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Ontario Mini-Slipstream 2021
September 25, 2021
Come connect with people who 'get it'.
Experiential Education
No classrooms. The best way to learn is in the real world.
Relax & Recharge
It's an awesome day connecting outside!
Lasting Connections
Attendees go on to make lifelong friendships with other T1s.
A NOTE ON OUR COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN FOR PARTICIPANTS
WE REQUIRE ALL PARTICIPANTS TO BE FULLY VACCINATED: We require all participants attending Ontario Mini-Slipstream to be fully vaccinated (2-doses) prior to attending the event. If you are not fully vaccinated, you can find more information about how to get vaccinated, here. If you are NOT fully vaccinated, we instead encourage you to check out our upcoming virtual events. Thank you for helping keep our community safe.
PRE-EVENT PARTICIPANT SCREENING: Prior to attending Ontario Mini-Slipstream, the CIM Team will be in contact to screen each participant for symptoms of COVID-19. If symptoms are present, we will provide a refund to the participant and cancel their registration.
WHAT: Ontario Mini-Slipstream
WHERE: Toronto Islands, Toronto, Ontario
WHEN: September 25, 2021, Meeting at 10am ET
WHO: Adults (18+) with Type 1 diabetes
PRICE: $50 (includes ferry, catered lunch, snacks, and a private ‘home base’. You’ll cover the cost of the activities you choose to participate in.)
Get in touch with your rustic, outdoorsy side on a group hike or paddle, or re-engage your social self while kicking back on the beach. The day will include hands-on activities 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… What it really is… is an event jam-packed full of 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 the year’s accomplishments and focus on the positive aspects of what we CAN do with Type 1 diabetes.
All The Important Information You Could Need
We’ve planned two-afternoon activity slots for our day with a variety of options to choose from. Some activities are free – some involve a fee. All activity fees can be paid directly to the activity vendor. If the activity you’re interested in includes a rental, remember that they are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. You may like to have a backup activity choice in mind! (But don’t worry too much – we don’t expect our Mini-Slipstream weekend to be as busy on the island as the summer months!)
As we get closer to September 25, we’ll send out info so you can let us know what activities you’d like to do. No need to sign up for individual options now!
Activity Options include:
- Take a bike tour of Toronto Island (Rentals starting at $9/hour – or more if you dare to ride tandem!) OR bring your own bike for free on the ferry.
- Explore the islands via Paddleboat, Kayak, or Canoe (Rental prices vary depending on the vessel (approximately $30/hour for a pair of people))
- Head out on an Island walking tour/hike – visit the local island maze and gardens (free!)
- Take in the beautiful views of the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario with a Beach Hangout. We’ll have an art activity available on the beach, and great conversations with new friends.
Toronto Islands
We will be meeting at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at 10:00am ET.
9 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2H3
Via Public Transit
The following transit lines have routes that pass near Jack Layton Ferry Terminal
Driving To the Terminal?
The closest Green P parking is available at 51 Dockside Dr. You can read more about the option, here. Give yourself approximately 15 minutes to walk to the terminal.
**Please note: If you arrive later than 10:15am, you’ll need to purchase your own ferry ticket and wait for the next ferry to Ward’s Island – then meet us at Shaw House!
Be sure to check the weather for Toronto Island before packing your bag! We suggest bringing a comfortable backpack that you can travel around the item with.
Please Note: It can get cold on Toronto Island in late September. BRING LAYERS!
Some items you’ll want to be sure to bring along:
- Backpack
- Comfortable Running Shoes
- Clothes that can get damp/wet (if doing water activities)
- A picnic blanket or towel to sit on during lunch
- Low supplies
- Diabetes supplies
- Sunscreen
- A warm layer
If you have any of the following, you can also consider bringing them along:
- Your own bicycle (and lock so you can lock it up at our picnic shelter while doing other activities)
- Disc Golf equipment, if you have your own
- Something to roast on the campfire, if you plan on staying late
Schedule at a Glance
Note that this schedule is subject to change depending on permit availability and location. We expect the general flow to remain the same!
