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Northeastern Slipstream 2023
May 26, 2023 @ 4:00 pm - May 28, 2023 @ 1:00 pm EDT
$425We're excited to reconnect as we bring in-person Slipstreams back to life.
Experiential Education
No classrooms. The best way to learn is in the real world.
Relax & Recharge
It's an awesome weekend in the woods around a campfire!
Lasting Connections
Attendees go on to make lifelong friendships with other T1s.
WHAT: Northeastern Slipstream 2023
WHERE: Camp Caribou, Winslow, Maine
WHEN: May 26–28, 2023
WHO: Adults (18+) with Type 1 diabetes
PRICE: $425 USD
CANCELLATION POLICY: We offer a full refund (minus an administrative fee) up until 30 days before the event start date. Refunds cannot be issued within 30 days of the event start date due to arrangements with our host venues. To request a refund, please email info@connectedinmotion.ca.
Get in touch with your rustic, outdoorsy side on a hike or paddle, or kick it back by the campfire for a s’more at Northeastern Slipstream 2023. The weekend will be full of hands-on, diabetes-themed workshops, as well as group discussions where we can share our collective diabetes knowledge. Don’t miss out!
What is a Slipstream?
A Slipstream is an active, social and educational weekend for adults living with Type 1 diabetes. But that explanation sounds so formal… it’s really a weekend jam-packed with outdoor adventure, engaging workshops, great food and incredible people. It’s a chance to connect (or reconnect) with like-minded Type 1s, get out and try something new and learn from each others’ experiences. Let’s celebrate our accomplishments and focus on the positive aspects of what we CAN do with Type 1 diabetes.
All of the Important Information You Need
Camp Caribou
1 Caribou Way
Winslow, ME 04901
Driving
Camp Caribou is conveniently located in central Maine, just an hour outside of Bangor.
From Boston, MA – 3 Hours
From Saint John, NB – 4 Hours
From Montreal, QC – 5 Hours
From Burlington, VT – 5 Hours
Airports
Camp Caribou is located approximately 1 hour / 56 miles from Bangor International Airport (BGR) or 1.5 hours / 83 miles from Portland International Jetport (PWM).
Carpool Information
Don’t forget to check out our Carpooling Tool – Join a car or offer a ride, here.
When attending a Slipstream, you can expect to stay in shared, bunk-style accommodations with electricity for all of your diabetes charging needs. When CIM is searching for venues, we look for options that are comfortable for adults, including easy access to bathrooms and showers (in the cabins, whenever possible), climate-controlled spaces, and reasonably sized beds.
Slipstreams take place in outdoor playgrounds 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 weather to be unpredictable – hot, cold, wet or dry and cooler in the evenings. We can’t control the weather, but we can control how we dress. We will plan to be generally active outside for the majority of the weekend. Bring lots of comfy layers, as well as athletic, fast-drying, wicking clothing. This ain’t no fashion show!
Please Note: It can still be cold in Maine in late May. BRING LAYERS and an extra blanket!
Camp Clothes
- Underwear of choice
- 2 pairs of wool socks
- 1 quick-dry t-shirt
- 2 long sleeve shirts
- 1 pair of pants
- Long-johns (top and bottom layers)
- Comfy clothes for lounging – jeans, hoodies, sweats, etc.
- Rain gear (jacket and pants)
- Pyjamas
- 1 fleece or hoodie
- 1 insulated jacket
- Brimmed hat, toque, and mitts
- Bathing suit and towel
Footwear
- Slippers/sandals (for indoor use)
- Running shoes and/or trail/hiking shoes (for outdoor use)
Toiletries
- Shampoo/conditioner/soap/body wash
- Brush/comb
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal items
Camping Equipment
- Sleeping bag, bedding and pillow
- Extra blanket layers
- Single bed fitted sheet (optional)
Diabetes Supplies and Meds
- Any meds you need, labeled
- Insulin and supplies (enough to last a week) – be sure to pack extra pump sites and reservoirs, pump batteries/charger, glucose meter(s), syringes, pen camps, etc.
- Your favourite low supplies
- Emergency hypo kit (if you have one)
Other
- Camera
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- 1L water bottle
- Small backpack/fanny pack
Optional
- Musical instruments
- Yoga mat
- Season specific sporting equipment (tennis racquet, fishing rod, frisbee, etc.)
- Cards or your favourite board game (you never know!)
Schedule at a Glance
Friday
4PM – Check-In begins!
