FAQ

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, all across the state of Idaho, to Northern Utah.

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 1978!

Our year-round 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 camp 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 triple the in-serrvice 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” during your child’s enrollment process.

Yes, our camp records and payment processing are securely stored online. If you don’t have access to a computer or device, please reach out to us at 208-891-1023, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Camp fees must be paid in full before the first day of camp. If you’d like to apply for a camp scholarship, please indicate your request during camper registration.

 

 

 

Camp will likely have a waitlist, so if your child is no longer able to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so another camper can have the opportunity to join. Call or text us at 208-891-1023

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. Review Hodia’s Camp Rules here. 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.

Luther Heights is located in the Sawtooth National Forest, where cell service is extremely limited and unreliable. Because of this, we encourage families to “take a break” from regular communication while their child is at camp. This allows campers to build independence in a safe and supportive environment, with our dedicated staff providing attentive care and supervision at all times.

Some phone models and plans may be able to send or receive data at times, but service remains inconsistent. If you don’t get a response when you text or call your child, don’t be alarmed; they’re likely busy making memories with their cabin mates and enjoying camp!

We also encourage campers to be present and engaged in the camp experience, spending less time on their devices. However, we completely understand that their device is an important part of their diabetes management, and we will always prioritize their health and safety.

In the event of an emergency at camp, we will make every effort to contact the parent or guardian using the information provided during registration.

If you need to reach someone at camp due to an emergency, please call our office at 208-891-1023 ext. 0, and we will assist you.

For information on staying updated about your child’s diabetes management, including glucose numbers and treatment, please see the next FAQ on glucose monitoring while your child is at camp.

While CGM data sharing is a big part of diabetes care at home, we encourage you to take this opportunity to enjoy a week free of following your child’s CGM. As mentioned in the previous FAQ, cell service at Luther Heights is unreliable. If you are following your camper’s glucose numbers throughout the week, CGM data will be spotty and without full context, seeing only parts of the data can cause unnecessary worry. 

Our dedicated medical staff provide constant care and supervision, making real-time decisions for diabetes management as needed. We understand how challenging it can be for parents to step away from the Share/Follow apps, especially without full context of treatment decisions happening in the moment.

Internet/WiFi access in this area is also rare, and Hodia sets up temporary internet access specifically to support cabin staff in monitoring your child’s blood sugars overnight.

We appreciate your trust in us and hope this experience allows both you and your child to enjoy the benefits of camp to the fullest!

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.

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:

Social Interaction: Is able to engage positively in both small group activities within cabins and larger group activities with the entire camp

Independence: Is comfortable sleeping away from home and sharing living quarters with fellow campers and staff. Note that cabins provide limited privacy and quiet.

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.

Emotional Management: Is capable of expressing emotions in a healthy and non-aggressive manner, ensuring a positive camp experience for all.

Separation: Is prepared for periods without direct contact with parents, as a normal part of the camp experience.

Disconnect from Electronics: Is willing to leave electronic devices unrelated to diabetes at home to encourage meaningful interactions and appreciation for the natural environment.

Longer Camp Days: Understands camp days are longer than school days, with a full schedule of activities.

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.

Dietary Needs: Can enjoy a diabetes/allergy-friendly diet served in a group setting, with nutritious meals for all campers.

Adherence to Rules: Is willing to follow camp rules, adhere to the camp schedule, and respond to adult guidance, while engaging appropriately with peers.

We have year-round volunteer opportunities that can fit with various personal schedules! Help with projects at our office/warehouse, volunteer at our community programs, events, or at camp as camp staff! 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.

To ensure as many kids as possible have the opportunity to experience camp, enrollment for this session is priority-based rather than first come, first served. If your child is eligible for other Hodia camps this summer, we encourage you to explore those options. This camp has filled quickly in the past, and we want to make sure our youngest and first-year campers have a chance to join the fun!

Each day, camp will be held at a different location. A full camp schedule with locations will be provided at least a week before camp begins.

• Campers should wear their camp shirts every day. They will receive a camp shirt on the first day.
• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required, no flip-flops.
• Sunscreen should be applied before arriving at camp each day. We will reapply sunscreen at lunchtime.

You can also find the packing list here and we emphasize the following:

• A backpack to hold their belongings.
• A labeled water bottle.
• A packed lunch Monday through Thursday. Please include carb counts for any unlabeled food items.
• Any necessary diabetes supplies.

