Camp FWD Youth Camp 2026
A fun, confidence-building week for kids ages 8–16 living with Type 1 diabetes to connect, grow, and create lifelong memories.
Camp FWD Youth Camp brings campers together in Prescott, Arizona for an unforgettable week of adventure, friendship, and support. This camp experience is designed specifically for youth living with Type 1 diabetes and gives them a place to feel understood, encouraged, and empowered.
Throughout the week, campers will enjoy outdoor activities, group bonding, and diabetes education in a kid-friendly way, all while being supported by trained staff and medical professionals.
What Is FWD Youth Camp?
Camp FWD Youth Camp is a brand-new summer camp experience for kids ages 8–16 living with Type 1 diabetes. Built by the Diabetes Network of Arizona and led by a team with decades of diabetes camp experience, Camp FWD is designed to help kids feel confident, supported, and included.
This is a week where campers can unplug, connect, and thrive. It is not just about numbers on a meter. It is about friendship, independence, and learning that living with Type 1 means living forward.
Here, kids do not stand out for what they have.
They stand out for who they are.
Camp FWD is a space where every child feels safe, supported, and unstoppable, free to grow, explore, and shine exactly as they were meant to.
The FWD Youth Camp Experience
Camp FWD Youth Camp gives kids ages 8 to 16 living with Type 1 diabetes a week to feel understood, supported, and included, while making lifelong memories and friendships.
Throughout the week, campers grow through hands-on education, outdoor adventure, and real camp moments that help them feel capable, included, and proud of who they are.
Camp FWD is designed specifically for kids ages 8 to 16. Each day includes a balance of fun, movement, and downtime so campers feel supported while also gaining independence in a way that feels exciting and comfortable.
Campers practice real life skills like checking blood sugar, managing diabetes during activity, and making choices that support their health. With guidance from trained staff and medical professionals, campers leave feeling more confident and capable.
One of the best parts of camp is meeting other kids who truly get it. Campers connect with peers who understand Type 1 diabetes, helping them feel seen, included, and supported, sometimes for the first time.
Camp FWD has a licensed medical team on site 24/7 to support campers with insulin dosing, glucose monitoring, pump and CGM oversight, and medical decision-making. Families can feel confident knowing their child is cared for every step of the way.
This is still camp. Campers will enjoy outdoor adventures, group games, team-building activities, and unforgettable moments like campfires and cabin time, creating memories that go far beyond the week.
Camp FWD is a nut-free environment and can accommodate common dietary needs such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free. Campers will also participate in the EZ Healthy Fresh program where they learn about nutrition and help prepare meals in a hands-on, age-appropriate way.
Camp FWD takes place at UCYC Camp in Prescott, Arizona. Campers will stay in bunk bed style cabins with group sleeping arrangements, and cabins include heat and fans for comfort. The camp also offers indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, along with WiFi access throughout camp to support staff communication and camper needs.
Campers will enjoy a full week of classic camp fun and outdoor adventure. UCYC Camp offers activities like swimming, archery, basketball, zip lining, climbing experiences, and ropes course elements. Every activity is designed to help campers build confidence, try new things, and create unforgettable memories with friends.
A glimpse into a typical Family Camp experience
Sample Weekend Schedule
We are finalizing the camp schedule now and will share a sample schedule soon.
