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Michigan Slipstream 2024
April 5 - April 7
USD$450
MICHIGAN SLIPSTREAM 2024
Fenton, Michigan
United States
April 5–7, 2024
Welcome the changing seasons of Spring at Michigan Slipstream 2024.
Connected in Motion x Diabetes SoluT1ons
Bringing CIM's signature program to the Diabetes SoluT1ons community.
To join the waitlist, email info@connectedinmotion.ca
About Slipstream
Join us for a weekend of community, connection and continuing Type 1 diabetes education.
Connected in Motion and Diabetes SoluT1ons are joining forces to bring CIM's signature Slipstream program to Michigan for the first time. Only 60 minutes northwest of Detroit, YMCA Camp Copneconic offers an exclusive campsite, complete with high ropes, boating, and 4-season heated cabins, making it the perfect home for the Type 1 diabetes (T1D) community.
Experiential diabetes education
No classrooms at a Slipstream. The best way to learn is in the real world.
Connect with Type 1s
A weekend developed specifically for adults with T1D in mind.
Watch the magic happen
A weekend to help make life with T1D just a little bit easier.
Logistics
A choose your own adventure weekend full of educational sessions and camp activity options.
During a Slipstream weekend, you’ll be able to make your own schedule–one that meets you exactly where you’re at. Interested in diving deep into all things diabetes education? Perfect. We’ll have 2-3 educational session options during each activity time slot. Feel like being outside and moving? We got you. Each time slot will also offer 2-3 outdoor activity options.
YMCA Camp Copneconic
Overview
Located on 750 wooded acres surrounding Lake Copneconic, Camp Copneconic offers the perfect home for Michigan Slipstream. The camp is complete with both small and large indoor breakout spaces for educational sessions, as well as a high ropes course, archery, paddling & watersports, and a variety of other awesome camp activities.
Address
10407 Fenton Rd,
Fenton, Michigan, 48430
Carpooling
Don’t wait until you arrive at Camp to kick off your Slipstream experience–consider carpooling! Join a car or offer a ride, here! Don’t forget, the Michigan Slipstream Facebook Event is also a great place to connect!
We'll be staying in group bunk-style accommodation. You can expect:
- Electricity for your device charging needs
- Climate control
- Ability to select a lower bunk option
- 6-12 other Slipstreamers per cabin
We work hard to develop tasty menus that accommodate a wide-range of dietary needs. In general, you can expect:
- Variety and options–you can opt in and out of most heavy carbs to suit your needs
- A nut-free facility
- Gluten-free options with specific attention to avoiding any cross-contamination
- Vegetarian options
- Dinner on Friday; Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on Saturday; Breakfast and Lunch on Sunday; evening snacks
- Example meals include: Breakfast–bacon, eggs, toast, yogurt and oats; Lunch–hamburgers and salad; Dinner–burrito bowls and salad
We'll provide all of the group gear and equipment, you bring your clothes, bedding, and diabetes supplies!
Slipstreams take place in outdoor camps across North America. There are plenty of opportunities to get active and have fun regardless of what Mother Nature throws at us. We always plan for the weather to be unpredictable–hot, cold, wet, or dry. We can’t control the weather, but we can control how we dress. Bring lots of comfy layers, as well as athletic, fast-drying, and wicking clothing.
Access the CIM Packing Lists, here.
Schedule at a Glance
Detailed Schedule
Friday April 5, 2024
Saturday April 6, 2024
Early Morning
9am Sessions
10:30am Sessions
Mid-Day
1:30pm Sessions
3pm Sessions
Late Afternoon
Evening
Sunday April 7, 2024
Early Morning
9:15am Sessions
Late Morning
The Speakers
Eritrea Mussa was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the Age of 9, right after a trip to Germany. Because of her background, Eritrea has lived in other parts of the world and experienced how different Diabetes can be due to where you live or how much money you have. She has always carried a strong love of travel and culture. Both of her parents are immigrants to America and a big part of her childhood was spent traveling to visit family around the world. Learning about Diabetes Treatments in other countries has fueled her passion to advocate for better healthcare in America. Currently, Eritrea utilizes a Tandem T-Slim X2 pump and a Dexcom CGM. Professionally, Eritrea spends her days as the Social Media Manager for The Diatribe Foundation. She is a founding member of the Communities In Schools Youth Leadership board in Dallas and volunteers with the American Diabetes Association, as well. She currently resides in Dallas, Texas with her furry roommate, Laila.
