Florida Diabetes Camp - Camp Winona
Located near the scenic Ocala National Forest in Central Florida, Camp Winona is the home of our largest programs, two week-long overnight camp experiences for ages 9-12 and 12-14. Campers can enjoy swimming, canoeing, fun-yaking, blobbing, and more, fostering teamwork through sports and cabin challenges. Evenings come alive with beach parties, carnivals, dances, and scavenger hunts, making every moment at Camp Winona unforgettable.
Alongside a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, including on-site physicians, nurses, dieticians, and mental health experts, campers learn valuable life skills to take charge of their diabetes care, build independence, and find motivation through deep connections with peers and mentors who understand their journey.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Florida Camp for Children and Youth with Diabetes (FCCYD) was incorporated in 1970 by Dr. Arlan Rosenbloom. More than 50 years later, FCCYD serves over 400 youngsters ages 6-18 at its six summer sessions and another 700 youngsters and their families in weekend sessions throughout the year. Florida Camp for Children and Youth with Diabetes (FCCYD), founded in 1970, provides diabetes management education and mental assistance to children with type one diabetes. The independent, non-profit organization offers summer and weekend sessions, serving over 400 youth ages 6-18 and 700 families annually.
FCCYD's programs are more than just recreational experiences. Pediatric endocrinologists and diabetes educators conduct scheduled diabetes education sessions, promoting self-care, independence, and positive self-esteem. Over 110,000 blood sugar tests, 50,000 insulin shots, and 250,000 units of insulin are administered yearly, with nearly $250,000 worth of diabetes supplies donated by pharmaceutical companies.
Over 200 volunteers, including medical professionals, teachers, and young adults, contribute over $500,000 worth of services to ensure quality care for the children. Fees, sponsorships, and donations cover the remaining costs, ensuring all children can attend regardless of their family's financial situation.
FCCYD's history dates back to 1962 when Wilma Van Der Beek organized Florida's first diabetes camp under the auspices of the Florida Diabetes Association. Over the following eight years, the camp grew from 40 to 85 campers per summer. In 1970, Dr. Arlan Rosenbloom incorporated FCCYD, which has since grown to serve over 1,100 individuals annually.