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

Lunch is not provided Monday through Thursday, so please send a lunch with your child (with noted carb counts)! On Friday, we will provide a catered lunch, which will be gluten- and dairy-free. If your child does not like the menu, you are welcome to send a packed lunch instead.

Please know that Camp Hodia staff are committed to maintaining safe blood glucose levels. We will do everything in our power to prevent highs and lows to the best of our ability. We acknowledge that entrusting someone else with the care of your child is extremely difficult. We take this responsibility very seriously.

If your child has a sensor and you follow it on your own app, we encourage you to take a break and turn it off while your child is with us.  If you choose to monitor your child’s blood glucose during the camp day, please allow us to manage the blood glucose levels according to the guidelines you give us in the pre-camp interview. Please refrain from calling to check in on blood glucose levels. Thank you for your trust in us.

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.

Like public schools, Hodia has a dress code that prohibits provocative or inappropriate clothing. Please pack a modest swimsuit.

For footwear, bring two pairs of sturdy shoes (such as tennis or walking shoes, NOT Crocs, flip-flops, or slides) Crocs are not suitable for regular camp activities. Additionally, pack a pair of closed-toe water shoes for water activities. Acceptable options include Keens, water booties, or old tennis shoes. Flip-flops are not allowed for water activities, but Crocs may be worn only as water shoes.

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.

Junior Camp is held at Luther Heights Bible Camp.

Luther Heights Bible Camp is located in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area near beautiful Alturas Lake. You can start by plugging in “Alturas Lake” into your map. Once you turn from HWY 75 from either direction, you can easily follow the signs to Luther Heights Bible 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 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!

Transportation Update for 2025:

Transportation will look a little different this summer. Instead of multiple bus check-in locations, all campers attending Junior, Kids, and Teen Camp will check in directly at Luther Heights.

This update helps sustain our mission while also giving parents and guardians a valuable opportunity to visit camp, meet our dedicated staff, and connect with other families during drop-off.

At the end of the camp session, campers will be bussed to designated pick-up locations in Idaho Falls, Jerome, and Boise for parent or guardian pick-up. More details about drop-off and pick-up will be shared as we get closer to camp.

We understand this change may create challenges for some families, and we’re here to help. If you have any concerns or need assistance, please reach out—we’re happy to discuss possible solutions with you.

📞 Call or text us at 208-891-1023
📧 Email us at info@hodia.org

Luther Heights is located in the Sawtooth National Forest, where cell service is extremely limited and unreliable. Because of this, we encourage families to “take a break” from regular communication while their child is at camp. This allows campers to build independence in a safe and supportive environment, with our dedicated staff providing attentive care and supervision at all times.

Some phone models and plans may be able to send or receive data at times, but service remains inconsistent. If you don’t get a response when you text or call your child, don’t be alarmed; they’re likely busy making memories with their cabin mates and enjoying camp!

We also encourage campers to be present and engaged in the camp experience, spending less time on their devices. However, we completely understand that their device is an important part of their diabetes management, and we will always prioritize their health and safety.

In the event of an emergency at camp, we will make every effort to contact the parent or guardian using the information provided during registration.

If you need to reach someone at camp due to an emergency, please call our office at 208-891-1023 ext. 0, and we will assist you.

For information on staying updated about your child’s diabetes management, including glucose numbers and treatment, please see the next FAQ on glucose monitoring while your child is at camp.

Our dedicated medical staff provide constant care and supervision, making real-time decisions for diabetes management as needed. We understand how challenging it can be for parents to step away from the Share/Follow apps, especially without full context of treatment decisions happening in the moment.

Internet/WiFi access in this area is also rare, and Hodia sets up temporary internet access specifically to support cabin staff in monitoring your child’s blood sugars overnight.

We appreciate your trust in us and hope this experience allows both you and your child to enjoy the benefits of camp to the fullest!

Kids Camp is held at Luther Heights Bible Camp.

Luther Heights Bible Camp is located in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area near beautiful Alturas Lake. You can start by plugging in “Alturas Lake” into your map. Once you turn from HWY 75 from either direction, you can easily follow the signs to Luther Heights Bible 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 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!

Transportation Update for 2025:

Transportation will look a little different this summer. Instead of multiple bus check-in locations, all campers attending Junior, Kids, and Teen Camp will check in directly at Luther Heights.

This update helps sustain our mission while also giving parents and guardians a valuable opportunity to visit camp, meet our dedicated staff, and connect with other families during drop-off.

