About Camp

Camp Sealth (Family)

Vashon, WA

Igniting Change, Endless Possibilities

About ADA Camps

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Camp-logo

Since 1949, the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) has connected children living with diabetes to adventure, education, mentors, and fun. Our overnight and day camps, and family retreats are led by counselors and licensed medical staff trained in ADA's Standards of Care in Diabetes; all ADA camps adhere to the highest standards, policies and procedures set forth by the American Camp Association, ensuring a safe, healthy, and fun experience!

ADA Camp is a lifeline for children with diabetes to develop the critical skills needed to thrive while managing their diabetes. Attending summer camp helps children develop social skills, self-respect, and life-long friendships. Kids can meet others just like them while fostering independence, building self-confidence, and gaining an awareness of a healthy lifestyle through education, nutrition, exercise, emotional well-being, and glucose control.

 

Camp Sealth Family Weekend
October 4-6
Vashon, WA

Camp Sealth is a family retreat. Enjoy a 3-day/2-night getaway for families who have a child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. This fall, we'll host families in Vashon, WA at Camp Sealth Seattle. Families will enjoy a fun and relaxing atmosphere to connect with other families, share experiences, gain valuable information, skills, and tools while having loads of fun. Family retreats offer a unique experience that goes beyond medical care, providing emotional support, education, and the chance to create positive and lasting connections with others who understand the journey of living with type 1 diabetes.

 

 

Program TypeDatesAgesADA Sponsored Price
Family Camp10/4 - 10/6All Ages$120/PP or $500/family

 

Camp Pricing 

To accommodate families’ various financial situations, during registration you will be given two pricing options to select before checkout. Simply choose the option that best matches your family's financial means and continue with the checkout process as usual. For addition registration, financial assistance, and payment details, view our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below. If you have more than 5 members in your family, please reach out to campsupport@diabetes.org to register for the group price. 

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is available for qualifying families. The ADA is committed to providing a camp experience to all children living with diabetes; no child will ever be turned away due to a family's ability to pay for camp. The ADA subsidies the actual cost of camp and provides financial assistance made possible by the generous contributions from our sponsors, partners, and donors. To apply for financial assistance, families must register for camp and select financial assistance option during check out. 

Camp Director

Monica Montgomery

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Monica Montgomery

Monica Montgomery is a Camp Director, currently living in Rochester, NY. Monica grew up attending ADA’s Camp Aspire and has worked there in a number of positions. Monica has worked in Camp Settings for eight years, serving many populations, including the diabetes community and individuals with disabilities. She feels strongly about providing camp programs to these populations, fostering a sense of community among youth, and teaching self-advocacy skills.

Fueling Futures at Camp, Where Work Feels Like Play

Camp staff applications are NOW Open! Camp is not just life-changing for our campers, you’ll gain valuable skills too! 

If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and want to create an unforgettable camp experience for children living with diabetes, you’d be a perfect fit to join us!

As a member of our camp team, you’ll play a vital role in:​

  • Making camp a safe and enjoyable environment
  • Helping campers learn independent diabetes management skills
  • Fostering personal growth to empower our campers with confidence both at camp and in their everyday lives​

We have volunteer and job opportunities for licensed medical professionals and students along with non-medical opportunities. And, you don’t have live with diabetes to get involved.

Apply Now

Note: Not all positions are available at each camp. The safety of our campers is our number one priority. All volunteers, staff and medical personnel must complete an application, interview, and background check before being hired. Must be 18 years or older to apply. Download our job descriptions for roles and responsibilities details. Click on Apply Now to find positions available at your camp.

ADA CAMPS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When to Register

  • Ski & snowboard camps: Open now
  • Winter weekend camp: November 15
  • Summer camp: February 12, 2025
  • Fall camps: May 1, 2025

How to Register

  • Online. Select the “Register Now” button at the top of your camp page to start the application process. 
  • Print. If you prefer a paper application, you can request one by emailing campsupport@diabetes.org (include your name, address, and desired camp).

What You’ll Need to Get Started

To be best prepared for the registration application, assemble the following information:

  • Child(ren)’s height, weight
  • Medical immunization information
  • Insurance information (carrier, policy number, name of primary insured)
  • Emergency contacts with phone numbers (other than parent/guardian)
  • Type(s) of insulin used, includes pre-mix insulin, if applicable
  • Make/model of insulin pump, if applicable
  • Make/model of continuous glucose monitor (CGM), if applicable
  • Dexcom login/password, if applicable
  • Non-diabetes medications and dosages

Counselors-in-Training (CIT)/Leaders-in-Training (LIT)

Our CIT and LIT programs offer teens the unique opportunity to transition from camper to counselor. We offer training to develop leadership, character, and work skills.

  • Age: 16-17 (ages can range by camp) 
  • Application: Apply through our camper registration portal. A parent or guardian must start and complete the application.
  • Selection:  Applicants are selected based on their application, personal references, and an interview.

Why did I receive a “Camper not eligible” message?

  • The most common reason for this message is an incorrect birthdate. Double-check your child's birthdate and make necessary corrections. Typically, applicants must be 16 or 17 years old. 
  • If the issue persists, please contact campsupport@diabetes.org. Please allow 24‒48 hours for a response.

Registered for the Wrong Camp/Session

We would be happy to help correct this issue. Email campsupport@diabetes.org. Please allow 24‒48 hours for a response.

