“I can’t wait to get back to camp — it’s the perfect time to meet people who are experiencing diabetes just like me. It’s better than Disney!” — Drew Letizio, age 8 43 years young
Surprisingly enough, this quote is from a Camp Nejeda alum who has lived with type 1 diabetes for more than 42 years and still finds magic in the camp experience as an adult. Over the years, we’ve heard countless versions of this same sentiment: Nejeda is a place where campers can truly be themselves.
At camp, no one has to explain their diabetes. No one feels different. Campers are surrounded by peers and role models who understand exactly what life with T1D is like. That sense of belonging is what makes Camp Nejeda so special.
As we gear up for summer, our team is working hard to prepare for the “organized chaos” we lovingly call camp. We are often asked, “What do you do in the off-season?” Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening behind the scenes:
- Securing Operations: We are finalizing insurance contracts for the entire camp. To put it in perspective, the cost of liability and property insurance alone exceeds $100,000.
- Building the Team: We are hiring more than 80 counselors and recruiting over 50 medical professionals—including nurses, tech facilitators, and assistants—to ensure our Health Center is fully staffed and ready.
- Ensuring Accountability: We are completing our 2025 financial audit. This third-party review ensures our 501(c)(3) compliance and provides the transparency that donors and platforms like Charity Navigator require.
- Maintaining Our Home: Our facilities team is tackling repairs and upgrades, from replacing windows to painting. Over the next 90 days, we face a gauntlet of inspections covering everything from septic systems to well water. And of course, our Facilities Manager, Rich, will have his fingers crossed as he turns the water back on, hoping the winter frost was kind to our pipes!
- Strategic Planning: We are deep in budget reviews and employee evaluations to ensure we remain good stewards of your donations and continue to improve every department.
While the “off-season” is busy, our goal remains simple: to fulfill the mission of Camp Nejeda. We work year-round to provide a safe, fun, and efficient experience—one that truly feels better than Disney. Just ask Drew.
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