Register now for SIU’s Camp BETA for youths with diabetes

August 19, 2024

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Camp BETA, a free overnight camp for youths ages 10-16 who have Type 1 diabetes, returns to Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center this fall.

Registration is now underway for the popular annual camp, set for Sept.7-8. The deadline to register is Aug. 23. Sign up online.

True camp experience

Organizers incorporate a wide variety of authentic camp and outdoor experiences into each day, including hiking, climbing, paddling, arts and crafts, team building activities and much more at the center, about 8 miles south of Carbondale off Giant City Road.

The camp is a collaborative effort involving SIU's Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, Southern Illinois Healthcare and the Diabetes Today Resource Team, with sponsorship from civic organizations, private companies, families, individuals and others. Organizers coordinate to ensure a safe, healthy camp experience for participants, and they attribute the camp's continued success and popularity to the hard work of many community members, parents, students, nurses, dietitians and volunteers.