Hilary R. Damaser received her B.A. from Swarthmore College in theatre and her J.D. from The Ohio State University College of Law. She is currently a Principal Assistant Ohio Attorney General in the Executive Agencies Section of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. In this position, she represents the Department of Commerce, Division of State Fire Marshal, the Ohio Expositions Commission, the Department of Administrative Services, the Ohio Arts Council, and other agencies, boards and commissions. Previously, Hilary worked for the Attorney General in the Corrections Section and clerked for Justice Alice Robie Resnick of the Supreme Court of Ohio and for Judge Peter B. Abele of the Ohio Fourth District Court of Appeals. She is certified by the Ohio State Bar Association as a Specialist in Administrative Agency Law. She is active in various roles with the Ohio State Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Foundation. Hilary has done research on Ohio’s first women attorneys (licensed in 1874) and has appeared as one of them on several occasions.
Hilary has lived with type 1 diabetes for over 42 years, stretching from the days of urine testing to now sporting an integrated pump and CGM. She enjoys canoeing, downhill and cross-country skiing, light hiking, swimming, and other outdoor activities as well as reading and photography. She lives in Dublin, Ohio (outside of Columbus) with her husband and two teenage sons and serves on the City of Dublin Architectural Review Board.
Dr. Julia Blanchette, PhD, RN, BC-ADM, CDCES, is a Nurse Scientist and Diabetes Care and Education Specialist at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. She received her BSN and PhD from Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University in 2014 and 2019. She completed the ADCES/CBDCE Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Integrated Diabetes Management at the University of Utah College of Nursing in 2021. She has been a certified insulin pump trainer since she became a Registered Nurse in 2014. She has pump and CGM experience in the inpatient, outpatient, diabetes camp and virtual care settings for people living with diabetes across the lifespan. She has a particular interest in young adult diabetes technology but has expertise for all age groups across the lifespan. She has also lived with T1D for almost 25 years!
Kelly Nelson currently works for Cleveland Clinic in outpatient Cndocrinology, and specializes in diabetes care. She completed her nursing degrees at Malone University (BSN, 2012) and Walsh University (MSN, 2017), and obtained her CDCES in 2022. Kelly was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 10. Her passions in life are encouraging others to take control of their health, running, and spending time with her husband & 3 dogs.
Kerri Sparling is a writer, speaker, and the author of Six Until Me: Essays from a life with diabetes (2022), Loopy Makes a Sweater (2022), Rage Bolus & Other Poems (2021), and Balancing Diabetes (2014). Since 2005, she has been a leading voice in the patient advocacy space, focusing on her personal experience with type 1 diabetes. Through the power and passion of the patient narrative, Kerri found her voice and has worked to bolster the influence of patient stories in the healthcare space, from academic journals to keynote performances around the world. To connect with Kerri, you can email her at kerri (at) kerrisparling (dot) com.
Leela was 15 when she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Soon after diagnosis, she was fortunate to get involved with Camp Midicha in Michigan. This experience of working at Camp Midicha with T1D kids was life changing. The peer support found at diabetes summer camp helped Leela to understand this health condition, embrace the challenges that diabetes presents, and to love life. Now, 44 years later, Leela works as a clinical social worker specializing in counseling for those whose lives have been affected by diabetes. Leela has experience and training in the areas of diabetes and mental health, medical social work, grief and loss, chronic illness counseling and vision rehabilitation therapy.
Leela has attended several Connected in Motion events and has been thrilled to make new diabuddies in adulthood through CIM. Leela lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she enjoys playing games, creating art, hiking and camping.
Leela has attended several Connected in Motion events and has been thrilled to make new diabuddies in adulthood through CIM. Leela lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she enjoys playing games, creating art, hiking and camping.
Lowell Schmeltz, MD is a partner at Associated Endocrinologists in Farmington Hills, MI and an Associate Professor at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. As a computer science major in college, he has merged his medical expertise to specialize in Type 1 diabetes and diabetes technologies. He, along with his wife Ilana, founded Diabetes SoluT1ons in 2017 to support the Type 1 diabetes community in Michigan. He has been the chairman of Camp Midicha, the diabetes camp for kids in Michigan) for the past 15 years and is a past president of the American Diabetes Association in Michigan.
Mark Walsh was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 8 and grew up with a sibling who also had Type 1 diabetes. He has a background in wireless software development and nearly 2 decades of experience in the insulin delivery space. He has played an integral role in diabetes camps since 2003, using his position in the industry while implementing both diabetes camps and family retreats. Mark knows first-hand the value of having a support network while managing a chronic diagnosis like T1D.
