CAMP AZDA: A Summer Camp for Kids with T1D

For children living with Type 1 diabetes, summer camp isn’t just about campfires and canoeing—it’s about finding a place where they truly belong. Enter Camp AZDA, a life-changing summer experience for kids with diabetes, run by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in Arizona.

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I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Emily Madison, the Senior Director of Camps for the ADA, and Amanda Cardenas, a long-time Camp AZDA participant and now a dedicated staff member. They shared some stories and explained why Camp AZDA is such a special place.

A Camp Unlike Any Other

The ADA runs diabetes camps nationwide, but as Emily explained, these aren’t your typical summer camps. “We have trained medical staff, as well as counselors who live with diabetes, providing unique oversight and mentorship,” she said. This means kids can fully engage in camp activities while knowing they’re in safe hands. Camp AZDA, held in Prescott, Arizona, at Friendly Pines Camp, has been running since 1976 and offers kids a chance to enjoy the great outdoors without the stress of managing diabetes alone.

Amanda’s Journey: From Camper to Camp Leader

Amanda Cardenas first attended Camp AZDA in 2001, shortly after her Type 1 diabetes diagnosis at age seven. “An anonymous donation made it possible for me to go to camp,” she shared. That generosity changed her life, and she’s been involved ever since. Now, she leads fundraising efforts to ensure other children get the same opportunity.

She also plays a key role at camp as a lead rover, training and mentoring counselors. “Camp AZDA is my diabetic Disneyland,” Amanda said. “It shifts your perspective on what it means to live with Type 1 diabetes. You go from hearing what you ‘can’t do’ to seeing people with diabetes accomplish amazing things—fire chiefs, doctors, athletes, all thriving.”

Why Parents Should Consider Camp ASDA

Both Emily and Amanda emphasized that camp fosters independence in children with diabetes. Emily recalled seeing kids hesitant on the first day transform into confident individuals by the end of the week. “We see kids changing their own pump sites, putting on CGMs—things they may have been nervous to do before,” she said.

Amanda added, “The community and friendships built here last a lifetime. Kids leave knowing they are not alone, surrounded by a support system that truly understands their experiences.”

Top-Tier Medical Care

Safety is a top priority at Camp AZDA. The medical team includes doctors, nurses, Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs), dietitians, and social workers who volunteer their time to ensure every camper gets the care they need. They handle insulin dosing, carb counting, and blood sugar checks so campers (and their parents!) can feel secure.

Fun-Filled Adventures Await

Of course, camp isn’t just about diabetes—it’s about fun! Camp AZDA offers:

• Canoeing and fishing

• Archery and arts & crafts

• Hiking and zip-lining

• A Teen Adventure Program (ages 14-16) that includes rock climbing and a trip to Sedona

  
  

Amanda laughed as she shared camp traditions like WWF-style (wrestling) counselor introductions, where kids create characters and backstories for their counselors. There’s also the unique camp name tradition, where staff members are given playful nicknames. Amanda’s? Tasty Face—a nod to a nervous culinary school interview where she blurted out that she can make chocolate covered strawberries with faces on them.

Cost and Financial Assistance

Camp ASDA costs $825 per week, but financial assistance is available to ensure no child is turned away. Families can apply during the registration process, and donations help make camp accessible to more children.

How to Get Involved

The camp is always looking for volunteers—from licensed medical professionals to counselors over the age of 18. If you or someone you know is interested, visit diabetes.org/campazda to learn more.

Final Thoughts

Camp AZDA is more than just a summer getaway; it’s a transformative experience for kids with Type 1 diabetes. As Amanda put it, “Diabetes isn’t the end of your life—it’s the start of a whole new one. And camp helps you see that.”

If you’re a parent of a child with Type 1 diabetes, consider giving them the gift of Camp AZDA. It’s not just about fun—it’s about building confidence, independence, and a lifelong support system.

For more information or to register, visit diabetes.org/campazda.