About Camp

Camp Wana Kura

Spring Valley, CA

Camp 2025

Summer Camp Registration

Mark Your Calendar: Registration Opens February 12, 2025. We can't wait to welcome your camper to unforgettable camp experience. Our awesome camp team is gearing up to make sure every moment is safe, exciting, and jam-packed with awesome memories!  Sign up to receive updates.

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ADA Camp: A Lifelong Connection

American diabetes association camp

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, fostering 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

ADA Camp Wana Kura
Type: Day
Dates: July 14-18, 2025
Ages: 5-17 (More information coming soon about teen and CIT programs for ages 13-17) 
NEW Location: Spring Valley, YMCA
NEW Host Site: Camp McGrath YMCA
Transportation Option. Starting in 2025 there will be a bussing option available from San Diego, CA.  
More information will be provided at the time of registration. 

Established in 1990, Camp Wana Kura is a day camp where campers enjoy games, swimming, arts and crafts, sports, and tons of 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 fostering independence, building self-confidence and gaining an awareness of a healthy lifestyle through education, nutrition, exercise, glucose control, and emotional well-being. 

Program Type2025 DatesAgesSponsored Price*
Day**July 14-185-17***$300*

*Financial Assistance Available. No child will ever be turned away from camp due to cost. If the camp fee is a barrier 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.

**Transportation Option. Starting in 2025 there will be a bussing option available from San Diego, CA.  
More information will be provided at the time of registration.  

***Teens. More information coming soon about teen and CIT programs for ages 13-17

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

  • 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: Joe Esten
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. Michael Gottschalk 

Dr. Gottschalk has been the Chief of Pediatric Endocrinology at the University of California San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego since 2000. He is involved in pediatric clinical trials for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. While living in Chicago in the 1990s’ he was the Medical Director at Camp Triangle D for the 8-10 year olds overnight week camps. In San Diego he has been on the camp committee and Medical Director for Camp Wana Kura.

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
  • Fostering 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

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? 

kids enjoying at camp

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