At the end of the camp session, campers will be bussed to designated pick-up locations in Idaho Falls, Jerome, and Boise for parent or guardian pick-up. More details about drop-off and pick-up will be shared as we get closer to camp.

We understand this change may create challenges for some families, and we’re here to help. If you have any concerns or need assistance, please reach out—we’re happy to discuss possible solutions with you.

📞 Call or text us at 208-891-1023
📧 Email us at info@hodia.org

Luther Heights is located in the Sawtooth National Forest, where cell service is extremely limited and unreliable. Because of this, we encourage families to “take a break” from regular communication while their child is at camp. This allows campers to build independence in a safe and supportive environment, with our dedicated staff providing attentive care and supervision at all times.

Some phone models and plans may be able to send or receive data at times, but service remains inconsistent. If you don’t get a response when you text or call your child, don’t be alarmed; they’re likely busy making memories with their cabin mates and enjoying camp!

We also encourage campers to be present and engaged in the camp experience, spending less time on their devices. However, we completely understand that their device is an important part of their diabetes management, and we will always prioritize their health and safety.

In the event of an emergency at camp, we will make every effort to contact the parent or guardian using the information provided during registration.

If you need to reach someone at camp due to an emergency, please call our office at 208-891-1023 ext. 0, and we will assist you.

For information on staying updated about your child’s diabetes management, including glucose numbers and treatment, please see the next FAQ on glucose monitoring while your child is at camp.

Our dedicated medical staff provide constant care and supervision, making real-time decisions for diabetes management as needed. We understand how challenging it can be for parents to step away from the Share/Follow apps, especially without full context of treatment decisions happening in the moment.

Internet/WiFi access in this area is also rare, and Hodia sets up temporary internet access specifically to support cabin staff in monitoring your child’s blood sugars overnight.

We appreciate your trust in us and hope this experience allows both you and your child to enjoy the benefits of camp to the fullest!

Teen Camp is held at Luther Heights Bible Camp.

Luther Heights Bible Camp is located in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area near beautiful Alturas Lake. You can start by plugging in “Alturas Lake” into your map. Once you turn from HWY 75 from either direction, you can easily follow the signs to Luther Heights Bible 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.

Transportation Update for 2025:

Transportation will look a little different this summer. Instead of multiple bus check-in locations, all campers attending Junior, Kids, and Teen Camp will check in directly at Luther Heights.

This update helps sustain our mission while also giving parents and guardians a valuable opportunity to visit camp, meet our dedicated staff, and connect with other families during drop-off.

At the end of the camp session, campers will be bussed to designated pick-up locations in Idaho Falls, Jerome, and Boise for parent or guardian pick-up. More details about drop-off and pick-up will be shared as we get closer to camp.

We understand this change may create challenges for some families, and we’re here to help. If you have any concerns or need assistance, please reach out—we’re happy to discuss possible solutions with you.

📞 Call or text us at 208-891-1023
📧 Email us at info@hodia.org

Luther Heights is located in the Sawtooth National Forest, where cell service is extremely limited and unreliable. Because of this, we encourage families to “take a break” from regular communication while their child is at camp. This allows campers to build independence in a safe and supportive environment, with our dedicated staff providing attentive care and supervision at all times.

Some phone models and plans may be able to send or receive data at times, but service remains inconsistent. If you don’t get a response when you text or call your child, don’t be alarmed; they’re likely busy making memories with their cabin mates and enjoying camp!

We also encourage campers to be present and engaged in the camp experience, spending less time on their devices. However, we completely understand that their device is an important part of their diabetes management, and we will always prioritize their health and safety.

In the event of an emergency at camp, we will make every effort to contact the parent or guardian using the information provided during registration.

If you need to reach someone at camp due to an emergency, please call our office at 208-891-1023 ext. 0, and we will assist you.

For information on staying updated about your child’s diabetes management, including glucose numbers and treatment, please see the next FAQ on glucose monitoring while your child is at camp.

Our dedicated medical staff provide constant care and supervision, making real-time decisions for diabetes management as needed. We understand how challenging it can be for parents to step away from the Share/Follow apps, especially without full context of treatment decisions happening in the moment.

Internet/WiFi access in this area is also rare, and Hodia sets up temporary internet access specifically to support cabin staff in monitoring your child’s blood sugars overnight.

We appreciate your trust in us and hope this experience allows both you and your child to enjoy the benefits of camp to the fullest!

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.

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 prior to camp with drop-off and pick-up details including location and time.