51ÂÒÂ×

The 51ÂÒÂ× Diabetes Institute hosted its annual Cat Camp June 9-13, welcoming children and teens living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to a week of connection, creativity, and confidence-building in Athens, Ohio.

As the only T1D-specific day camp in southeastern Ohio, Cat Camp provides a safe and supportive environment where campers can fully participate in fun, active experiences alongside peers who understand the challenges of diabetes.

Learning through movement and creativity

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Campers kicked off the week with team-building games and crafts, including tie-dyeing hats and making personalized camp flags. They also had the opportunity to participate in unique activities like a low ropes challenge course at The Ridges, an all-camp color run, and a zipline.

A parent of a camper, Beth Horacek, said “Having only been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes less than 3 months ago, [our child] hasn’t been around any other children with Type 1 so this camp was great for her to meet other children with the same diagnosis and to see that she can continue to live a normal life doing all the activities she loves.�

Resilience in action

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Throughout the week, campers took on physical challenges that encouraged perseverance and teamwork, including the zipline at 51ÂÒÂ×’s challenge course. These moments helped build both confidence and emotional resilience, empowering participants to try new things in a supportive setting.

The camp also featured fun and engaging visits from community and university partners, including a K9 unit demonstration from 51ÂÒÂ× Police Department and a visit to a research laboratory.

A growing community

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Each summer, Cat Camp provides a sense of belonging for youth who often navigate their condition in isolation. Campers leave not only with new skills, but also with new friends who understand their journey. Many return each year, forming a close-knit and supportive community.

For more information on next summer’s Cat Camp and 2026 registration, visit /medicine/diabetes-cat-camp. 

Cat Camp 2025 was made possible by generous support from OhioHealth, Community Foundation for Perry County/FAO, Gallia Community Foundation/FAO, Marietta Community Foundation, Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons, Camp Angels, Shrivers Pharmacy and Wellness, and private donors. Funding and donations support camp scholarships and keep registration costs low for families.