Diabetes Camping and Educational Services, Inc.

Kaylyn McFayden’s journey with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) began on October 16, 2014, when she was just 11 years old. Navigating life with T1D has brought countless challenges, yet through it all, Kaylyn has found strength, resilience, and community—largely thanks to Camp Conrad Chinnock. This year marks her 10-year “Diaversary,” and we’re raising funds to support this incredible camp, a safe haven for children and families affected by T1D.

Camp Conrad Chinnock, through Diabetes Camping and Educational Services (DCES), provides life-changing support and education for over 2,500 families each year across Southern California. The camp gives children like Kaylyn a place to learn how to manage their diabetes, build lifelong friendships, and foster self-confidence. Her mom, Cassie, shares how the camp’s supportive environment and resources have been invaluable, offering peace of mind and a network of parents who truly understand the journey.

Over her six sessions, Kaylyn has learned essential skills to prepare her for adulthood, developed lasting friendships, and even taught her family new things she’s learned about managing diabetes. As we honor her 10-year journey, please consider contributing to our GoFundMe to help more children experience the support and community that have meant so much to Kaylyn, the McFayden Family, and entire Pro-Craft team.

Every dollar helps provide education, resources, and a sense of belonging for these children and their families. Join us in celebrating Kaylyn's strength and supporting a future where every child with T1D can thrive. Thank you for making a difference!

• $50,000 Raised: This contribution will fund the construction of a medical cabin, expanding the camp’s capacity to accommodate a full medical team on-site, prioritizing camper health and safety.

• $25,000 Raised: Funds will support vital renovations, enhancing year-round facilities and resources for families affected by diabetes.

• $10,000 Raised: Provide multiple scholarships to ensure children can attend camp and benefit from its supportive environment.

• $5,000 Raised: Enable the development of new educational programs, empowering campers and families with essential diabetes management skills.

• $2,500 Raised: Ensure the health center is fully stocked with necessary medical supplies for camper safety.

• $1,000 Raised: Sponsor a family’s four-day camp session, offering connection and support within a community that understands their journey.

• $750 Raised: Give a child a transformative seven-day camp experience filled with friendship and growth.

• $300 Raised: Provide a teen the opportunity to attend Winter Camp, where they can connect with peers and share experiences.

Your support goes directly to Diabetes Camping and Educational Services (DCES), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

This past weekend, Cristian, Cris, and myself had the opportunity to attend Family Diabetes Camp at Camp Conrad Chinnock. It was the most amazing weekend filled with diabetes education and support from families all living and dealing with type 1 diabetes.

There is an upcoming youth session from July 29th to Aug 3rd. After attending Family Camp, Cristian is “dying” to attend and it's all he could talk about on the drive home, as well as seeing his favorite counselor/counselors again and some of the friends he met during the family session. With the experience he just had, I can’t even imagine how much more comfortable and confident he’ll become with his diagnosis and dealing with his everyday life. I also hope he’ll meet and make lifelong friendships and memories with the experience from attending youth camp.

Unfortunately, with the camp youth session being so soon and with all the additional cost to maintain Type 1 diabetes, the total cost is not manageable for our family.

Anything helps and we greatly appreciate it.

Hi. I’m Noah. I’m 10 years old and I have Type 1 Diabetes. I was diagnosed with T1D just over three years ago. Every day I manage my blood sugar levels through my insulin pump. Sometimes my blood sugar goes high, sometimes low. I need to check my blood sugar levels before I eat, and sometimes having to do this makes me feel

sad.

Last summer I went to Camp Conrad Chinnock and met lots of kids with T1D just like me. It felt great to just be able to enjoy playing, knowing that the kids and caregivers I was with understood what it was like to have T1D.

I’d really like to be able to go back to camp this year so am fundraising for Diabetes Camping and Educational Services.

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Diabetes Camping and Educational Services, Inc., and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Diabetes Camping and Educational Services, Inc.: Diabetes Camping and Educational Services is committed to providing a safe, educational, and healthy camping experience to all children and families. Our services and facilities will be shared with health-based associations, schools, and community organizations looking to promote self-esteem, spiritual awareness, and moral character within children, including those living with chronic illness, physical disability, or economic hardship.

We are sending Addie to Diabetes Camp...This camp helps her build the confidence in her disease. Learning to manage her sugars, take care of her body, learn how to use her insulin pump, carb count her meals and create long lasting friendships with other type 1 diabetics just like her.

Dylan and I are trying to raise money to go to overnight diabetic camp together. Anything helps, thank you in advance.

