Serving Youth and Families Since 1949

Since 1949, the American Diabetes Association^® (ADA) has served over 100,000 children and families with our life-changing youth programs including camp, family retreats, and Project Power. With both in-person and virtual programing, we’ve hosted children living with type 1 diabetes and those at-risk for or living with type 2. As the single largest provider of camps for children with diabetes in the world, the ADA understands the importance of creating community. Our programs provide opportunities for children to forge new relationships, overcome feelings of isolation, and gain self-confidence. Learn more about our youth programs and get involved!

Imagine Camp: A Virtual Experience

ADA Imagine Camp is a virtual program that connects children to adventure, education, mentors, fun, and each other. Children of all ages experience the magic of camp delivered right to the camper’s home.

Imagine Camp offers a healthy dose of diabetes education that impacts campers’ confidence, diabetes management skills, and feelings of isolation while living with diabetes. Campers will be assigned a “cabin” and counselors (based on their age and geographic location) to play games, sing songs, make art, and interact with other inspiring people living with type 1 diabetes. Each camper will receive a camp box including a camp T-shirt and other goodies.

“My child was newly diagnosed, so experiencing an online camp was a great way to get started with participating in camp for children living with type 1 [T1D]. It is a great option for kids who aren’t quite ready for a sleep away camp, but still want to connect with others who are experiencing the same challenges related to T1D.” – ADA Camper Parent

Imagine Camp Details

• Dates: Saturday, October 21 & Saturday, October 28.
• Time: 11 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
• Cost: FREE

Project Power: A Virtual Lifestyle Change Program

Project Power empowers children to live a healthy, active life through health promotion, nutrition education, increased physical activity, and family involvement. The consequences of childhood obesity can last a lifetime. From the greater health risk for diabetes and heart disease to the emotional effects of depression and bullying, the impact can be devastating. Project Power is a free healthy lifestyle change program for kids ages 5–12 which aims to slow the trajectory of childhood obesity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and its complications.

Children across the country will enjoy being a part of a virtual “club” with fun games, friendly competitions, discussions, and more. PLUS, they’ll receive a free Project Power activity box filled with goodies like an ADA T-shirt, digital activity journal, jump rope, portion plate, and much more. Signup today, registration closes soon.

“My mom had diabetes, then my aunt. Ever since I started Project Power, I’ve been starting to eat healthier and I like it—-I feel good.” – Project Power Superstar

Project Power Details

• Summer session: July 11–17
• Fall session: October 24ꟷNovember 9
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • Times vary by location.
• Cost: FREE

Camp and Family Retreats for Children Living with Diabetes

Nearly 25,000 children are diagnosed with diabetes every year—a life-changing diagnosis that requires 24/7 monitoring for the rest of their lives. Children with diabetes and their families walk a tightrope to keep blood glucose (blood sugar) levels not too low and not too high. To do this, they must monitor blood glucose throughout the day and night, inject insulin multiple times per day or use an insulin pump, and manage a myriad of symptoms.

Camp is a special place where children living with diabetes learn independence and develop a new level of self-confidence—all within a medically safe and fun environment. Camp is the best medicine! Registration is now open for summer programs and family retreats.

“The emotional support and care skills my child learns are priceless. Camp will be the best part of her life forever. It is also great for the parents because we know how well cared for the kids are and can relax and enjoy the week.” – ADA Camper Parent

Camp and Family Retreats Details

• Dates: Summer and fall (dates vary, visit our camp page for details)
• Time: Times vary by location.
• Cost: FREE

P.S. Visit our Because of Camps for Kids with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Facebook group, it’s a great place to connect with other camp families.