World’s Largest Diabetes Camp Offers T1D Campers a Life-Changing Experience

A type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis is a life-altering event that causes immediate grief, fear and shock to many families. Parents often feel overwhelmed by the learning curve of education, technology, and the nuances of diabetes management, all of which they must learn quickly.

Located near Gainesville, Texas, Camp Sweeney spans more than 350 acres and offers a respite from emotional burnout and the sudden demands of 24/7 care. The camp provides support with fully staffed medical teams and a loving, helpful community to help parents adjust to their new reality. 

Just an hour north of Fort Worth, Camp Sweeney is not just for locals. Kids from as far as New York and Washington attend for the amazing experience that doesn’t end when the week is over.

Camp Sweeney Background

The Southwestern Diabetic Foundation and distinguished physician Dr. J. Shirley Sweeney founded Camp Sweeney in 1947 with the primary purpose of teaching children (ages 5-18) to live with type 1 diabetes and to pursue active, healthy lives.

Part of the camp curriculum includes diabetes management tips as well as exercise and nutritional guidance. For over 75 years, the camp has grown into the world’s largest camp for children with T1D, serving over 35,000 campers. Most camp workers work year-round, preparing for the summer season. Camp Sweeney has evolved into a well-oiled, modern facility that offers advanced diabetes training and integrates multiple automated insulin-delivery (AID) systems.  

Summer Sessions

Traditional summer sessions span June and July with approximately 250 campers for three weeks. The sessions start on a Sunday and end on a Thursday.

Session 1: May 31 – June 18, 2026

Session 2: June 21 – July 9, 2026

Session 3: July 12 – July 30, 2026

Family Environment

Camp Sweeney adopts a family setting where kids learn independence, a crucial element of growing up with T1D. Seasoned camp counselors, many of whom also live with T1D, teach by example and supervise daily blood sugar checks and insulin dosing.

Campers learn how to positively manage their diabetes with healthy habits to combat long-term complications and offset emotional burnout.

Key Activities that Make Camp Sweeney Unique

The camp offers the typical camp experience, including water activities, a camp carnival and a talent show.

Camp Sweeney Traditions include: 

Sweeney MED

Daily diabetes education for each age group. Daily prizes are awarded to campers who answer questions and show what they learned.

Hawaiian Falls Takeovers

During certain hours, campers enjoy the wave pool, slides and lazy river at Hawaiian Falls, a premier water park.

Sweeney Olympics

Athletic events for campers to participate in friendly competitions.

With over 30 activities, pastime events include archery, rock climbing, paintball and jet skiing on the nearby 34-acre lake.

Theme Nights & Special Events

Fun, action-packed carnivals with Zorb balls, mechanical bulls and skate nights at a local roller rink. Camp Sweeney also has weekly themed dances and Purple Power Day, a color-themed scavenger hunt and art projects.

The week ends with a Code of Living Closing Ceremony celebrating mastery of diabetes management skills. 

Frequently Asked Parent Questions

Does Camp Sweeney accommodate food allergies and celiac disease? 

Many camp counselors and campers at Camp Sweeney have food allergies and/or celiac disease, so the kitchen staff works to provide personalized meal plans according to dietary needs.

Can campers still wear their own continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps? 

Staff members are trained to use several insulin pumps (Medtronic 670G/77G/780G, the Tandem t:slim X2, Tandem Mobi, the iLet pump and the Omnipod 5, with new systems added annually.

Campers can wear their CGM sensors and are given a Camp Sweeney iPhone to use as a receiver while at camp. CGM readings between 70 and 300 are accepted in place of fingerstick readings, while readings outside that range require confirmation with a blood glucose reading.

Does the Staff Check Campers’ Blood Sugar at Night?

Night rounds are made three or more times to check the children for signs of low or high blood glucose levels.

Do Campers Bring their Own Supplies?

Camp Sweeney provides syringes, alcohol swabs, insulin (Humalog, NovoLog, Fiasp, Lantus, Tresiba, Toujeo, Semglee and many more) and blood testing supplies. However, insulin pump and CGM users will need to pack enough supplies for the full session.

Camp Fees & Scholarships

Camp Sweeney prioritizes children’s safety by employing ADCES specialists, nurses and experienced counselors, which “drives the cost up a bit.” Summer session fees are $4,900, with an actual cost of $7,000. However, the camp offers financial assistance with about half of the campers receiving camperships. 

First Time Award 

Additionally, Camp Sweeney offers 80% off the tuition fee for Sessions 1, 2, or 3 for campers attending for the first time. Check the website for details.

Camper Special Aid Request Form 

The nonprofit also offers a limited number of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for children of single-parent families and those with dual chronic illnesses. Special aid applications are considered by the committee periodically, starting in December.

There is also a Camp Sweeney Donor-Funded Scholarship program that allows donors to provide financial aid to campers with T1D through an investment-award process. 

Beyond Camp

Beyond the typical camp experience, Camp Sweeney offers a “lifestyle adjustment.” This can-do attitude grants a new way of looking at their future with T1D. Most importantly, Sweeney’s outreach programs give year-round support.

Interested parties can take a virtual tour here.