Michel has been living with T1D for the past 46 years. He was an elementary school teacher who retired in June of 2019 after 30 years. In the past Michel was an Outward Bound instructor and program manager taking people on wilderness adventure trips of self-discovery. He also co-lead expeditions in the Soviet Siberia and Canadian Arctic as well working in the jungle of Guyana as a facilitator between scientists and Canadian youths. He also moderates a Men's T1D Mental Health group on Zoom which meets once a month. Michel is a proud father of two adult boys who have kept him physically and mentally active for the past 27 years. Michel keeps himself busy with outdoor pursuits (canoe tripping, whitewater kayaking/canoeing, hiking, telemark skiing and in the past dogsledding) and helping his amazing and supportive wife Sue operate a small Maple Syrup and Apiary business in Mono Ontario.
Dr. Nader Kasim is a board-certified pediatric endocrinologist and diabetologist at Helen Devos Children’s Hospital, part of Corewell Health, in Grand Rapids, MI. Dr. Kasim's main clinical interests include diabetes and diabetes technology. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 18 years. His outlook to diabetes is balancing quality of life with overall, long-term health. He does not let diabetes hold him back and acknowledges that diabetes is a part of him. He likes to be outdoors with his family, spending most of his time running and cycling. He has competed in multiple endurance races including marathons, trail races, and cycling rides.
Phil Hartley is a Registered Dietitian with 3 years of clinical experience. After obtaining his master’s in nutrition science at the University of Michigan, he went on to specialize in Endocrinology and Health Optimization at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. He is passionate about helping individuals with diabetes work toward nutritional goals that fit their personal lifestyle, cultural background, and specific health needs.
Safiyah Basir kicks off each day with the powerful affirmation, ""I am perfect health."" Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 7, Safiyah has turned her journey into a mission to redefine perceptions of living with diabetes. Residing in the Ann Arbor area, Safiyah wears multiple hats – she's not only an American Diabetes Association Ambassador but also a dedicated mother to healthy twin boys, Sage and Sultan. Currently pursuing her dream of becoming a physician's assistant with a specialized focus on endocrinology, Safiyah is passionate about promoting a positive narrative around diabetes. Beyond her advocacy and academic pursuits, Safiyah hosts the podcast "Diabetic Loving," where she encourages a loving approach to managing diabetes. Additionally, she's working on a children's book that aims to instill positivity and dispel misconceptions about the condition. Rejecting sympathy, Safiyah emphasizes her resilience, stating, "There is nothing I cannot do—I just need to check my blood sugar first."
Sarah Petti (she/her) a full-spectrum doula, integrative nutrition health coach, and yoga + meditation teacher. She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 15 years old and has spent over a decade working in the diabetes community as a peer support facilitator, motivational speaker, and holistic health coach. Sarah’s experiences with T1D and diabetes-related complications like gastroparesis, neuropathy, and retinopathy have inspired her to strive to become a better resource for people living with all types of diabetes, as well as other chronic conditions.
The Team
No stranger to CIM, Amy Burrows has had type one diabetes for 30 years. Hailing from Beaverton Ontario Amy enjoys spending time outdoors (mainly canoe tripping) with her friends, family, fellow T1's and her dog Caius. She spends her days working in dentistry as a Level 2 assistant and treatment coordinator in Uxbridge.
Cassie has been diagnosed with type 1 since age 6. She first attended Camp Midicha as a camper, then was a CIT and a counselor. She came back in 2014 to join the medical staff, and has served in positions such as cabin clinician, supervisor, and program coordinator as well as serving as a member of the planning committee. Cassie has also been a part of the diabetes camp, Camp Aspire, in Rush, NY. Cassie works as a nurse practitioner in pediatric endocrinology at Troy Beaumont, now Corewell Health. She specializes in kids with type 1 diabetes, especially those on pumps and those who struggle with the disease.
In her spare time, Cassie is a long-distance runner, completing multiple half marathons and 2 full marathons. She also enjoys hiking, biking, baking, cooking, and growing her large garden in the summer. She always says that camp is the best part of the whole year, and these people have turned into family. Nothing has impacted her personal diabetes journey as much as camp has.
