DCES breaks ground on new medical dormitory at Camp Conrad Chinnock

Diabetes Camping & Educational Services marked the start of a new medical dormitory at Camp Conrad Chinnock in Angelus Oaks, California, with California Treasurer Fiona Ma and other local leaders on Oct. 23. The project is aimed at strengthening around-the-clock medical care for youth with Type 1 diabetes and supporting the camp’s volunteer staffing needs.

Why it matters: - The new medical dormitory is intended to help Camp Conrad Chinnock recruit and house volunteer doctors and nurses for week-long camp sessions. - The project supports 24/7 diabetes care for youth who attend the camp. - The investment gives families added confidence that children can attend camp with medical support nearby.

What happened: - Diabetes Camping & Educational Services broke ground on a new medical dormitory at Camp Conrad Chinnock on Friday, Oct. 23. - California State Treasurer Fiona Ma joined the event in Orange County. - Other attendees included Assemblyman Tom Lackey, Big Bear Lake Mayor Randall Putz, and representatives from the offices of State Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, Congressman Jay Obernolte, and San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chair Dawn Rowe. - The event highlighted the camp’s mission of serving youth living with diabetes.

The details: - Camp Conrad Chinnock is described as California’s most attended camp for youth with Type 1 diabetes. - Ma spoke about public-private partnerships and the role they can play in supporting community organizations. - Ma said the medical staff lodging is critical to attracting dedicated volunteer doctors and nurses. - Ma said the dormitory helps children enjoy summer camp, friendships and independence while parents gain peace of mind. - Dr. Richard Chinnock, chief medical officer of Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, also attended. - Dr. Richard Chinnock is the son of Dr. Robert Chinnock, who established the camp’s diabetes camping program and is honored in the camp’s name. - Dr. Richard Chinnock praised Ma for her support of the expansion of Loma Linda Children’s Hospital through the California Health Facilities Financing Authority.

Between the lines: - The groundbreaking brought together state and local leaders to signal support for a nonprofit program that relies on volunteer medical staff and community backing. - Ma’s appearance also tied the camp project to a broader push for public-private financing models in California. - The presence of hospital leadership reinforced the camp’s medical credibility and its link to the Loma Linda health system.

What's next: - DCES is seeking support from individuals, businesses and community partners to help fund the medical dormitory and camp programs. - Interested donors and partners can contact Doug Vogel at doug.vogel@diabetescamping.org. - DCES continues operating Camp Conrad Chinnock in Angelus Oaks, California, for youth living with diabetes. - The organization also directs people to its social channels for updates: Instagram and Facebook.

The bottom line: - DCES is expanding the infrastructure that makes its diabetes camp model possible, with the new dormitory designed to strengthen care, staffing and family confidence.