Hodia FAQs

About the Camp

Idaho Diabetes Youth Programs was founded under the name Camp Hodia by Don Scott, a local pediatric nurse, in 1978. Hodia comes from a combination of the words “idaHO” and “DIAbetes” and that is still what we do, bring Idaho’s children with diabetes together. Idaho Diabetes Youth Programs now holds several Hodia camp sessions and dozens of regional programs across our service area. Our service area stretches from La Grande, Oregon to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and all across the state of Idaho.

Hodia is accredited by the American Camping Association, which demands rigorous safety and quality standards.

Here’s a peek of A Typical Day at Camp Hodia from Idaho Diabetes Youth Programs on YouTube.

Camp Hodia has a different site location depending on the camp session or regional program you are participating in. For detailed information please read the FAQ under your camp session below or on the Events page.

The heart of the program is in the Sawtooth Mountains, between Stanley and Ketchum, Idaho. This has been the location of our summer residential camps since the beginning.

Our office is located in Boise, Idaho.

Hodia has never turned away a child because of a family’s inability to pay. Please see the Cost section of your child’s camp website and contact us with any questions. We have scholarships (“camperships”) available and it’s easy to apply! Hodia relies on generous donors every year to keep the camp affordable. The actual cost of camp is nearly double the in-state camp fee. This subsidization is possible thanks to generous donations of time and money by caring organizations and professionals.

If you are interested in contributing to our campership fund click here to donate online, or if you want your child to attend camp but need financial assistance, please contact us at (208) 891-1023, info@hodia.org, or complete a “Campership Application” when creating your camper’s account.

Yes. Our camp records are kept online by a secure service. If you don’t have access to a computer, call us and we can register you and take payment for your camp over the phone.

Phone: (208) 891-1023

Your camp fees must be paid for 3 weeks prior to camp. If you’d like to apply for a scholarship, please indicate so on your online registration.

Each camper will be registered and interviewed by a camp doctor or nurse and cabin counselors when arriving at camp. Parents and campers will meet the camp director, physician, nurses, dietitians, and counselors to discuss the activities, camper’s medical history, dietary routine, and expectations for education.

Hodia has some simple rules of conduct and behavior—similar to a public school. If unacceptable behavior occurs, your child may be placed on a behavior contract and you will be notified. For extreme or persistent problems, you may be required to pick up your camper before the end of camp. We appreciate your support and understanding.

If an emergency occurs at camp, we will make every effort to contact the parent or guardian using the information you provide during registration.

If an emergency occurs and you need to reach someone at camp, call the office and we will assist you with that connection. 208-891-1023 ext. 0.

Hodia Camp Goals

Hodia is dedicated to providing an environment that is respectful to the rights and dignity of all individuals and we request the assistance from all staff and participants to maintain an inclusive atmosphere.

Each camp participant will take home a new strategy for diabetes self-management, will meet other people who also understand life with diabetes, will find something in camp that brings them joy and will spend time in a natural environment.

We appreciate your interest in Hodia overnight camp and we’re here to support you in making the best decision for your child’s camp experience.

Our goal is to partner with parents to assure the camp experience aligns with your child’s abilities and readiness. We understand every child is unique, and some may need more time to develop these important skills. If it becomes clear that overnight camp may not be the best match at this time, we encourage you to identify areas your child could strengthen to be considered for camp in the future. We are available to help with this important work and we may also suggest alternative Hodia programs that may better suit your child’s current capabilities.

Before sending your child to a Hodia overnight camp, please review and acknowledge the following checklist to assess their readiness for a successful camp experience.

My child:

Check mark, Segoe UI Symbol font, character code 2705 hex. Social Interaction: Is able to engage positively in both small group activities within cabins and larger group activities with the entire camp

Check mark, Segoe UI Symbol font, character code 2705 hex. Independence: Is comfortable sleeping away from home and sharing living quarters with fellow campers and staff. Note that cabins provide limited privacy and quiet.

Check mark, Segoe UI Symbol font, character code 2705 hex. Communication: Can express needs and concerns to staff in a respectful and effective manner. Provides honest and accurate diabetes self care information with the assurance of non-judgemental counselor guidance.

Check mark, Segoe UI Symbol font, character code 2705 hex. Emotional Management: Is capable of expressing emotions in a healthy and non-aggressive manner, ensuring a positive camp experience for all.

Check mark, Segoe UI Symbol font, character code 2705 hex. Separation: Is prepared for periods without direct contact with parents, as a normal part of the camp experience.

