Frequently Asked Questions for Camp Hodia
Note: For specific camp FAQs, please navigate to that camp first using the buttons on the left. Then click on the FAQ above when you have navigated to your camp's information page.
Here are some frequently asked questions. Thanks for checking here first!
What Is Camp Hodia? [back to top]
Camp Hodia is Idaho's only camp for children with diabetes. Located near beautiful Alturas Lake in the Sawtooth Mountains north of Sun Valley, Idaho, Camp Hodia offers an exciting experience for kids going into grades 6-8. The camp was founded in 1978 by Don Scott, a pediatric nurse at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center, who is still camp director today.
Hodia is accredited by the American Camping Association, which demands rigorous safety and quality standards.
Where Camp Hodia Is Located [back to top]
Camp Hodia’s summer camps are located at the Luther Heights Bible Camp in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area near beautiful Alturas Lake. The secluded camp is north of Sun Valley, nestled at the foot of the spectacular Sawtooth Mountains of Central Idaho. The camp includes log cabins, a huge fire pit, a commons lodge/cafeteria and a famous "Clivus" toilet facility that only a camper can tell you about. All this is a peaceful mountain atmosphere that clears the mind and soothes the soul. A map to any of the Hodia camps can be found by clicking here. The Sawtooth Mountains soar to over 11,000 feet and feature some of the nation's most spectacular backpacking and horseback-riding trails. The camp is near the headwaters of the Salmon River, one of the premier rafting rivers in the world. Camp Hodia takes advantage of this wilderness playground, offering campers a wide variety of memorable outdoor experiences such as hiking, rafting, rappelling and horseback riding.
Hodia Ski Camp is held at Camp Cascade in Donnelly, ID. This is a fun campground with a first class lodge where most of our activities are held. The cabins are heated and have several bunk beds. We ski and snowboard at Tamarack Resort—located just 6 miles from camp. We have some activities closer to McCall also.
When will registration be online? [back to top]
We like to have registration for summer camps go online on or around February 1. Registration for ski camp is usually live on October 1. Check the homepage to see if registration is available for your camp!
Are scholarship funds available for camp? [back to top]
Camp Hodia has never turned away a child because of a family's inability to pay for summer camps. Please note that scholarships are intended to help a family during short term needs. If you have been a recipient of a scholarship in the past with Camp Hodia, we encourage you to seek alternate forms of payment for camp. Hodia Ski Camp is a premium camp—and scholarships are generally less available. You are encouraged to pay the full camp fee at Hodia Ski Camp.
Camp Hodia relies on generous donors every year to keep the camp affordable. Value per camper is about $1,000, but the summer camp fee is less than that thanks to generous donations of time and money by caring organizations and professionals. If you are interested in contributing to our campership fund, or if you want your child to attend camp but need some financial assistance, call our summer camp director Don Scott at (208) 336-6829, our ski camp director Matthew Brown at (208) 880-3745 or contact us at:
Idaho Diabetes Youth Programs
1701 N 12th St.
Boise, Idaho 83702
Phone: (208) 336-6829
Fax: (208) 322-0402
Do I have to register online? [back to top]
Yes. Our camp records are kept online by a secure service. This service makes it easy to register, update your registration, make payment using many forms including eCheck or any major credit card. 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.
When is payment due for camp? [back to top]
Your camp fees must be paid for by 3 weeks prior to camp. If you’d like to apply for a scholarship, please indicate so on your online registration. Contact Natalie at natalie@hodia.org if you have any questions.
Is there anything we should do to prepare for camp? [back to top]
During the 1-2 weeks before camp, it will be very helpful to the staff and you to keep a record of:
- Blood sugars (4 times a day) and activities you participate in during this time period
- We count carbs at camp. A record of your carb counts may be helpful to us but is not required. Our staff is available at registration for questions or concerns about food. NOTE: Remember to bring these records to camp.
What if I can’t come to camp at the last minute? [back to top]
If you are unable to attend camp after you have paid, please call a staff member as soon as you know so we won’t start worrying. If you need to reach us on Saturday (the day before camp) or later, please call Luther Heights campground at (208) 774-3556 and leave a message.
What happens when I arrive? [back to top]
Each camper will be registered and interviewed by a camp doctor or nurse when arriving at camp. Parents and campers will meet the camp director, physician, nurses, dieticians, and counselors to discuss the activities, camper’s medical history, dietary routine and expectations for education.
What diabetic supplies should I bring? [back to top]
Bring your insulin and testing equipment with you. We provide some insulin and testing equipment, but it is unwise to leave home without your own. We will be testing 4 times a day.
- Bring any special insulin or equipment that you require.
- Bring plenty of your own gear if you are on a pump.
There is electricity to recharge batteries, but bring some extra batteries. Make sure the batteries in your testing meter are fresh, or put new ones in before you arrive. IMPORTANT: Label diabetes supplies with your name.
How do I get to camp? [back to top]
Getting to summer camp is your responsibility. If you need any help getting a ride to or from camp, call Don Scott at (208) 336-6829 at least 1 week prior to summer camp. You will be given the name of others who may be able to bring you. All transportation is cooperative, so assistance with gas money would be appropriate. There will be no need for a camper to have money at camp, except lunch money if your child is riding with someone to camp.
At ski camp, we charter a bus that has pickups in Pocatello, Jerome and Boise. Please see the ski camp pages for details.
What behavior is expected at camp? [back to top]
Camp 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 on this issue.
Is there a dress code? [back to top]
Similar to public schools, Camp Hodia does not allow provocative or inappropriate clothes. Please take care to have a modest swimsuit.
Can I make phone calls from camp? [back to top]
There is only one phone at Luther Heights Camp. Only urgent calls may be made from camp. Campers are discouraged from calling home. Note, there is no cell service at Luther Heights—and limited cell service at Camp Cascade.
What should we bring to camp? [back to top]
For detailed lists of what to bring to camp, please see the individual camp pages located here:
What happens if an emergency occurs at Camp? [back to top]
If an emergency occurs at camp, we will make every effort to contact the parent or guardian using the information you have provided during registration. If an outside facility is required, St. Luke’s Hospital in Ketchum is the nearest hospital for summer camps.
For summer camps, campers can be reached at (208) 774-3556. This phone is during summer camps only and is not routinely answered—expect to leave a message.
What is the address for summer camp? [back to top]
Luther Heights Camp
HC 6 Box 9381
Ketchum, ID 83340
(Its fun to get mail while you’re at camp!)
Who are good staff contacts for camp? [back to top]
- Don Scott, Camp Director, Hodia summer camps -- (208) 336-6829
- Matthew Brown, Camp Director, Hodia Ski Camp -- (208) 880-3745
- Lynn Wilson, Assistant Camp Director, Hodia summer camps -- (208) 375-0794
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