From the Executive Director’s Desk

“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~~ 48 years young

Surprisingly enough, this quote is from a Camp Nejeda alum who has lived with type 1 diabetes for more than 35 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.

A Note from the Programs Team

We’re getting more excited by the day as we look forward to warmer weather and the camp season ahead! Planning and preparation are in full swing, and our favorite part of this time of year is seeing our team of counselors come together. Staffing is well underway, and we’re thrilled that many of our campers’ favorite counselors will be back at camp this summer, joined by some fantastic new counselors who are excited to become part of our community.

We’re also excited to share a few updates that campers can look forward to seeing at camp this summer. We are looking forward to using a new dedicated space for dance and yoga, giving campers even more room to move, express themselves, and build confidence. We’re also having additional lighting installed to light the field during evening canteen time – a new favorite social part of the day that was added last year. This is a time for campers to enjoy some social time with friends over a bedtime snack before heading back to their cabins for bedtime.

This year we are excited to continue building our camp culture around our five core values: Support, Unity, Growth, Awareness, and Resilience. In practice, that looks like campers encouraging a friend who may be missing home, working together during group activities, trying new challenges, learning more about their health and wellness, and building confidence when things don’t go as planned. Our year-round Programs Team designs the camp day with these every day moments in mind, using a child development approach to help campers grow socially, emotionally, and independently in ways that feel natural and fun.

We’re honored by the trust families place in us and grateful for the community of campers, alumni, and supporters who make this work possible. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another summer of connection and unforgettable camp magic.

Your Programs Team,

Dana, Brian, & Victoria

Summer 2026 Registration Update:

Find Your Spot at Camp Nejeda

Summer is fast approaching, and we have some exciting updates regarding our 2026 sessions. Whether you’re looking for a full family weekend, a chance to bring a best friend, or a classic sleep-away experience, there is still a place for you in the Camp Nejeda community!

Family Camp Sessions (Space Available!)

Our Family Camps are the perfect “intro to camp” for children with T1D (up to age 15) and their loved ones. Financial aid is available for qualifying families.

Mini-Family Camp (Ages 7 & under): June 6
June Family Camp: June 12–14
August Session 1: August 20–22
August Session 2: August 23–25

BFF Week & Weekend (Space Available!)

Campers with T1D can bring a sibling or friend who doesn’t have diabetes to share the fun! It’s a wonderful way to build a supportive community back home.

BFF Week (Ages 7–15): June 28 – July 3
BFF Weekend (Ages 6–15): August 16–18

South Jersey Day Camp (West Deptford, NJ)

Hosted at the RiverWinds Community Center, this program is open to campers with T1D and their siblings (Ages 6–15).

Week 1 (July 6–10): Waiting list only.
Week 2 (July 13–17): Space available!
Full 2-Week Program: Space available!

Sleep-Away Camp (Waiting List Updates)

Most of our traditional sleep-away sessions are currently at capacity, but we are actively managing waiting lists:

Session 1 (July 5–17): Space available for Females; short waiting list for Males.
Combined Sessions 3 & 4 (Aug 2–14): Space available!
Sessions 2, 3, & 4: Currently accepting waiting list registrations.

Navigating the Waiting List

Don’t be discouraged by a waiting list! Cancellations happen for many reasons, often right up until the start date.

No Fee: It costs nothing to join a waiting list. You only pay the registration fee if a spot opens and you accept it.
Our Advice: Register for your second or third choice session to guarantee a spot at camp, then join the waiting list for your preferred dates.
Stay Ready: Have your medical paperwork and financial aid documents completed so you can say “Yes!” immediately if we call with an opening.

Important Dates to Remember

Mark your calendars to ensure your camper is cleared for fun:

March 1: Immunization records due (except Family Camp).
April 15: 2025 Tax Returns due for financial aid applicants.
May 1: Final payments and medical forms due for all summer programs.
May 2: Open House! Join us from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Camp Nejeda campgrounds for a tour and Q&A.

Pro Tip: For Sleep-Away and BFF camps, remember to bring a copy of your health insurance and prescription cards on the first day!

Ready to secure your summer plans?

Click here to visit our registration portal and claim your spot!

Camp Events

Open House

Join us for the annual Camp Nejeda Open House on Saturday, May 2nd, from 12pm – 4pm. Take a guided or self-led tour of our 72-acre campus, meet some of our summer staff, and get your questions answered. Ease your camper’s nerves (and yours too)!

Nejeda-thon

Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 20th, for Nejedathon, Camp Nejeda’s largest community fundraiser of the year! Join us back at camp to celebrate our mission and help raise vital funds for camp.

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