About Camp

Camp Sugar Falls

Antioch, Tennessee

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 Sugar Falls
Type: Day & Overnight
Dates: Overnight: June 15–20, 2025 l Day: June 16–20, 2025
Ages:  6–15
Location: Antioch, Tennessee
Host Site: YMCA Camp Widjiwagan
Transportation for day camp:  Information coming soon about transportation from Nashville to Camp Widjiwagen. Sign ups and more information available at the time of registration.  

Founded in 1982, Camp Sugar Falls is an overnight and day camp where campers enjoy archery, art, field sports, swimming, climbing towers, boating, 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 PriceSponsored Price*
OvernightJune 15–2011-15$1650$825
Day June 16–206–13 $375

*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. 

Transportation for day camp:  Information coming soon about transportation from Nashville to Camp Widjiwagen. Sign ups and more information available at the time of registration. 

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.

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

Camp Director: Tyler Lehman
Tyler Lehman

Tyler Lehman is a Camp Director currently living in Englewood, Florida. A California native, Tyler graduated with a degree in Recreation and Parks Management from Sacramento State. She has over 15 years of experience in camping and out-of-school programs including Disney Cruise Lines, a family camp near Yosemite National Park with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, and the YMCA in Washington DC and Southwest Florida. Tyler's passions include long-distance running, hiking, and traveling. A podcast listener, crafter, and self-proclaimed "plant parent", Tyler now resides in a small beach town, accompanied by her partner Manny and their two canine companions, Keta and Brinley.

Medical Director: Dr. Jennifer Najjar 

Dr Jennifer Najjar is a graduate of Tufts School of Medicine (Boston, Massachusetts) and also a college graduate of the University of Wisconsin ( Madison, Wisconsin). She received her residency training in Pediatrics and her Pediatric Endocrinology fellowship training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center ( Nashville, Tennessee). She has been practicing in the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes for 41 years. She has spent much of her time caring for children with diabetes and teaching Pediatric residents, fellows and medical students. In 1982 she became the Director and Founder of Camp Sugar Falls in Nashville, Tennessee. The camp has hosted over two thousand campers since its beginning. Many of her campers have returned as camp counselors to mentor younger campers. Camp Sugar Falls has also served as a training experience for young medical students, Pediatric residents, Pediatric Endocrine fellows, pharmacy and nursing students. Her favorite past time involves gardening, walking, hiking, participating in water recreation and, of course, overseeing the function of Camp Sugar Falls.

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