TOPP Foundation Highlights Impact of 2026 Camp Scholarships Awarded to Local Youth with Type 1 Diabetes

As the summer comes to a close, the TOPP Foundation is proud to highlight the impact of the ten camp scholarships awarded in 2026, supporting children and teens living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) across Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties. Scholarship recipients attended Camp Nejeda in Newton, NJ, and Camp Freedom at Camp Kweebec in Schwenksville, PA.

These scholarships provided families with tuition support to access specialized overnight diabetes camps that offer 24/7 medical supervision, a safe environment, and a supportive community where youth with T1D can fully participate in camp activities. For many families, this support made the difference between attending and missing out on a transformative camp experience.

Families shared that camp experiences boosted confidence, independence, and connection. One parent noted her child “felt like a new kid” after attending camp — a reflection of the emotional growth many campers experience. Teens described camp as a place where they feel understood and supported by others who share similar challenges, often forming friendships that last well beyond the summer.

Founded in 2016, the TOPP (Type One Parent Project) Foundation supports local families affected by T1D through camp scholarships, higher education scholarships, and funding for cure‑focused research. Since 2018, TOPP has provided $30,345 in camp scholarships to 53 children. The foundation also launched its Higher Education Scholarship in 2022 and has awarded $10,500 to 21 local high school seniors with T1D. Together, these programs represent $40,845 in total scholarship support for 74 local children and teens.

These camp and college scholarships honor young people who continue to grow and strive while navigating the daily challenges of T1D.

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks insulin‑producing cells in the pancreas. Managing T1D requires constant monitoring, planning, and resilience, and individuals rely on injected or pumped insulin to stay alive. Glucose levels can rise or fall quickly, disrupting daily life without warning, and severe highs or lows require immediate attention. These challenges don’t pause for school, sports, exams, or sleep — they are present 24/7.

Symptoms before diagnosis can appear suddenly — including increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, weight loss, or blurry vision — and anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult a healthcare provider, as early diagnosis and treatment can be lifesaving.

To learn more, contact Christine at christine@toppfund.org or visit www.toppfoundation.org.