More information about Diabetes Camping and Educational Services, Inc.: Diabetes Camping and Educational Services is committed to providing a safe, educational, and healthy camping experience to all children and families. Our services and facilities will be shared with health-based associations, schools, and community organizations looking to promote self-esteem, spiritual awareness, and moral character within children, including those living with chronic illness, physical disability, or economic hardship.

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Diabetes Camping and Educational Services, Inc., and any donation will help make an impact.

When I was seven, I was diagnosed with Type One diabetes so I have been living with this illness for six years, in fact I just had my 6th Diaversary on June 6th.

Overall, I do really well managing my diabetes. There are sleepless nights and activities I sometimes can’t do and sometimes I get teased, but I have a really strong support system that helps me get through the tough times.

One of my support systems and favorite things to do is attend Camp Conrad Chinook Diabetes camp. All of the kids and counselors at this camp are also living with Type One diabetes. Because of this I never feel different and it’s been really special to be around people who understand the day-to-day struggles I live with. I also feel really safe there. This year I am raising money to attend summer camp and raise awareness.

Diabetes Camping and Educational Services, Inc. ( a non-profit) gave me a form/link to send out so donations can be sent to them directly. They will put all donations toward my camp fee. They will also send an acknowledgment letter for tax purposes to you. They will also let me know you sent a donation so I can send you a thank you.

Every little bit helps me, so no donation is too small.

Thank you so much for your support, I really appreciate it.

Elle

More information about Diabetes Camping and Educational Services, Inc.: Diabetes Camping and Educational Services is committed to providing a safe, educational, and healthy camping experience to all children and families. Our services and facilities will be shared with health-based associations, schools, and community organizations looking to promote self-esteem, spiritual awareness, and moral character within children, including those living with chronic illness, physical disability, or economic hardship.

My son Cash was recently diagnosed with type one diabetes. He's very resilient and learning to manage his condition . He is going to diabetes sleepaway camp. This will be will be an opportunity for him to learn to care for himself, enjoy the outdoors, and make some lifelong friends. I am applying for financial aid to offset the cost. Posting a go fund me is mandatory to even be considered. Please help if you can. Thank you.

Dear supporter,

My name is Josiah, and I am 11 years old. When I was three years old, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

But last year, I found Camp Conrad Chinnock. Everyone there had diabetes and I found a great community of people all while learning about diabetes I also made new best friends. I am now longer scared of putting in my site. I can also manage my diabetes a lot better. in a year it will be possible for me to even enter a leadership program! But camp costs $750, and I need financial help to go there.

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Diabetes Camping and Educational Services, Inc., and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Diabetes Camping and Educational Services, Inc.: Diabetes Camping and Educational Services is committed to providing a safe, educational, and healthy camping experience to all children and families. Our services and facilities will be shared with health-based associations, schools, and community organizations looking to promote self-esteem, spiritual awareness, and moral character within children, including those living with chronic illness, physical disability, or economic hardship.

Hello, I'm Cameron. Since 2015, at the tender age of 8, I've been navigating the complexities of living with Type 1 Diabetes. One of the most transformative experiences in my journey was attending a camp designed specifically for children like me, living with Type 1 Diabetes. This camp has not only been a sanctuary for me but a place where I've found my tribe—individuals who truly understand the highs and lows of our daily lives.

This camp serves as an annual retreat where we can share our stories—the triumphs and challenges—without fear of judgment. It's a space where we can be unabashedly ourselves, drawing strength from each other's resilience. It's my yearly reset button, allowing me to face the world with renewed vigor and a sense of belonging.

Now, I'm reaching out to invite you to be a part of this transformative experience. I'm fundraising for Diabetes Camping and Educational Services, Inc., to ensure not just my return to this life-affirming camp but also to support a cause that's close to my heart. Your donation, big or small, will directly impact lives, fostering an environment of support, education, and empowerment for those of us living with Type 1 Diabetes.

I'm deeply grateful for your support and generosity. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of many, providing them with an experience that goes beyond just camp—it's about discovering a place where you can be your true self. Thank you for considering a contribution to this cause that has profoundly shaped my life and the lives of many others.

More information about Diabetes Camping and Educational Services, Inc.: Diabetes Camping and Educational Services is committed to providing a safe, educational, and healthy camping experience to all children and families. Our services and facilities will be shared with health-based associations, schools, and community organizations looking to promote self-esteem, spiritual awareness, and moral character within children, including those living with chronic illness, physical disability, or economic hardship.