Hot Shots Camp

"This was the best week of my life! I was so nervous to go but now I don't want it to end."
- First Year Camper
Big Shots 2023

Big Shots Resident Camp

2024 Dates: June 20-24, 2024
Campers aged 13-17 will make friends that they will cherish for a lifetime. There is something for everyone from canoeing, crafts, swimming, a talent show, archery – AND fun diabetes education.
NEW 2024: Registration Fee Only $10!

Middle Shots Resident Camp

2024 Dates: June 17-20, 2024
Middle Shots designed for ages 10-13, is the campers first taste of resident camp. Middle Shots is a great place for the kids to bond and make friendships that last a lifetime through fun-filled camp activities.
NEW 2024: Registration Fee Only $10!

Little Shots Day Camp

Little Shots Ohio Dates: July 8-11, 2024
Little Shots Michigan Dates: July 22-25, 2024
Introductory experience for children aged 5-10. In addition to games, crafts, and fun activities, our campers learn tools to help them manage their diabetes independently.
NEW 2024: Registration Fee Only $10!

**Please note that our registration link is not compatible with Internet Explorer.

Why Hot Shots Camp?

A New Experience

Hot Shots Camp is a safe place for kids to try new things. We encourage a wide variety of firsts at camp; some are related to diabetes, others are not. Often, camp is the first time a child stays away from home, the first time they give themselves an injection or even the first time they catch a fish! When a first does happen, it’s time to celebrate that person and cheer for them on the way to the prize bin! Each year brings a new theme filled with tons of unique crafts, games, and activities. Whether you are a new camper or returning, you will never get bored!

Make New Friends

At some point, every child living with diabetes has felt alone. At camp, they realize they are never alone! Campers return from camp feeling more confident in themselves and knowing they have a whole community to support them. DYS has a long history of making friends for a lifetime. More than half our campers come back every year for more fun!

Our Staff

Medical

Our team of nurse practitioners, nurses, diabetes educators, and a registered dietician are on-site to ensure all campers’ diabetes and dietary needs are met. Our medical staff continually educates campers by using teachable moments to encourage independent management.

Counselors

Our counselors are primarily young adults who live with diabetes themselves. They are fantastic role models for the campers, model good diabetes management, and make the camp experience a memorable one!

Facility Staff

DYS works hard to ensure all the facilities we work with uphold the same values we do, from accommodating low blood sugars during Alpine Tower to making campers from all races, religions, sexual orientations and more feel welcome and at home. Our Resident Camp facility is ACA Accredited, and our Day Camp facility staff have won several awards.

In 2023
Campers displayed improved attitude towards their diabetes 87%
Campers were able to identify new tools related to diabetes management 77%
Campers talked about meaningful camp experiences 100%
Campers showed improvement in their diabetes care skills 79%
Parents would recommend DYS camp to other families 99%
Parents felt that camp met or exceeded their expectations 99%

Hot Shots Camps are a proud member of the