Diabetes NZ Bay of Plenty/Lakes Youth is back with a Live Brave Mana Ora Family Camp for 2025 at Totara Springs!

The Diabetes NZ Bay of Plenty/Lakes Youth Family Camp 2025 is for young people living with diabetes from the Bay of Plenty, Waiariki and Hawke's Bay areas and their whānau. There are spaces for approximately 25 families with children and teenagers of all ages.

Please note that booking and paying for camp spaces does not guarantee a spot, we will offer a full refund if we're unable to accommodate your booking. Priority will be given to those who have never had the opportunity to attend camp. We have limited cabins and may need to adjust to accommodate extra families. Tent/personal camping spaces may also be available. For more details or to request a tent space, please contact Lena directly.

Come along and enjoy the opportunity to try out the amazing activities on offer while meeting other youth with diabetes and their families. While parts of the weekend are planned with activities, there will be plenty of time for relaxing and getting to know each other!

This video was taken at our Tauranga Family Camp 2023.

Camp runs from Friday evening until about 2pm on Sunday afternoon. You will need to organise your own dinner on Friday night (you are welcome to eat at camp), all other meals and snacks are provided including Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free and Vegetarian meals.

Accommodation: Families are in their own private rooms with a common bathroom area and a lounge attached to relax in. There is a fridge in the lounge area, please name medication. Please be aware some families with 4 or 5 people may be placed in 2 adjacent rooms. This year we have some tent sites available for tents, caravans or campervans. Families that stay in the tents site will have access to showers, toilets, and the communal lounge/kitchen area.

Additional Cost: If any family members require Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Vegetarian or vegan meals an additional charge per person will apply. Please select Special Dietary Requirements on the ticket page.

Tickets are subject to a small booking fee which is entirely directed to charitable education projects.

Once we have confirmed numbers at Totara Springs Christian Centre, we have a commitment to pay for these numbers. Please see the cancellation policy below. If you are unable to attend after booking your family's spot, please let Lena know so your space can go to another family.

Any questions? Email Lena@diabetes.org.nz

Register now!

If any of your family have any health-related requirements, we should be aware of, other than diabetes, please explain when completing registration.

Totara Springs Camp Terms & Conditions:

Totara Springs is a Christian-run camp and behaviour is to be appropriate.

Speed limit around camp is 15 kph. Vehicles are not to leave the grounds between the hours of 12.30am – 5.30am.
Alcohol is not permitted on site.
Illegal drugs, firearms, animals, chewing gum, are not permitted on-site at all. If you are expecting a guest with a peanut allergy, we recommend you advise your family that peanuts will be prohibited.
In accordance with our fire safety regulations and insurance policies, there is no smoking or vaping in any buildings.
Please be aware of our onsite staff plus other guests and be quiet between 11.00pm and 7.00am, no excessive noise after 9.30pm please.
We expect the facility to be left as you found it. Removal of flora and fauna is not allowed.
Due to the sensitive nature of the smoke detectors, we ask that campers do not use body spray in any rooms as this can activate the sensors.
There is no lifeguard on duty at the pool. Parents, please supervise your children.
No fires to be lit unless specific permission has been obtained from Totara Springs.
No moving of beds or mattresses in rooms.
The camp organizer undertakes that all children in their group at Totara Springs will be properly supervised by their parents or guardians at all times.
For those in Lodges and Motels, linen (where booked) will be placed on beds for Standard & Premium groups
If you wish to go for a walk outside camp, it is advised that you wear hi-viz clothing. This is a farm road and as such, trucks and tractors as well as farm vehicles use it on a regular basis.

Diabetes management

Please note that families are responsible for their own health and welfare including the management of their diabetes. All meals will be supplied (excluding Friday night's dinner), including snacks, but please bring all your insulin, testing gear and hypo treatments.

Registrations will close 20 February 2025.

Cancellations after 20 February 2025 may incur a fee to cover accommodation and catering costs.

Please read the Diabetes NZ Parental Code of Conduct before registering for this camp; you will be required to agree to it before completing registration.
All Live Brave Mana Ora camps must follow the Diabetes NZ Camp Guidelines.

You will be sent a confirmation email from Lena to advise if your family has a spot at the 2025 Family Camp and an information pack will be sent out the week before camp.