Check mark, Segoe UI Symbol font, character code 2705 hex. Disconnect from Electronics: Is willing to leave electronic devices unrelated to diabetes at home to encourage meaningful interactions and appreciation for the natural environment.

Check mark, Segoe UI Symbol font, character code 2705 hex. Longer Camp Days: Understands camp days are longer than school days, with a full schedule of activities.

Check mark, Segoe UI Symbol font, character code 2705 hex. Physical Abilities: Is capable of engaging in outdoor activities like walking, running, climbing, and hiking throughout the day. For winter programs this will also include activities, such as snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, sledding, skating.

Check mark, Segoe UI Symbol font, character code 2705 hex. Dietary Needs: Can enjoy a diabetes/allergy-friendly diet served in a group setting, with nutritious meals for all campers.

Check mark, Segoe UI Symbol font, character code 2705 hex. Adherence to Rules: Is willing to follow camp rules, adhere to the camp schedule, and respond to adult guidance, while engaging appropriately with peers.

Volunteer Opportunities

We have year-round volunteer opportunities that can fit with various personal schedules! Help with projects at our office, the ‘Sugar Shack’, volunteer at our community programs, events, or at camp! We are always looking for volunteers in any capacity! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or would like to chat about the ways you can help Hodia. You can also find our volunteer application here!

What To Bring

Bring your insulin and testing equipment with you as well as plenty of pump and CGM supplies (enough for a few extra site-changes, just in case). We provide some insulin and testing equipment, but it is unwise to leave home without your own.

Also bring any special equipment that you require. Make sure the batteries in your devices are fresh, or put new ones in before you arrive. Please label diabetes supplies with your name.

Similar to public schools, Camp Hodia does not allow provocative or inappropriate clothes. Please bring a modest swimsuit.

For detailed lists of what to bring to camp, please see the “What to Bring” page.

No problem! Hodia’s Kitchen Liaisons prepare a similar menu to the typical camp menu for campers and staff with celiac. In addition, we use a separate kitchen to prepare this food, as well as dedicated pots, pans, and cooking utensils.

ALL medications and herbal or vitamin supplements must come in their original and labeled containers in order to be administered at camp. Please DO NOT send medications in medisets or baggies. For questions, please call Vicki Cutshall, Clinical Coordinator, at (208) 891-1023.

Hodia Junior Camp

Hodia Junior Camp is located at Luther Heights Bible Camp this year!

You sure can! We do recommend giving mail plenty of time to arrive, so you may need to send it before your camper leaves for camp. You can also bring mail and leave it with us at camp check-in if you don’t want to rely on mail service!

Mail can be sent to:
Luther Heights Bible Camp
Attn: Hodia/Camper Name
HC 64, Box 9381
Ketchum, ID 83340

The age and length of time your camper is at camp! Junior Camp is for our younger campers currently in grades 2-5 and for campers who would prefer a half week camp experience instead of a full week. It is a great intro to camp! Kids camp is for campers in grades 6-8 and a full week of camp fun!

Yes! Transportation by bus is provided at no extra cost. We have camper check-in and pick-up locations in the Treasure Valley, Magic Valley and Eastern Idaho. You will receive communications via email and text prior to camp with drop-off and pick-up details including location and time.

Hodia Kids Camp

Hodia Kids Camp will be held at Luther Heights Bible Camp this year!

You can find the packing list here.

You sure can! We do recommend giving mail plenty of time to arrive, so you may need to send it before your camper leaves for camp. You can also bring mail and leave it with us at camp check-in if you don’t want to rely on mail service!

Mail can be sent to:
Luther Heights Bible Camp
Attn: Hodia/Camper Name
HC 64, Box 9381
Ketchum, ID 83340

The age and length of time your camper is at camp! Junior Camp is for our younger campers currently in grades 2-5 and for campers who would prefer a half week camp experience instead of a full week. It is a great intro to camp! Kids camp is for campers in grades 6-8 and a full week of camp fun!

Yes! Transportation by bus is provided at no extra cost. We have camper check-in and pick-up locations in the Treasure Valley, Magic Valley and Eastern Idaho. You will receive communications via email and text prior to camp with drop-off and pick-up details including location and time.

Hodia Shooting Stars Day Camp

Camp will be held at a different location each day! Drop off and pick up will be the same time each day just at different locations around Boise. We will send out a schedule closer to camp starting, and also send reminder emails the night before!

Parents and family members are allowed at pick up and drop off times only!

