Gales Creek Camp

Since 1953, Gales Creek Camp has been a place where children and teenagers with type 1 diabetes from all over the Pacific Northwest come to have a blast while connecting with other kids living with the same challenges.

This is the place where a type 1 isn't the only 1.

Our goal is to help each child grow toward living an active, independent life. Through a traditional summer camp experience filled with friendships and fun—swimming, games, arts, drama, hiking, campfires, and other summer antics—Gales Creek Campers first and foremost get the opportunity to meet peers and mentors who share the same challenges they do. Cleverly disguised at pure fun, a week of camp builds friendships, confidence, and a renewed sense of self.

In the background, campers start to learn some of the self-care habits that will help them grow into healthy adults. They may learn to test themselves and give injections, or they may try changing their own pump site for the first time.  They might start to see how food and exercise interact with insulin, or how sports, illness and stress affect diabetes. Ultimately, through supported practice and peer inspiration, we want them to gain confidence to begin to manage their own bodies. 

Staff members, many who have diabetes themselves, model healthy habits and demonstrate that children with diabetes are not limited by their diagnosis. Perhaps most important of all, Gales Creek Campers learn that diabetes does not prevent them from living full, active, satisfying lives.

Get to know Gales Creek Camp and get engaged by exploring our website. When you're ready, click here to register for camp.