10:00am – Meet at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal
10:30am – Ferry Departs for Centre Island
11:00am – Welcome and Ice Breakers at Private Picnic Shelter
12:00pm – Picnic Lunch served at Picnic Shelter
1:00pm – Afternoon Activity Choices #1 (Biking, Boating, Walking Tour, Beach Hangout)
2:30pm – Snack at Picnic Shelter
3:00pm – Afternoon Activity Choices #2 (Biking, Boating, Walking Tour, Beach Hangout)
4:30pm – Snack and Debrief at Picnic Shelter
5:15pm – Depart for Centre Island Ferry
5:15pm – Dinner on your own for those staying late
6:00pm – Ferry Departs for the Mainland
7:00pm – Campfire on Olympic Island
8:30pm – Ferry Return back to Mainland
Activity Guides
We’ve got a great staff team lined up to lead us through activities during the day. Say hello to your guides!
Amy was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1988, after a few months of being ill and a couple misdiagnoses (doctors tried to assure her mom it was just the flu)! She grew up going to Camp Huronda in the summer time from ages 8-20 where she met many of her closest friends, and made unbreakable bonds. She spends her days working in dentistry, and enjoying the outdoors. Amy adores anything in the outdoors, especially hiking and canoe tripping - often using her free time to guide and take personal trips! Amy was a part of the 2016 CIM Adventure Team and is a guide for CIM's Adventure Programs.
Paul Chalmers lives in Niagara Falls, Ontario and works full-time for U-Haul. He also is completing his BA in Business Management. Paul loves long walks, snowboarding, reading and hanging with friends. : In 2016, Paul received Niagara’s 40 under 40 business award for young leaders in the Niagara area. Paul was a member of the 2018 CIM Adventure Team.
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! Sarah was a member of the 2018 CIM Adventure Team.
Julie has spent much of her life volunteering and working in the T1D community. These passions led her to a degree in Kinesiology and Health Sciences and a career path in the diabetes industry, focused on building programs and communities for not-for-profit diabetes organizations. Today, Julie is a Registered Kinesiologist, Certified Diabetes Educator, and Health Coach. She is passionate about living life to its fullest and helping those in the diabetes community thrive.
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.
Tammy Hand grew up in Scarborough Ontario. She was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 10 – sadly it was just after Halloween and her brother got to eat all of her candy. On the good side, she started going to Diabetic Camp where she got in touch with her natural self. Tammy spends her days at her dream job instructing at one of the Peel District School Boards Outdoor/Environmental Education Centres. To her, outside doing stuff, experiencing life = fun. Tammy was a member of the 2016 Adventure Team and guides for CIM's Adventure Programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Slipstream, anyway?
A regular Slipstream 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.
Although in 2021 we can’t host an entire weekend, we look forward to bringing the same Slipstream feeling to our day event on Toronto island.
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.
You can check out the latest schedule, here.
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.
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 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 concern. Can you 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?
We’ll have some on hand, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own!
I see a lot of cool outdoor adventure activities listed. Do I need any of my own equipment?
If you own a bike and a frisbee, we recommend you bring both!
If you choose to partake in activities offered on the island, such as SUP, kayaking, canoeing, biking, there are additional rental and lesson fees that are paid directly to those vendors. You may like to have a backup activity choice in mind!
We’ve planned two-afternoon activity slots for our day with a variety of options to choose from. Some activities are free – some involve a fee.
Do I need to know what activities I'd like to do before registering?
Nope! No need. We’ll send an activity sign-up form out 2 weeks before the event and you can let us know then. That will help us arrange and organize our staff to make sure we have appropriate support and coverage.
What's included in my registration?
- Return ferry ticket
- Lunch and snacks
- CIM-specific programming
What is NOT included?
- Transportation to and from the ferry terminal
- Additional activities and equipment rentals (SUP, kayak, canoe, bike, etc)
- Diabetes supplies (make sure to bring everything you need for yourself!)
- Saturday Dinner
- Water Taxi home ($10) for those choosing to stay late
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!
Don’t believe us? Just watch!
What Slipstreamers Had To Say
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