About Camp

Camp Courage

Rockwood, PA

Igniting Change, Endless Possibilities

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Camp-logo

About ADA Camps

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.

ADA Camp Courage
June 23-28
Rockwood, PA

Camp Courage is an overnight camp established over 40 years ago and has served thousands of campers. This summer, we will host 90 campers ages 8-17 at YMCA Camp T. Frank Soles. Campers enjoy swimming, arts & crafts, canoeing, rope course, field games, archery, hiking, fishing, and more!

 

 

Program TypeDatesAgesFull Price / CIT PriceADA Sponsored Price
Overnight6/23 - 6/288-16$1,600$800
Counselor-in-Training (CIT) 17$400 

 

Camp Pricing 

To accommodate families’ various financial situations, during registration you will be given three 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 additional registration, financial assistance, and payment details, view our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below. 

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 subsidizes 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. 

Counselors-in-Training

The Counselors-in-Training (CIT) program is tailored for teens making the transition from campers to counselors. The age range may vary depending on the camp, but typically, CITs are 16-17 years old. Our program offers training to assist teens in cultivating leadership, character, and the necessary skills for working with youth. CITs apply through the camper registration portal. A parent is required to start and complete the application. Applicants are selected based upon completion of an application, personal references, and interview.

Camp Director

Joe Esten

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JoeEsten

Joe Esten is a Camp Director currently living in Verona, Wisconsin. Joe has worked in the camp/youth programs industry for the past ten years and has had the privilege of working with kids worldwide. He feels strongly about the opportunity for kids to be kids and loves making sure each camper smiles about something every day at camp. Joe’s favorite activities at camp include singing songs, making skits, and especially playing tricks on the other counselors. When Joe is not working in the camp world, he enjoys being outdoors, hiking, kayaking, and traveling. Joe cannot wait to get out there and meet every camper and learn their story. Keep Smiling!

Medical Director

Dr. Tia Fragello

With nearly 20 years of experience treating diabetes, and two young children of her own, Tia brings her experience, technical skills and the compassion of a mom to her work as the camp’s medical director.  She’s been a proud volunteer and now medical director at Camp Courage since the start of her career at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.  Tia looks forward to this week every summer, and to the satisfaction of sharing her knowledge with the young campers…all while having some fun – so much fun, in fact, that her 11-year-old and 9-year-old daughters join every year to participate in the challenges and fun times.  

Medical Director

Dr. Amy M. Jean 

My name is Dr. Amy M. Jean. I am a mother of 3 boys and a practicing pediatric endocrinologist at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. I care for patients at UPMC Children’s Specialty Care Centers across 3 states in Washington, PA, Wheeling, WV, and Cumberland, MD. I made the decision to become a pediatric endocrinologist after volunteering at diabetes camp in 2003 as a pediatric intern. I love collaborating with my type 1 families to help them become successful with managing their condition. I truly enjoy our appointments because over time I get to watch a toddler, a child, and a teenager grow up to become confident, healthy young adults who are now living their dreams as a physician assistant, welder, dietician, ICU nurse, mother, 3rd grade teacher, hair stylist, and CYF case worker. I especially enjoy diabetes camp because I love seeing my patients outside the office-setting being themselves and developing life-long friendships with other kids with T1D. I feel I am blessed to have practiced 18 years as a pediatric endocrinologist because it brings me great joy and passion to continue helping others.

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 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 does registration open for ADA camps?

Summer camps registration is open. Fall camps registration opens on May 1, 2024. Should you need specific information regarding a camp in your area, email campsupport@diabetes.org. Please allow 24–48 hours for a response.

What information do I need for ADA camp registration?

So that you are best prepared for the registration process, it will be helpful for you to assemble the following:

  • 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
  • Daily regimen of non-diabetes medication

How much does ADA camp cost?

ADA camp registration prices vary at each of camp locations across the country. You will find camp pricing on the “Dates & Rates” tab above. To accommodate families’ various financial situations, during registration you will be given three pricing options. Simply select the one option that best matches your financial means and continue with the checkout process as usual.

ADA Pricing Options Include:

  • Full Price. This is the actual cost for a child to attend camp, families with the financial means to pay the full price of camp may select this option.
  • ADA Sponsored Price. ADA subsidizes 50% of the full price of camp through the support of sponsors, partners, and donations.
  • Financial Assistance. When selecting the “Financial Assistance” option, you will be prompted to answer a series of qualification questions and then you will be contacted by ADA camp staff once financial assistance has been awarded.

Is there Financial Assistance available to attend ADA camps?