Emily was diagnosed with diabetes in 1992 and starting in middle school, told anyone who would listen that she wanted to grow up to be a nurse and work with kids with diabetes. Emily works as a CDCES in Pediatric Endocrinology at Beaumont Children’s (now Corewell Health). As a diabetes educator, Emily has implemented an insulin pump and technology program for patients, works at the state level with school nurses to assist in diabetes care in the school setting, and worked on the creation and filming of educational videos for those newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Drawing from personal and professional experience, Emily strives to work with her patients to live their best lives with diabetes.
Emily volunteers with Camp Midicha, serving on the Camp Committee and attending as Med Staff. Emily attended Midicha as a camper but has found renewed passion for camp in volunteering as an adult. The supportive community camp provides continues to be integral to Emily’s diabetes journey.
Howard (J.P.) Parmentier has had Type 1 diabetes for over 40 years. He attended Camp Midicha for six years when it was held in Columbiaville, Michigan. He returned to camp in 2000 as a diabetes partner, then medical staff, and was the director from 2009-2015. J.P. works as the Superintendent of Manistique Area Schools. He enjoys working with his students with diabetes to help educate them how to be successful in an educational setting.
Coming Soon!
Janine Lee was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1990, at the age of 8. She attended Camp Midicha as a camper for six years, and was reintroduced to camp by a college classmate 19 years later. She has volunteered on the medical staff each summer since 2006, has served on the Camp Planning Committee since 2008, and has volunteered in a leadership role since 2011. Janine views her camp colleagues as her second family and cannot imagine navigating the daily challenges of diabetes without their support. She believes that diabetes helped mold her into who she is today and doesn’t let it hold her back from anything, including having two healthy children and running a half marathon! Janine works as a pharmacy manager at University of Michigan Health.
Jen has grown up with Type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed in 1987, she has never let diabetes stop her from pursuing her passion. Jen is the Executive Director of Connected in Motion, where she works to bridge the gap between clinical care and 'real life' for adults with Type 1 diabetes. Jen also works with the Children with DIabetes youth program, as well as the Type 1 Think Tank. She has volunteered around the world with the Young Leaders in Diabetes, and been involved with Camp Huronda and the Diabetes Education and Camping Association. Jen is on the Leadership Council with Beyond Type 1. She loves to travel, be outside, and spend time at her cabin with her family. Jen is a Registered Kinesiologist, Certified Diabetes Educator, and Teacher. She has a Masters Degree in Education, focused on Experiential Diabetes Education.
Dr. Lowell Schmeltz, MD is a partner at Associated Endocrinologists in Farmington Hills, MI and an Associate Professor at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. As a computer science major in college, he has merged his medical expertise to specialize in Type 1 diabetes and diabetes technologies. He, along with his wife Ilana, founded Diabetes SoluT1ons in 2017 to support the Type 1 diabetes community in Michigan. He has been the chairman of Camp Midicha, the diabetes camp for kids in Michigan) for the past 15 years and is a past president of the American Diabetes Association in Michigan.
Lucinda (Lucy) McGroarty is a creative and driven individual with a passion for art and design. With a Bachelor's degree in Interior Design and a Master's degree in Design, Lucy has honed her skills in various mediums, including space planning, storytelling, and digital media. In addition to her work as a freelance designer, Lucy has also served as a design professor, educating and inspiring the next generation of creatives. Her work has been recognized by various publications, and she has received numerous awards and accolades. In her free time, Lucy enjoys hiking and reading with her husband Adam and their son Teo, and finding inspiration in the beauty of the outdoors.
Mark Walsh was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 8 and grew up with a sibling who also had Type 1 diabetes. He has a background in wireless software development and nearly 2 decades of experience in the insulin delivery space. He has played an integral role in diabetes camps since 2003, using his position in the industry while implementing both diabetes camps and family retreats. Mark knows first-hand the value of having a support network while managing a chronic diagnosis like T1D.
Dr. Nader Kasim is a board-certified pediatric endocrinologist and diabetologist at Helen Devos Children’s Hospital, part of Corewell Health, in Grand Rapids, MI. Dr. Kasim's main clinical interests include diabetes and diabetes technology. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 18 years. His outlook to diabetes is balancing quality of life with overall, long-term health. He does not let diabetes hold him back and acknowledges that diabetes is a part of him. He likes to be outdoors with his family, spending most of his time running and cycling. He has competed in multiple endurance races including marathons, trail races, and cycling rides.
He is involved in the diabetes community throughout the state of Michigan. Dr. Kasim serves as medical director and supervising endocrinologist for Camp Midicha. He is also involved with the American Diabetes Association and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, serving on various boards and coordinating outreach activities for the diabetes community. Dr. Kasim also has a clinical and research interest in cystic fibrosis-related diabetes. He leads a multidisciplinary clinic with the Cystic Fibrosis Center at Helen Devos Children's Hospital.