Campers should wear their camp shirts every day! We will provide diabetes management while your camper is with us. Campers will need to bring lunches with them each day!

Hodia Teen Camp

Teen camp will be held at Luther Heights Bible Camp this year!

Luther Heights Bible Camp is located in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area near beautiful Alturas Lake. A map to the Hodia summer camps can be found by clicking here.Start by plugging either Ketchum, ID or Stanley, ID into your map. Once you’re there follow the route below.

From Ketchum, Idaho: The Camp is approximately 40 miles north of Ketchum/Sun Valley. Go north on HWY 75 over Galena Pass and past Smiley Creek Store. Stay on HWY 75 and 3 miles beyond Smiley Creek you will come to Alturas Lake Road. Turn left onto Alturas Lake Road — continue 3.5 miles to the sign for Luther Heights Camp. Turn right onto the access road into the camp.

From Stanley, Idaho: The Camp is approximately 25 miles south of Stanley. Go south on HWY 75 past Obsidian and past a sign for Busterback Ranch on your left. In another half a mile there is a sign for Alturas Lake Road. If you get to Smiley Creek, you have gone about 3 miles to far. Turn right onto Alturas Lake Road and continue 3.5 miles to a sign for Luther Heights Camp. Turn right onto the access road into the Camp.

You can find the packing list here.

You sure can! We do recommend giving mail plenty of time to arrive, so you may need to send it before your camper leaves for camp. You can also bring mail and leave it us at camp check-in if you don’t want to rely on mail service!

Mail can be sent to:
Luther Heights Bible Camp
Attn: Hodia/Camper Name
HC 64, Box 9381
Ketchum, ID 83340

These high adventure activities are fun but require additional packing items for safety. Hiking and rappelling require hiking shoes/boots with significant tread to grip on steep slopes and loose rocks. Please don’t plan to use your normal everyday tennis shoes (or Crocs) for these activities. Whitewater rafting requires closed-toe water shoes. No one may be barefoot on the raft trip.

Each cabin group has at least 2 dedicated staff including a cabin counselor and licensed healthcare provider. These cabins function as a “mini camp” and do all their activities in common.  They often join additional cabin groups or the entire camp for joint activities.

Parents and family members are allowed during drop-off and pick-up times only. The primary reason for this is safety for all the campers.

Yes! Transportation by bus is provided at no extra cost. We have camper check-in and pick-up locations in the Treasure Valley, Magic Valley and Eastern Idaho. You will receive communications via email and text prior to camp with drop-off and pick-up details including location and time.

Hodia Wilderness Camp

While we are expecting no emergencies while at camp, we will take every precaution necessary. All staff will have basic medical training and have passed a rigorous screening process by the Camp Director and Idaho Diabetes Youth Programs. The staff will include at least one physician with extensive back-country training. The Forest Service, nearby hospital, and police know about our program and where we are located during the week.

Registered participants and camp staff will receive an update on this prior to camp.

Parents and family members are allowed during drop-off and pick-up times only. The primary reason for this is safety for all the campers.

Hodia Winter Camp

Not at all! We welcome campers and camp staff at all levels and have a wide variety of snow activities to meet the needs and abilities of all of our participants!

You can find the packing list here.

Winter Camp is held at Camp Cascade for a weekend of skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and MORE!

Parents and family members are allowed during drop-off and pick-up times only. The primary reason for this is safety for all the campers.

Yes! Transportation by bus is provided at no extra cost. We have camper check-in and pick-up locations in the Treasure Valley, Magic Valley and Eastern Idaho. You will receive communications via email and text prior to camp with drop-off and pick-up details including location and time.

Starry Skies

Starry Skies is located at Day Mountain Ranch in Preston, ID

You can find the packing list here.

We recommend leaving letters with us at camp check-in to give to your camper during camp!

Each cabin group has at least 2 dedicated staff including a cabin counselor and licensed healthcare provider. These cabins function as a “mini camp” and do all their activities in common. They often join additional cabin groups or the entire camp for joint activities.

Parents and family members are allowed during drop-off and pick-up times only. The primary reason for this is safety for all the campers.

Yes! Transportation by bus is provided at no extra cost. We have camper check-in and pick-up locations in the Treasure Valley, Magic Valley and Eastern Idaho. You will receive communications via email and text prior to camp with drop-off and pick-up details including location and time.

COVID-19 Protocols

Hodia will be following CDC COVID-19 guidelines to help try to keep our campers and staff healthy at camp. We also have a Healthcare Provider Committee that is working to help implement safety protocols. Read more HERE.