About Camp

Camp He Ola Ke Keiki

Waialua, Hawaii

Camp 2025

Camp Registration

Mark Your Calendar: Registration Opens May 1, 2025. We can't wait to welcome your camper to another unforgettable camp experience. Our awesome camp team is already gearing up to make sure every moment is safe, exciting, and jam-packed with awesome memories!  Sign up to receive updates.

Smiling diabetes camp boys

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 He Ola Ke Keiki 
Type: Overnight
Dates: November 8–11, 2025
Ages: 8–17
Location: Waialua, Hawaii
Host Site: Camp Mokuleia

Camp He Ola Ke Keiki is an overnight camp where campers enjoy paddle boarding, zip-lining, swimming, crafts, and more!

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*
OvernightNovember 8-118-16$600 (out of state)$350
Counselor-in-Training (CIT) 17 $200

*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 donations, 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: Morgan Coenen
Morgan Coenen

Morgan Coenen is a Camp Director currently living in Boise, ID and loves connecting type 1 kids and families through camp experiences! She grew up attending ADA Camp Needlepoint and was part of lead staff until 2019, when she went into working in camps full time professionally. When not at camp, she is spending time with her family, traveling, exploring mountains, camping, avoiding hot places as much as possible, and reading.

Medical Director: Dr. Alan Parsa 

Dr. Alan Parsa is an adult endocrinologist that has been part of He Ola Ke Keiki since its return in 2018 and is also the board chair in Hawaii. His favorite thing about camp is seeing the kids be kids! 'Camp is important to me because the support and education that the campers gain from camp is an amazing addition to what they learn from just seeing their provider!' 

Medical Director: Dr. Melanie Shim

I was born and raised in Honolulu. Some of my most cherished memories are of my childhood, growing up in the natural beauty of the islands surrounded by my large family. I attended Punahou School, went to the University of Washington for a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, and came back home to attend the University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine. For my pediatrics internship and residency, I went to Stanford University and then to the University of California, Los Angeles for a fellowship in pediatric endocrinology. I’m now board certified in both fields and an NCQA Recognized Physician in its Diabetes Recognition Program. Although I worked in Los Angeles for 15 years after completing my training, I always knew I would return to Hawaii someday.

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

Camp

National Sponsors

Local Sponsor

Kaiser Permanente