Yes! Regardless of your ability to pay for camp, the ADA is committed to providing a camp experience to all children living with diabetes. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families as a reduction of the full prices of registration fee. Families MUST be registered for camp to apply for financial assistance and provide acceptable "proof of income” documentation.

How do I pay to attend an ADA camp?

A NON-REFUNDABLE registration deposit will be required at the time of registration. Registration deposits are applicable to total camp fees. You can contact campsupport@diabetes.org for deposit and payment questions.

Upon checkout through our online registration, you can:

  1. Pay the balance in full with a credit card (Discover NOT accepted).
  2. Pay the deposit up front and set up automatic withdraws for the remainder of the balance (credit card required).
  3. Apply for Financial Assistance.

Can I pay with a check?

Yes, if you choose to pay with check, please make your check payable to: “American Diabetes Association.” Be sure to add the camp name AND your camper’s name in the memo line .

Where do I send payments?

American Diabetes Association Service Center
Attn: ADA Camps
P.O. Box 7023
Merrifield, VA 22116-7023

IMPORTANT NOTE: All payments and final paperwork are due 30 days before the start of camp.

What is your refund policy?

The ADA strives to control the costs associated with providing camp in order to keep the fee families pay as reasonable as possible. The ADA underwrites the cost of every camper by at least 50% of the price that is charged to families. The refund policy can be found in the ADA Camper Handbook. For our detailed refund policy, please contact campsupport@diabetes.org . Please allow 24‒48 hours for a response.

I do not have a computer. How can I register my camper?

We will be happy to mail you a paper application. Please send an email to campsupport@diabetes.org . and include your name, mailing address, and name of the ADA camp you are interested in. Please allow 24‒48 hours for a response.

I tried to register my child for camp and it says they are not eligible?

Please make sure you are entering your child’s birthdate correctly. If the problem continues, please contact campsupport@diabetes.org . Please allow 24‒48 hours for a response.

Can my child attend more than one ADA camp? If so, can they get a discount?

Yes, your child may attend more than one ADA camp in a summer, however, there is no discount for registering for more than one ADA camp.

My child is going to overnight camp, can we request that they bunk with their friends?

All cabin groups are made based on the ages of your camper at the start of each program. Friend/cabin requests can be made at the time of registration but are not guaranteed.

How do I access my camper’s registration?

You can access your camper registration by visiting your camp page and clicking on the registration button. Once on the registration site, enter your username and password.

How do I cancel or switch my registration?

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

I registered my child for the wrong camp/session?

Please contact campsupport@diabetes.org . Please allow 24‒48 hours for a response.

I forgot my password/username?

Please log in to the registration site to access registration information. If you forgot your password, use the “reset password” link and enter the same email used previously. A password reset email should arrive momentarily and contain a link to set a new password, follow the prompts to reset and login.

I need to update my email.

Contact information can be updated when logged into the registration site. If unable to login and the email is no longer valid, please contact campsupport@diabetes.org with both the old and new emails. Please allow 24‒48 hours for a response.

I am not receiving your emails? Who should I contact?

Please ensure you are adding campsupport@diabetes.org as a contact. Also, make sure to check your spam/junk folders. If the problem persists, contact campsupport@diabetes.org . Please allow 24‒48 hours for a response.

Are there 24-hour medical staff at ADA camps?

Yes. 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.

Can my child bring their cell phone for use with diabetes technology? (Example, for use insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, etc).

The ADA recognizes the evolution of diabetes technology, and we encourage campers to grow in their diabetes care and support and management of diabetes using the tools and technology used at school and home.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Mobile devices used ONLY as medical management tool will be supported at Camp. General cell phone usage that is not connected to diabetes technology (I.E. Dexcom, Omnipod) will not be allowed.

Mobile devices include: cell phone, smartwatch, tablet, or other similar device. As mobile devices are used to track the information from continuous glucose monitors (CGM) at school and home, they may similarly be used at camp. We respectfully ask that parents disable share functions while campers are in the care of ADA medical staff and that parents do not contact their camper directly or make medical decisions while at camp as the data may be delayed due to wifi connections.

What are your COVID-19 guidelines?

The COVID-19 vaccine will not be required in 2024 but is highly recommended at all camps.

What do I need to pack?

Once accepted, parents will receive a parent manual which includes a detailed list of suggested items to bring.

Who should I contact for additional questions or concerns regarding ADA camps or other youth programs?

Feel free to send any additional questions or inquires to campsupport@diabetes.org . Please allow 24‒48 hours for a response.

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kids enjoying at camp

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