Camp Hickory Hill, officially known as Central Missouri Diabetic Children’s Camp, Inc., is a nonprofit residential summer camp located in Columbia, Missouri. The organization is dedicated to supporting children and adolescents living with diabetes by combining traditional camp experiences with diabetes education, medical supervision, and peer support.
Mission and Purpose
The camp’s mission is to provide a “community, culture and medically-sound program of support” for people with diabetes, especially children, while fostering:
- Self reliance
- Confidence
- Healthy lifestyles
- Diabetes management skills
- Emotional and social support
Camp Hickory Hill emphasizes helping children realize they are not alone in managing diabetes. Campers learn how to successfully live active, healthy, and independent lives while participating in a safe and supportive environment.
Programs and Camp Experience
The camp offers residential summer camp sessions for children and teens, generally ages 7 through 17. Sessions are divided by age groups and typically occur during June and July.
Campers receive:
- 24/7 medical supervision
- Diabetes education
- Blood glucose monitoring support
- Insulin therapy guidance
- Nutrition and exercise education
- Emotional encouragement from peers and staff
Alongside medical and educational programming, campers participate in traditional outdoor camp activities such as:
- Archery
- Canoeing
- Rock climbing
- Swimming
- Arts and crafts
- Hiking
- Sports
- Zip lining and ropes courses
