light on the often-overlooked aspect of mental health in diabetes management. Our card game serves as a bridge, facilitating conversations that might be challenging or elusive in traditional settings. By gamifying the discussion, we aim to create a safe and engaging space for individuals to share their experiences, fears, and triumphs. Designed for both in-camp and beyond, this tool becomes a versatile companion for those navigating the daily challenges of diabetes. Campers and healthcare professionals alike will discover the power of storytelling and connection through gameplay, fostering a sense of community and understanding.
Meeting ID: 898 8948 2974
PW: deca2024
Meeting ID: 898 3770 2644
PW: deca2024
Sunday, Feb 4
2:15pm-2:45pm CST (GMT-6)
Product Theater
Churchill C1
Omnipod 5: A Practical AID System at Diabetes Youth Camps
Sara Nelms MS, LDN, RDN, CDCES
Sara will dive into what makes Omnipod 5 a practical AID system @ Diabetes Youth Camps with emphasis on: Helpful tips for Camp Staff in managing campers wearing Omnipod 5; The Need to Know for a successful and enjoyable week @ Camp for both staff and campers; How Automated Mode works along with a focus on the Activity Feature; Best Practices at Camp for using the Activity Feature Q&A
Meeting ID: 898 8948 2974
PW: deca2024
Sunday, Feb 4
2:45pm-4:00pm CST (GMT-6)
Session 4
Churchill C1
Why Do Our Volunteers Keep Coming Back: A Case Study of Organizational Culture within a T1D Camping Context
Ryan Gagnon, BA, MA, PhD & Mackenzie Dawes, BS
This research is part of a 5-year study on Camp Kudzu, a T1D specialty camp, focusing on why volunteers return. It explores the camp’s organizational culture and its impact on community and commitment. The study includes surveys, interviews, and observational techniques to understand volunteer motivations, highlighting factors like personal T1D connections, desire to contribute, and the camp’s rewarding experience. It compares Camp Kudzu with other camps, discussing implications for volunteer management and organizational culture in similar settings.
Churchill B1
Developing and Implementing a Day Camp for Youth from Diverse Racial and Cultural Communities
Diabetes Camp for All: Making camps accessible and affordable. Diabetes camps are a pivotal experience for children with diabetes, but minority youth are underrepresented in diabetes camps nationwide. Learn how the Johns Hopkins Pediatric Diabetes Center developed a diabetes camp that is accessible, affordable and attended by a diverse group of youth with diabetes.
Meeting ID: 898 8948 2974
PW: deca2024
Meeting ID: 898 3770 2644
PW: deca2024
Sunday, Feb 4
4:00pm-5:00pm CST (GMT-6)
Industry Networking
Speed Dating with Diabetes Industry Friends
Sunday, Feb 4
7:00pm-9:00pm CST (GMT-6)
The Vessel NOLA: Networking & Socializing
(Food & Drink Provided)
Monday, Feb 5
8:00am-8:30am CST (GMT-6)
Morning Stretch
Monday, Feb 5
8:30am-9:00am CST (GMT-6)
Churchill C1
Campfire Chat
Each layer of our diabetes camping industry is changing: from our target audience to diabetes management, from programming to operations. Join us around ‘the campfire’ in an open discussion to look at diabetes camping from a 360 degree view. Hopefully, you will leave this session with identifying an upcoming opportunity and ideas to try at your camp while working toward becoming more transformative, inclusive, and accessible tomorrow. Air guitars encouraged at this ‘campfire!’
Meeting ID: 865 6284 9473
PW: deca2024
Monday, Feb 5
9:00am-10:15am CST (GMT-6)
Session 5
Churchill C1
It’s a Conundrum – Which is Better: Fitting In or Belonging?
Conundrum: “Anything that puzzles.” And this question is a puzzler for many — Which is Better: Fitting in or Belonging? The answer is… wait for it…wait for it… Belonging! We all NEED to belong for all kinds of reasons and health is a big one. The great thing is that staff can help campers achieve a sense of belonging in a relatively short period of time. Just how can we go about facilitating such an important human need? Conversations will tell…
Churchill B1
Your Camp Design: Promoting Well-Being and Belonging
Tracey Gaslin, PhD, CPNP, FNP-BC, CRNI, RN-BC
When we head off to camp each summer, we do so for a reason – it is an investment in living life to the fullest. Our lived experience is influenced by our environments and a feeling that we belong. This session will outline the interconnectedness of the natural environment, play, and belonging as key features of a positive camp experience.
Meeting ID: 865 6284 9473
PW: deca2024
Meeting ID: 892 8139 3567
PW: deca2024
Monday, Feb 5
10:15am-10:30am CST (GMT-6)
Networking Break
Monday, Feb 5
10:30am-11:45am CST (GMT-6)
Session 6
Churchill C1
Guardians of Summer Adventures: Peer Discussions on Insurance Claims and Near Misses in Summer Camps
Rachael Wise, MEd & Katie Johnson, MS
Join us for an engaging and interactive session that delves into the realm of risk management and safety protocols at camp. In “Exploring Safety Nets,” we invite conference attendees to participate in group discussions centered around insurance claims scenarios and near misses that have occurred at camp over the past few years. As camp leaders, ensuring the safety of our participants is paramount. This session aims to foster an open dialogue among peers, creating a supportive environment for sharing experiences, insights, and best practices related to risk management at camp. Through these discussions, attendees will gain valuable perspectives on identifying potential risks, implementing preventive measures, and navigating the complexities of keeping campers safe in our ever changing environment.
Churchill B1
Nurturing Mental, Emotional & Social Health of Campers in a Diabetes Camp Setting by Making the Invisible Visible!