6PM – Dinner
7:30PM – Welcome, Icebreakers & Social
Saturday
7AM – Optional Morning Activities
8AM – Breakfast
9AM / 10:30AM – Morning Session Options
12PM – Lunch
1:30PM / 3PM – Afternoon Session Options
4:30PM – Free Time Activities
6PM – Dinner
7PM – Evening Activities & Social
Sunday
7AM – Optional Morning Activities
8AM – Breakfast
9:15AM – Morning Session Options
11AM – Debrief Activities
12PM – Lunch
1PM – Pack Up and Head Out
Detailed Schedule & Sessions
FRIDAY
4PM – Arrival, Registration, Move-In, Camp Tours, Vendor Tables
6PM
730PM
SATURDAY
7AM
8AM
9AM
Facilitated by Kerri Sparling
We might make diabetes look easy at times, it can sometimes be anything but. Connect with friends who understand! Use this informal discussion session to share the emotional weights we carry, and ways we can help lighten that load.
Presented by Ian MacNairn
Journey through the experiences of adventure athlete, Ian McNairn as he shares more about his travels through Madagascar, Malaysia, Romania, Italy, France, Switzerland, across USA, and across Canada. Explore how diabetes plays a part in preparing for and diving into travel around the world and at home.
1030AM
Moderated by Sarah Mann and Qiana Drew
What do I need to know before getting pregnant? Do I have to have a certain A1C? How do blood sugars change during pregnancy? How do I manage my blood sugar during childbirth? How am I going to manage my diabetes AND a baby? Find out the answers to these and other important questions about diabetes and pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum.
Facilitated by Sarah Petti
This workshop will cover some of the ancient foundations of meditative practice and how they speak directly to our lives with Diabetes, as well as give each participant a taste of a meditative mind and perspective, and resources to continue to develop their practice further.
12PM
1PM – Tech Update with Tandem Diabetes Care
130PM
Facilitated by Qiana Drew
Can diabetes be a tool for empowerment? Join in the conversation around how we can use our diabetes to become stronger and more confident, and take control of our health.
Presented by Ian MacNairn
Learn about how to prioritize mental health and wellness as someone with Type 1 diabetes, and the balance of self: physical, physiological, mental, emotional, spiritual as informed by Indigenous ways of knowing
Facilitated by Sarah Mann
Barre3 is a fully body balanced workout combining strength training, cardio, and mindfulness. The Barre3 class will leave you feeling balanced in body and empowered from within. Join Instructor Sarah Mann in class welcoming to all levels with no experience necessary. A yoga mat is encouraged if on a harder surface and optional light handheld weights.
3PM
Moderated by Bobbi-Jean Garceau
Burnout and diabetes distress are common and very real side effects of living with type 1. At any point, about 1/3 of folks living with T1D are experiencing burnout or distress. Join Bj and the group to share your stories and tips on how to re engage with your diabetes and get back into the driver's seat!
Moderated by Kerri Sparling
Diabetes complications - they're often the confusing, guilt-inducing elephant in the room. They're the thing that no one wants to talk about. But discussions about complications should not be dominated by shame and blame. Join Kerri Sparling for a group chat about changing the way we talk about complications and how to deal with them.
430PM
Facilitated by Mick Davidson
Join Mick for an exciting mixology class, also known as Micks-ology! This class is perfect for anyone interested in learning how to create delicious and creative drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Participants will learn how to mix different flavors, garnish drinks, and make impressive presentations. The best part? Non-alcoholic mocktails will also be included for those who prefer not to drink.
6PM
7PM
SUNDAY
7AM
8AM
915AM
Presented by Mick Davidson
Facilitated by Sarah Petti
11AM – Debrief and Closing Activity
12PM
1PM – Pack Up, Head Out
Slipstream Team
Amy Burrows
Amy has had type one diabetes for 34 years. Hailing from Beaverton ON, Amy enjoys spending her time outdoors canoe tripping and hiking with her friends, family, partner Jeremy and her dogs. She spends her days working in dentistry in Uxbridge.
Sarah Gaughan
Sarah has always had a love for the outdoors and has worked as an Ontario Junior Ranger, a canoe trip guide, and outdoor educator. Diagnosed with type one diabetes in 2017, she considers herself extremely lucky to have crossed paths with Connected in Motion soon after, and has been involved with CIM ever since. Sarah completed a BSc in marine biology in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and hopes to attend veterinary school in the future. In her free time Sarah enjoys hiking, camping, canoeing, snowboarding, birding, and planning dream trips!
Alissa Carberry
Queer New Englander with type 1 diabetes & celiac disease. Former diabetes camp camper and staff member and thinks everyone should get to live their best life at camp. Heavy on the iced coffee, humor, and will gladly take a nature walk with you. Will gladly show you dog photos, give song recommendations, and share a low snack.
BJ Garceau
An elder in the diabetes world with 29 year T1D. First MMA female fighter T1D in the USA. Health Care professional and Cannabis Budtender/Small business/Educator and Connected In Motion groupie since day 1!