Cancel or Switch Registration

  • Make sure to review our refund policy in the ADA Camper Handbook before attempting to switch or cancel. 
  • To cancel your registration, email campsupport@diabetes.org. Please allow 24‒48 hours for a response.

Need additional assistance? 

Camp Costs

Camp registration prices vary by location (see "Dates & Rates" on your camp page). We understand every family's financial situation is unique. No child will ever be turned away from camp due to cost. We offer flexible pricing options and financial assistance:

  • Full price: This is the actual cost for camp attendance. Families who can pay the full amount may select this option.
  • ADA-sponsored price: The ADA subsidizes 50% of the full camp price. This discounted rate is thanks to the generous support of sponsors, partners, and donors. 

Financial Assistance

  • Financial assistance: Additional assistance is available to qualifying families who cannot afford the discounted sponsored price. No child will ever be turned away from camp due to cost. Half our families receive financial assistance which pays for a portion or the full cost of camp

Payment Options

Financial Assistance 

  • During registration, select the “Financial Assistance” option. 
  • Applicants will answer a series of qualification questions and may be contacted for additional information before or once financial assistance has been awarded. 

Deposit
A NON-REFUNDABLE registration deposit is required and will be applied to the cost of camp. 

Select Your Payment Option
During checkout, you can do one of the following:

  • Pay the balance in full with a credit card (Discover cards are NOT accepted).
  • Pay the deposit up front and set up automatic withdrawals for the remainder of the balance (credit card required).
  • Apply for financial assistance.

For deposit and payment questions, contact campsupport@diabetes.org.

Paying by Check

  • Make checks payable to "American Diabetes Association." 
  • You must include the camp name and camper's name in the memo line. 
  • Mail to: 
    American Diabetes Association Service Center
    Attn: ADA Camps
    P.O. Box 7023
    Merrifield, VA 22116-7023

Registered for the Wrong Camp/Session

  • We would be happy to help correct the issue. Email campsupport@diabetes.org. Please allow 24‒48 hours for a response.

Cancel or Switch Registration

  • Make sure to review our refund policy in the ADA Camper Handbook before attempting to switch or cancel. 
  • To cancel your registration, email campsupport@diabetes.org. Please allow 24‒48 hours for a response.

Refund Policy

  • We understand plans can change. To view our detailed refund policy, please refer to the ADA Camper Handbook.
  • For any questions regarding the policy, email campsupport@diabetes.org. Please allow 24–48 hours for a response.

PAPERWORK & PAYMENT DUE DATE

All payments and final paperwork are due 30 days before the start of camp. If paperwork or payment is not received, your child will lose their spot at camp. 

Log in to Your Camper Registration Account

  • Once you set up your account, you can access your camper registration by selecting the registration/login button. 
  • Once on the registration site, enter your username and password.

Reset My Password/Username

  • If you've forgotten your password, simply select "Reset Password" on the registration portal. 
  • Enter the email address you used to register and a password reset email will be sent to you shortly. 
  • Follow the instructions in the email to create a new password.

Updating Your Email Address

  • If you can log in: Update your contact information directly within the registration site. 
  • If you can't log in and your email is no longer valid: Please contact campsupport@diabetes.org with both your old and new email addresses.

Not receiving emails?

  • Check your spam/junk folder. Sometimes our emails might end up there.
  • Add campsupport@diabetes.org to your contacts. This helps ensure our emails reach your inbox.

Still having trouble? Email campsupport@diabetes.org for assistance.

Medical Staff at Camp

  • All health professionals working at ADA camps are licensed in the state where the camp is held. The majority are also involved in diabetes care in their local community on a year-round basis. 
  • The safety of our campers is our number one priority. Our camp team of clinicians provides round-the-clock care so families have peace of mind while their children are at camp.
  •  To learn more about our medical director above, review the “Camp Staff” tab. 

Mobile Phone Policy for Diabetes Technology

  • Mobile devices used ONLY as a medical management tool will be supported at ADA Camp. 
  • Mobile devices include mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, or other similar devices. Parents/guardians will be asked to disable share functions while campers are in the care of ADA medical staff. We also ask parents/guardians to not contact their camper directly or make medical decisions while at camp as the data may be delayed due to disruptions of mobile service and/or Wi-Fi connections.
  • General mobile phone usage not connected to diabetes technology (e.g., Dexcom, Omnipod) is not allowed.

COVID-19 Guidelines

The COVID-19 vaccine will not be required in 2025 but is highly recommended at all camps. Additional health care policies and procedures will be available in the ADA Camper Handbook.

Can my child attend more than one ADA Camp? If so, is there a discount?

  • Yes, your child may attend more than one ADA Camp in a summer.
  • There is not a special discount for registering for more than one ADA Camp.

Can we request my camper bunk with their friends?

  • All cabin groups are assigned based on camper ages. 
  • Special cabin requests can be made at the time of registration but are not guaranteed.

Packing, Pickup, Dropoff

  • For camp-specific details, review your ADA Camper Handbook. These typically arrive 30 days prior to your camp start date. Please check your email for messages from your camp director. 
  • Feel free to send any additional questions or inquires to campsupport@diabetes.org. Please allow 24‒48 hours for a response.

Can my child’s sibling who doesn’t have diabetes attend camp? 

  • A few ADA camps do allow for siblings who do not have diabetes to attend, but this is on a camp-by-camp basis if there is space available. 
  • Our first responsibility is to serving children with diabetes and spots are reserved for these campers.  

Need additional assistance? 

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kids enjoying at camp

National Sponsors