Ontario Slipstream 2024
September 27 - September 29
CAD$450
ONTARIO SLIPSTREAM 2024
3990 Longford Mills Rd
Orillia, Ontario
September 27-29 2024
Connect with the diabetes community this Fall
For Adults with Type 1 diabetes
An exclusive opportunity to connect with people who 'get it'
About Slipstream
Join us for a weekend of community, connection and continuing Type 1 diabetes education.
Welcome the Fall at Ontario Slipstream in Camp Couchiching! As summer gives way to the vibrant colours of autumn, join us for a weekend immersed in nature’s beauty. Experience the tranquility of a lake paddle, cozy up by the campfire for s’mores, and witness the spectacular fall foliage. Slipstream includes diabetes-themed workshops and lively group discussions, fostering a community of learning and connection.
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.
Camp Couchiching
Overview
Just 90 minutes north of Toronto, nestled on the shores of Lake Couchiching, Camp Couchiching is the home to Ontario Slipstream! Enjoy the gorgeous fall colours, great camp activities, and awesome food.
Address
3990 Longford Mills Rd
Longford Mills, ON, L0K 1L0
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 Ontario 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 September 27, 2024
Saturday September 28, 2024
Early Morning
9:00am Sessions
10:30am Sessions
Mid-Day
1:30pm Sessions
3:00pm Sessions
Late Afternoon
Evening
Sunday September 29, 2024
Early Morning
9:15am Sessions
Late Morning
The Speakers
Becky Marval has been living with T1D since she was 9 years old. An occupational therapist, health team lead and private diabetes educator, she jumps at any opportunity to engage with folks in the diabetes community... especially through Connected in Motion!
A native of North Carolina, Bob grew up among the fields, forests, mountains, and coast of his home state. Diagnosed as Type 1 diabetes on his 10th birthday, Bob continued living his life and integrating diabetes into everything he does. He and his wife, Jenn, are raising two children. Professionally, Bob works with the University of North Carolina to support the University's mission to discover, create, transmit, and apply knowledge to address the needs of individuals and society. He enjoys reading, sketching, rambling, and messing around outside.
Coming Soon
Caroline is a Registered Social Worker working in private practice as a therapist, providing online virtual therapy in Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia. She was diagnosed with type one in 2021, and now specialises in providing mental health support to others living with diabetes. Caroline is also a counsellor with the Family Care Team at one of Ontario’s largest and longest-standing addiction treatment providers, supporting family members, children, and loved ones who have been impacted by someone else’s addiction. Her therapeutic practice is goal-oriented, and grounded in an anti-oppressive, strengths-based approach.
When Chrissy is not working as a therapist, she loves spending time enjoying nature, watching football and tennis, and using her creative brain, whether through DIY projects, painting, decorating her house, or finding the best deals at garage sales and making it into something beautiful (but it must be pretty!). Chrissy has had T1D since since was 4 years old.
Kearah is a nature and adventure lover. She longs for hiking up mountains to alpine lakes, swimming in waterfalls, surfing, and doing photography along the way. She is very passionate about personal growth, self-awareness, and pushing boundaries to live authentically. She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2018 after being very sick for months, and a year later was diagnosed with Graves’ disease and went through thyroidectomy surgery. Going through those hardships brought Kearah so much strength and taught her how to be in tune with her body. They are the events that catalyzed her spiritual journey and guided her to the path she's currently on today. Kearah am a certified Hatha yoga teacher with 200 hours of YTT, a certified reiki master/ teacher, and a certified prenatal, birth, and postpartum doula. Currently she's in school working towards becoming a clinical herbalist.
Lauren is a PhD student at York University who lives with and studies T1D. Her research focuses on examining different exercise and technology strategies to improve blood glucose management during exercise in individuals with type 1 diabetes. Outside of the lab, Lauren loves playing with her dog, hiking, running, and trying out cafes around Toronto!
Peter has been inspiring and educating people with type 1 diabetes since 2001. During this time, he has completed more than 20 marathon and ultra-distance race events, and traveled to more than 40 countries as a race participant, expedition guide, and solo explorer. Peter is currently pursuing his doctorate degree as he teaches in the Recreation & Tourism Department at San Diego State University. His sessions help participants appreciate the benefits of leaving their comfort zone as they strive to manage their diabetes; make better decisions about the use of technology in day-to-day life; and know where to go to find an appropriate adventure for themselves or loved ones. Peter surfs or runs trails every day with his wife Blair who also has type 1 diabetes.
Saloni is a medical student, diabetes researcher, and outdoor enthusiast. Originally from Vancouver, B.C., she completed her M.Sc. in Experimental Surgery at the University of Alberta, under Dr. Andrew Pepper, studying islet cell transplantation. She is currently a fourth-year medical student at Queen’s University. Saloni has been living with diabetes for 6 years, and has enjoyed connecting with the T1 community and going on CiM adventures. When not in the lab or in the clinic, you can find Saloni searching for a good taco, on a hike, or falling off a paddleboard.
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.
Stephanie believes that she became who she is today because of her Diabetes and because of CIM! She grew up playing hockey and has always been involved in sports and outdoor adventure. After being diagnosed at 14, Steph used physical activity and healthy eating to control her blood sugars and to stay healthy, a passion that led her to becoming a fitness instructor, and she has now been in the industry for 12 years. Along with this, came Steph's involvement in Connected In Motion. She attended her first event in 2011 and has met some of her best and closest friends. Steph has also gotten the opportunity to become an Ambassador for CIM and to be a part of something awesome, as well as a Dexcom Warrior! In her free time, she can be found at the gym, at her cottage, with her dog Ashton, or seeking out new beers.
The Team
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.
Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1987, Jen has turned her challenge into a driving force for positive change. As the Executive Director of Connected in Motion, she bridges the everyday life gap for adults with Type 1 diabetes and contributes to the Children with Diabetes youth program. Her commitment extends globally through volunteer work with the Young Leaders in Diabetes and involvement with Camp Huronda and the Diabetes Education and Camping Association. An outdoor lover, traveler, and family person, Jen enjoys cabin time with her family, including her husband, Derek, and toddler son. With a Master’s in Education focused on Experiential Diabetes Education, Jen is also a Registered Kinesiologist and Certified Diabetes Educator, showcasing her dedication to diabetes education and advocacy.
T1D for 35+ years. Meghan holds an MBA in Hospitality & Tourism and has a great passion for working with people. She is a Family Studies and Social Science Highschool teacher where her primary focus is in Nutrition & Health. She is always encouraging her students, no matter their dietary & health concerns, to be adventurous in the kitchen and never be afraid of playing with their food - adding some friendly competition can only add to the fun!
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 the CIM Program Subsidy Info Page.
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 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!
