Spring Hill Camp in Indiana

No Limits Diabetes is extremely pleased to once again offer teen programs at Spring Hill Camp (Known as Red Brush Park to locals) west of Seymour, Indiana.  When No Limits Diabetes was founded in 1995, we elected to concentrate on offering “age appropriate” (in the life of most teens, that means active, challenging and, above all, not being treated like little kids) programs.  No Limits Diabetes is also known as Diabetic Teens Without Boundaries as our second purpose was to revitalize the exchange programs with Eastern Europe. 

We felt that we would have to look outside of Indiana to find the challenge activities we desired; however, Spring Hill Camp was suggested to us.  Spring Hill was known to have one of the best facilities and programs in the Midwest.  The camp had existed exclusively as a church camp ever since becoming a children’s camp.  Spring Hill offered to let us run our own program with the help of their program staff and dining room separate from their usual program.  We fell in love with Spring Hill and its staff immediately.  We are honored to offer our programs at such an exceptional place.
 When No Limits Diabetes started the quest to provide programs exclusively for teens with diabetes, we knew that the lives of teens are quite full. 

By chance, we obtained the week known as “moratorium week” when most schools do not have athletic practices.  This usually falls on the week that includes the 4th of July.  We will continue to offer the summer camp program during this week as long as it fits the Spring Hill schedule and it continues to be a “week off” for sports.  Knowing teen schedules, we have been honored to see the program grow from 17 our first year to over 70 teens now.AND to be able to have college aged counselors who share diabetes.  The medical staff is one of the most experienced with diabetes camping in the area.  It includes a diabetologist, diabetes educators, pump instructors and nurse practitioner.  No Limits and Spring Hill provide highly qualified, adult program staff supervising all activities.
 
As we were formulating the concepts for No Limits Diabetes, the board wanted to go back to a “real camping” program.  We selected a campsite on a peninsula into the largest lake, Rust Lake.  We intentionally selected a tent unit to “rough it” a little.  Each tent can sleep 16 and does have some electricity and lights.  Showers and toilets are in the unit or available close by at the Lodge.  Living arrangements are divided by age and sex; but daily program activities are mixed and there are some activity choices during each program period.  Since our peninsula, Pine Point, extends into the lake and the swimming area with beach are next to us, we try to include some water activity each day.  Crafts, education, cookouts and campfires are all done at Pine Point.
 Some of the activities available at Spring Hill are canoeing, kayaking, Gusher water slide, the Blob,  various water “toys,” horseback, rifle and bow target shooting, buddy high ropes, climbing wall, leap of faith, 800 foot zip line, Eurobungie, skate park, paint ball and the Krud war.  We have had a field day and special guests each year.  Time is provided for diabetes education done in small discussion groups on topics directed toward the transition from parental care and supervision to self care:

Goals:  To provide programs which offer enough variety and age appropriate challenges to bring teens together where their issues can be addressed, peer support relationships can develop and guidance through the transition to self care can be provided.
            Teens face a difficult time with diabetes.  They often have allowed parents to do most of the care.  A “care crisis” develops as the teen’s schedule makes it increasingly difficult for parents to manage daily diabetes care.  There is an increasing time and number of meals away from home.  It is our goal to address issues and provide information to better equip the teen as he or she moves to independent living.

Our organization has two names, Diabetic Teens Without Boundaries is our IRS name, No Limits Diabetes is our common name both imply that limitations should not be placed just because of diabetes.
 

Who:  No Limits Camp is open to Type 1 and Type 2 teens (ages 13 to 18).  Teens and parents should realize that the nature of the program is active and intended to be challenging.   All participants will be expected to accept challenges and try new activities.  Teens should be ready to assume the primary role in their diabetes care and management.  The amount of oversight in diabetes care by the medical staff and counselors will be determined by the skill levels of the teen.

 
Application:  All applications are considered by the board of No Limits Diabetes.  Selection will be made based on date of application and the ability to safely and fully participate in the program.  A $50 deposit is required unless scholarship help is requested.  Scholarships can be full or partial based on need and availability of funds.  The full cost of camp is $225 including the deposit.  (Donations to No Limits continue to absorb the difference between our actual cost and the fee charged.  Every effort is made to insure that no family has to forego camp due to financial hardships. 
Each teen needs to submit a health questionnaire PRIOR to camp.  Returning campers will use an “update” form to provide information about any changes since last camp.  This questionnaire, directions to camp, clothing list and check in procedures will be mailed upon acceptance.
International Programs:  In 1993 arrangements were made through Camp Counselors USA to invite a group of Russian teens to join our programs for the summer.  Since that time, more than 100 different teens from Eastern Europe and Eurasia have been invited to participate both as campers and counselors.  The program now concentrates on smaller towns in Russia and is open to teens from other countries as well.  Teens attend camp, stay in host families and tour some diabetes related industries. 

Programs have also been held in Russia for Russian and American teens.  These are currently under negotiation.  

To fill out our application electronically, please click here