Program Partners
Thank you to our incredible sponsors who help make this program possible!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Slipstream Weekend, anyway?
A Slipstream Weekend is an active, social and educational weekend for adults living with Type 1 diabetes. But that explanation sounds so formal… What it really is… is a weekend jam packed full of outdoor adventure, engaging workshops, great food and incredible people. It’s a chance to connect (or re-connect) with like-minded Type 1s, get out and try something new, learn from each others’ experiences, and celebrate the year’s accomplishments – focusing on the positive aspects of what we CAN do with Type 1 diabetes.
What goes on at a Slipstream? Do you have a schedule ready?
Think of Slipstream as a choose your own adventure experience. You’ll have the chance to build your own schedule to create an experience that works best for you and your goals for the weekend.
When the schedule is ready, it will be added to this page under the Schedule At A Glance.
Who can attend a Slipstream Weekend?
Slipstream Weekends are available to people aged 18+ who are living with Type 1 diabetes. We have had participants from ages 18 to 82 and have no upper age restrictions as long as you are willing to bring a smile and a love for being active.
We do offer programs where your friend or partner living without Type 1 can join through our 5.5er series! Check out our 5.5er Slipstream or 5.5er Canoe Trip.
Getting There? Accommodations? Food? Packing List?
Oops, you’ve scrolled too far! All of that information is answered further up the page.
What is the vibe of the weekend? Is this like a conference?
Not really! Here, at Connected in Motion, we wanted to get away from the typical ‘conference’ style of learning. We want to have meaningful conversations, hands-on learning, and actually get outside and put into practice some of the strategies for living well with diabetes that we’ve all learned along the way. You can expect a mix between indoor learning sessions – sometimes we’ll bring in special guests to share with us, other times we’ll run group workshops – and outdoor adventure sessions – don’t worry, we’ll let you define adventure! Think, camp for adults!
I'm not super fit. I don't know if I'll be able to handle this event.
Of course you will! The CIM team are trained educators and adventure guides. We work hard to make sure that everyone experiences success, defined on your own terms. Whether that’s climbing a mountain, or just strolling to the trailhead, we’ll mould the experience to suit all ability levels. We’ll encourage you to step to the edge of your comfort zone, but we won’t push you off!
I have a special dietary need: celiac, dairy sensitivity, allergy, etc. Can the venue accommodate me?
We do our best to accommodate special dietary requests, and our team works closely with the venue to ensure they are aware of any food allergies or special diets in the group. If you have a special dietary concern, please be sure to let us know during the registration process so we can find out what accommodations or substitutions the venue is able to offer.
Will there be low supplies on site, or do I need to pack my own?
Low supplies will be plentiful, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own! We’ll supply juice boxes, glucose tabs, granola bars, etc. As always, if you have your own favourites, please bring them along! (Maybe they will become our favourites, too!)
I see a lot of cool outdoor adventure activities listed. Do I need any of my own equipment?
Nope! For every activity offered at Slipstream, gear will be provided. It’s included in your registration fee!
What's included in my registration?
- Shared accommodation (usually bunk-bed style)
- All meals and snacks (Friday evening dinner through Sunday Lunch)
- Outdoor programming (past examples include: rock climbing, challenge course, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, swimming, etc)
- CIM-specific programming
What is NOT included?
- Transportation to and from the program venue is not included
- Diabetes supplies (make sure to bring everything you need for yourself!)
I'd love to join, but don't think I can afford it.
We never want someone to miss out on a CIM experience, simply because they can’t afford it. The purpose of the CIM Program Subsidy is to eliminate financial barriers for those who want to attend a Slipstream weekend or Adventure program. These subsidies are possible because of the fundraising by past CIM Adventure Team members.
To apply for a subsidy, please visit our CIM Program Subsidy page, here.
What is the refund policy?
We offer full refunds for CIM program registrations until 30 days before the start of each program. Unfortunately, CIM is unable to refund CIM registrations that are canceled less than 30 days from the start of the program due to arrangements with our host venues and contracted staff. For cancellations more than 30 days before the program, a refund (minus an administration fee of $25) will be issued. To request a cancellation, please email info@connectedinmotion.ca.
I still have a question I need answered.
Still have questions? Send them to info@connectedinmotion.ca with Slipstream FAQ in the subject line and we’ll get your questions answered!