Family Camp Daily Schedule
Bell Schedule Times
7:00 AM
Wake Up
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Breakfast
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Choice Activities
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Siesta / Education Summit (Pavilion)
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Choice Activities
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Testing / Clean Up
5:30 PM
Dinner
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Evening Activity – Friday (Tennis Court), Saturday (Benches)
8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Kiva Time (Pavillion)
10:00 PM
Lights Out
7:00 AM
Wake Up Bell
9:00 AM
Activity Start Bell (Morning activities begin)
12:00 PM
Activity End Bell (Morning activities end)
12:00 PM
Lunch Ding
2:00 PM
Activity Start Bell (Afternoon activities begin)
5:00 PM
Activity End Bell (Afternoon activities end)
5:30 PM
Dinner Ding
6:30 PM
Activity Start Bell (Evening activity begins)
Camping Checklist
Clothing & Outdoor Gear
☐ 6–7 comfortable daytime outfits
☐ 1–2 lightweight long sleeve shirts (sun and evening protection)
☐ Pajamas (including one warmer set for cool nights)
☐ Underwear and socks (extra pair recommended)
☐ Swimsuit(s)
☐ Closed toe shoes (sneakers for activities)
☐ Sandals or flip flops (shower and pool)
☐ Hat or cap for sun protection
☐ Light jacket or hoodie
☐ Toothbrush and toothpaste
☐ Hairbrush or comb
☐ Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
☐ Deodorant
☐ Sunscreen (SPF 30+; spray or lotion)
☐ Lip balm with SPF
☐ Any personal hygiene items needed
Toiletries & Personal Items
☐ Sleeping bag or twin size sheets and blanket
☐ Pillow
☐ Optional small comfort item (stuffed animal or blanket)
*Cabins are heated, but nights can be chilly*
Sleeping & Comfort
☐ Refillable water bottle
☐ Backpack or day bag
☐ Flashlight or headlamp
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Towels (bath and pool if needed)
☐ Laundry bag or plastic bag for dirty clothes
Camp Gear
☐ Electronics (phones, tablets, gaming devices) unless needed for CGM or pump use
☐ Valuables or expensive items
☐ Food, gum, or candy
☐ Weapons (knives, guns, explosives)
Do Not Bring
☐ Books, journal, or sketchpad
☐ Cards or small non electronic games
☐ Camera (if allowed)
☐ Letters from home
Optional (Nice to Have)
Pricing
Camp FWD Youth Camp is made possible through the generosity of our donors, allowing us to offer a meaningful, high quality camp experience at a significantly reduced cost for families living with Type 1 diabetes.
Your camper’s registration includes lodging, nutritious meals, engaging camp activities, diabetes informed programming, a camp T shirt, and a special welcome bag.
To help us plan responsibly and ensure a safe and supportive experience for every camper, registration is managed by availability. If a registration option is marked as full, you may still submit your information and our team will follow up if space becomes available.
Campers (Ages 8–16)
$950
The actual cost per camper is $1,400.
Please review the following important information prior to completing registration: Medical Policy, Refund Policy, Statement of Inclusion, Event Participation Disclaimer.
Important Dates 2026: Camp FWD Orientation - May 22, 2026. Final Payment due - May 10, 2026. Last day to cancel: Partial refund - May 29, 2026. Last day to cancel: Full refund - May 17, 2026.
Support Camp FWD Youth Camp and help create a safe, empowering experience for children living with Type 1 diabetes.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Camp FWD Youth Camp is made possible through the generosity of community partners and sponsors who believe every child living with Type 1 diabetes deserves a fun, empowering, and supportive camp experience. Sponsorships help offset the cost of lodging, meals, activities, and medically supported programming so campers can attend at a reduced rate while building confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships.
Pathfinder
$50,000+
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Exclusive recognition as “Presented by [Company Name]”
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Logo featured on all camp materials, t-shirts, website, and social media
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Spotlight in local news coverage and newsletters
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Opportunity to display marketing materials at camp
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Option to provide branded family gifts
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VIP recognition during camp kickoff event and at camp
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Attend VIP day during camp session
TRAILBLAZER
$25,000+
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Logo placement on t-shirts, website, and newsletters
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Social media feature and tagged post
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Inclusion in camp welcome signage
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Option to display marketing materials at camp
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Attend VIP day during camp session
CAMPFIRE
$10,000+
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Logo featured on website and printed materials
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Recognition in one newsletter and social media post
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Signage at dining or activity area
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Optional opportunity to sponsor a family dinner or activity
ADVENTURE
$5,000+
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Logo displayed at a family cabin
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Shoutout on social media and website sponsor page
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Option to include promo items in family welcome bags
CAMPER
$2,000
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Recognition on website
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Social media group acknowledgment
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Option to include marketing materials in family welcome bags
Have Questions About FWD Youth Camp?
Have questions about registration, sponsorship, schedules, or anything else? We’d love to help.