About Camp

Camp AZDA

Prescott, Arizona

Camp 2025

Summer Camp Registration Is Open

We can't wait to welcome your camper to an unforgettable camp experience. Our awesome camp team is gearing up to make sure every moment is safe, exciting, and jam-packed with awesome memories!

Young African American girl making bicep with cgm on arm camp registration open

ADA Camp: A Lifelong Connection

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has been providing support and unforgettable experiences to children living with diabetes through our camps and family retreats since 1949. Each year, we host thousands of campers and their families across the country, offering a unique blend of adventure, education, mentorship, and fun.

Why ADA Camp?

  • Expert Care: Our camps adhere to the highest safety standards and are led by staff trained in ADA's Standards of Care in Diabetes.
  • Skill Development: Our programs equip children with essential diabetes management skills, including nutrition, exercise, emotional well-being, and glucose control, encouraging independence and confidence.
  • Social Connection: Camps provide a supportive environment for children to connect with peers, build friendships, and develop social skills.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Experience

Camp Staff Applications Open

ADA Camp offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children living with diabetes. Whether you're a licensed medical professional, student, or simply passionate about helping others, you'll be part of a team that empowers campers to learn independent diabetes management skills—all while having tons of fun! 

Apply Now

Camp AZDA
Type: Overnight
Dates: July 13–19, 2025
Ages: 8–17
Location: Prescott, Arizona
Host Site: Friendly Pines Camp

Established in 1976, Camp AZDA is an overnight camp where campers enjoy horseback riding, fishing, water sports, high ropes courses, climbing walls, arts and crafts, and other fun activities!

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

Program Type2025 DatesAgesFull Price Sponsored Price/CIT Price*
OvernightJuly 13-198-16$1,650$825
Counselor-in-Training (CIT) 17 $425

*Financial Assistance Available. No child will ever be turned away from camp due to cost. If the camp fee is a roadblock for your family, the American Diabetes Association® offers financial assistance. Nearly half of our families receive financial assistance to cover part or the full cost of camp.

Flexible Pricing Options. We understand that every family's financial situation is unique, that's why we offer three pricing options.

  • Full Price. This is the true cost for a child to attend camp. Families who can pay the full amount may select this option.
  • ADA Sponsored Price. Thanks to the generous support of sponsors, partners, and donors, the ADA subsidizes 50% of the full camp price, offering this discounted rate. 
  • Financial Assistance. Additional assistance is available to qualifying families who cannot afford the discounted sponsored price.

Counselors-in-Training (CIT)
For teens ready to step up from camper to counselor, our CIT program offers training in leadership, character development, and youth-working skills. Financial assistance is available.

More details on pricing, financial assistance, and the CIT program are available in our support/FAQ section below.  
 

Camp Director: Emily Madison
EmilyMadison

Emily Madison is a Senior Camp Director for the ADA currently living in Philadelphia. She has previously been a camp director at YMCAs in the Northeast, the JCC of Long Beach, CA, and Concord, MA Recreation. Emily’s background includes a Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Vocational Rehabilitation from University of Arizona. She is a previous speaker at the American Camping Association’s Tri-State Conference on the impact of mental health in the summer camp world. When Emily isn’t watching the Eagles or Sixers, she loves spending time with her family and friends on walks, finding good sushi restaurants, and collecting too many water bottles.

Medical Director: Edward "Julius" Perrin, MD 

Edward "Julius" Perrin, MD has been attending diabetes camp on and off for the past 44 years, from his early days as a camper in California to the past 14 years at Camp AZDA as the medical director. Dr. Perrin enjoys being part of an unbelievably inspiring team who collectively have hundreds of years of experience at diabetes camps, and who create the magic that is Camp AZDA for eight wonderful days every summer. For the other 51 weeks of the year, Dr. Perrin works at Desert Ridge Family Physicians, providing full-spectrum primary care, and serves as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix. He also stays active volunteering with the Phoenix Boys Choir, and enjoys hiking, theater, and current events. Notwithstanding the photo, Dr. Perrin's favorite color is orange (hence his camp name), and lives in North Central Phoenix with his wife, Allison, two sons, and various and sundry animals, including a Great Dane, three cats, some fish, a bearded dragon, desert tortoises, a turtle, and a chicken.

Work and Make a Difference at Camp
2025 Camp Applications Open January 15

Are you passionate about making a difference? Join our team and help create unforgettable experiences for children living with diabetes. Whether you’re a licensed medical professional, student, or just passionate about helping others, you’ll be part of a team that empowers campers to learn independent diabetes management skills—all while having a ton of fun!  

As a member of the camp team, you'll play a vital role in:

  • Creating a safe and inclusive environment
  • Supporting campers in learning independent diabetes management skills
  • Encouraging personal growth and confidence

Explore Volunteer Opportunities

  • Licensed medical professionals & students 
  • Non-medical positions

Note: Not all positions are available at each camp. You can find specific roles for your camp when applications open. 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. 

ADA CAMPS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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National Sponsors

Local Sponsors