Ian MacNairn
My name is Ian MacNairn. I have lived with type I diabetes since I was 10 years old. It will be 26 years with diabetes by the time I visit the NE Slipstream event in May. I have many, varied pursuits in my life. Much of my time is spent practicing as a rural family medicine and emergency medicine physician. I’m not smart enough to be an endocrinologist! I have a particular focus in extreme medicine and in Indigenous, traditional medicine. Prior to beginning practicing as a physician, I was a professor of anthropology at the University of Calgary in Calgary, Alberta. I taught several courses in the sub-discipline of medical anthropology. I still pursue several research projects, including exploring medical anthropology through foci on traditional Indigenous medicine and extremes of embodiment in mountain (and other) sport. I have also been a professional mountain athlete since 2013. My greatest sponsors over the years have been The North Face, Smartwool, CLIF Bar, Xact Nutrition, Tecnica, Blizzard skis, and a smattering of Dexcom, Abbot Medical/Freestyle, and Medtronic. My first forays into mountain sport were in trail, ultra, and mountain running. I have since gotten heavy in the game of ski mountaineering. I have also represented Canada in the Ice Climbing World Championships and I love all forms of climbing – rock, ice, mixed, and alpine. One other very important, interesting, and humbling part of my story is that I am a Sun Dancer at the International Sun Dance, hosted in northern Alberta. It is an incredibly important and sacred annual summer ceremony. This dance comes from the Lakota tradition and is led by Elders near home. It is amazing and wonderful, and I am learning a lot, including about my relationship with diabetes, my body, mind, and heart.
Kerri Sparling
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.
Mick Davidson
Mick has lived with diabetes for 45 years after being diagnosed with T1D at age 4. He decided very early in life that he wanted to pursue a career in endocrinology to help others living with diabetes. He attended medical school at the University of New England and then a residency in internal medicine and fellowship in endocrinology at Cleveland Clinic. Mick was a participant in an early clinical trial investigating an artificial pancreas and this experience led him to especially embrace technology in his practice. Outside of work Mick loves spending time with his wife, daughter, and 3 corgis. You’ll also often find him cooking or mixing cocktails.
Qiana Drew
Qiana Drew spent her youth listening to R&B and Pop music and decided early on that she wanted to be a recording artist. She became a singer/ actress who has worked with the likes of Missy Elliot, L.A. Reid, and has even made it on to the American Idol Hollywood stage. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the beginning of her entertainment career, there was no way anything would get in the way of her success until the secret she held onto for 10 years started to wreak havoc on her body. It was an eating disorder that made it impossible to put the importance of diabetes management above all else. Upon Qiana’s recovery from Diabulimia, she was inspired to go back to college to pursue a degree in Nutrition for Wellness and founded the Diabetes support non-profit organization “The Anchor Holds.” Today, Qiana is dedicated to bringing about change within the healthcare system as a DSME Peer Support Specialist.
Sarah Mann
Sarah (living life with Type 1 diabetes since 2012) has found movement is only a facet of the complex world of diabetes management. Through 4 years of barre3 instruction she has been motivated to embrace a stronger mind body connection rooted in body positivity. Through her practice Sarah has a broader understanding of her body, its abilities and where she can seek to break new boundaries. When not teaching, Sarah is a mom of 2 daughters Beckett and Finnley, wife to Michael, and dog mom to Beau.
Sarah Petti
My diabetes diagnosis came at the age of 15 when I was a freshman in high school. It wasn’t until many years later that I discovered the diabetes community and the power of peer support. For the last decade I have been leading support groups for people with all types of diabetes, both in the Boston area as well as virtually. My experiences with type 1, as well as diabetes complications like gastroparesis and neuropathy, inspired me to study integrative nutrition, as well as yoga and meditation, and most recently I trained to become a full-spectrum doula. In an effort to help myself, I have gained knowledge and developed practices that have allowed me to be an even better resource for others living with diabetes and chronic illness. I am the founder of Grace & Growth, a group that focuses on spiritual wellness for women with diabetes. I’m also the host of The Diabetes Doula Podcast, a program that explores pregnancy, postpartum, and reproductive health through the lens of living with diabetes. I love all things spirituality and especially enjoy tarot and astrology which I often incorporate into my meditation and yoga practices. I live on the East Coast, halfway between Boston and Cape Cod, with my husband, our baby, Angus, and a mini Aussie named Hawkeye.
Our Sponsors For This Event
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. Click here!
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 well in advance 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.
What is the refund policy?
We offer full refunds for Slipstream program registrations until 30 days before the start of each program. Unfortunately, CIM is unable to refund Slipstreams registrations that are canceled less than 30 days from the start of the program due to arrangements with our host venues. For cancellations more than 30 days before the program, a refund (minus an administration fee) 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!
What A Slipstream Weekend Looks Like
Don’t believe us? Just watch!
What Slipstreamers Had To Say
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