Rocky Wilson, PhD, Melanie Coyne, Jessica Macias & Ryan Martz
Nurturing MESH of campers in a Diabetes Camp Setting is such a long name for such a simple but crucial part of what we do at camp. This session is less about lectures and more about hands-on ways to improve our campers’ ability to manage their diabetes by addressing their social and mental health issues through games and open dialogue — NO Ph.D., MD, Psych. D OR MSW REQUIRED!
Meeting ID: 865 6284 9473
PW: deca2024
Meeting ID: 892 8139 3567
PW: deca2024
Monday, Feb 5
12:00pm-1:30pm CST (GMT-6)
Keynote Speaker
Churchill C1
The Staffing Silver Platter: The Solution to Today’s Challenges May Surprise You!
Finding the quantity, let alone quality, of staff/volunteers today is hard. The game has changed drastically. Strategies that worked in the past (for the most part) are no longer viable options. The good news is that there is a surprising solution to the many challenges of staffing today. Time and time again it is seen that one camp’s struggle is another camp’s success. YOU are a key piece to moving the needle in a positive direction. YOU have something valuable to contribute. By linking people who have needs in a particular area with those who have ideas to share, TOGETHER we will unlock the power of collaboration around staffing for summer 2024 (and beyond)!
DECA Staffing Survey – thank you for your time to answer a few questions to guide our time together on Monday, Feb 5th!
Meeting ID: 865 6284 9473
PW: deca2024
Monday, Feb 5
1:30pm-2:30pm CST (GMT-6)
Session 7
Churchill C1
All the Bits & Pieces of Staff Training: Putting the Puzzle Together
There is a lot to cover in any staff training regardless of the time available. When we break this down into all the bits and pieces and categorize according to priorities, people, place, program, and protocols, it becomes easier to add them into the bigger puzzle. See how to place topics to create an efficient, yet flexible training plan while taking into account most things practical. This model also incorporates play, practice and pause/preview to maximize connection, learning and retention.
Churchill B1
Marketing Strategies and Tactics for Diabetes Camp
Katie Doyle, BA & Jason Levine, BA
This session will focus on marketing strategies and tactics to increase awareness of and the need for diabetes camps. It will include newly developed creative campaign assets that can be leveraged at your camp to increase engagement with T1D families, HCPs, professional and advocacy organizations and donors.
Meeting ID: 865 6284 9473
PW: deca2024
Meeting ID: 892 8139 3567
PW: deca2024
Monday, Feb 5
2:30pm-3:00pm CST (GMT-6)
Industry Outreach
Churchill C1
Recruiting and Utilizing Corporate Volunteers at Diabetes Camp
Sarah Noel, MS and Mark Moyer, MBA, MHA
Volunteers are essential to running a successful camping program. Do you know that many companies allow, and even encourage, their employees to volunteer for activities like diabetes camp? In this session, you’ll learn about Lilly’s volunteer program and how your camp can make a request to have support this camping season.
Meeting ID: 865 6284 9473
PW: deca2024
Monday, Feb 5
3:00pm-4:15pm CST (GMT-6)
Session 8
Churchill C1
The Art and Science of Fundraising
Fundraising can be both a rough contact sport and/or
an intricate game of chess! The gap between the art and science of fundraising is closing to where donors expect (read: demand) a quid-pro-quo out of the deal. How do you navigate these shifting sands and not lose your mind? We will explore fundamental and key higher-level skills necessary to capture the donor’s attention and build a relationship. We will also delve into ‘the ask’ and explore the golden rules that can help make fundraising painless. If you struggle to raise money and retain donors, come along to learn tactics & tools and the interplay of art & science, and the unique narrative camps can deploy more effectively than anyone else! Finally, we will identify your fundraising ‘spirit animal’ and ensure you are able to leverage the tools you have but may not be aware off! Be prepared to interact, consider your approach and have fun. Everyone is welcome from experienced practitioners to those discovering fundraising.
Churchill B1
We Are Not Alone: Examining the Impact of a Tween-Teen Diabetes Day Camp
Eddie Hill, PhD, CPRP, Carla Cox, PhD, RDN, CDCES, CPT, & Ron Ramsing, PhD
The inaugural REACH Weber tween camp for youth with diabetes was held August 2023. This outcome-focused day program took place on a college campus and used High Impact Practices (HIP) as a model for replication. Motivation, diabetes management, and time in range were measured. Campers’ average time diagnosed was 2 years, average level of camp enjoyment was 9.5 (1-10 scale), and made an average of 4.5 friends. Pump technology was the most commonly reported new knowledge learned. Average glucose level during camp was 152 mg/dl. The results suggest camps can provide a positive opportunity for youth and diabetes management. Ideas to scale this HIP on other college campuses will also be shared.
Meeting ID: 865 6284 9473
PW: deca2024
Meeting ID: 892 8139 3567
PW: deca2024
Monday, Feb 5
4:15pm-5:30pm CST (GMT-6)
Endnote Speaker
Churchill C1
Governance, Strong Board/Weak Board
A weak Board is damaging and a strong one challenging – where is the balance? Strong Boards inspire, help solve issues and hold the Executive accountable. A weak Board is easier to manage or ignore but can (read: will) come back and bite! This session identifies the warning signs of a weak/wavering board, the pain gap and how to avoid ‘Board quicksand’. We will explore the benefits of a dynamic Boards juxtaposed against professional success and impact. Recognizing the risk/reward ratio of governance is central to a professional’s successful tenure. We will identify a schema to transition from weak to strong that will come naturally. Be prepared to consider your approach, share your thinking and have fun.
Meeting ID: 865 6284 9473
PW: deca2024
Monday, Feb 5
5:30pm CST (GMT-6)
Camp Swag Swap
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Conference Gold Sponsor
Conference Silver Sponsors
Conference Bronze Sponsor
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