About Camp Hickory Hill
Located just 5 miles north of Columbia, Missouri, Camp Hickory Hill is a residential camp that sustains a community, culture and medically sound program of support for persons with diabetes.
Our Vision
Our vision is focused on enhancing the self reliance and capacity of children, adolescents and their families living with diabetes. Campers learn the skills necessary to live long, healthy, successful lives with diabetes.
What Campers Learn
Some of the age-appropriate topics covered include:
- Insulin therapy
- Low and high blood sugars
- Diet and exercise management
- Campers also learn they are not alone
Cost of Camp
The cost of our program includes all medical personnel, counselors, and other staff, equipment and medical supplies (including insulin), as well as, the cost of all food, housing, program supplies and any other needs of our participants. The cost of camp is prorated on family income, and all campers have the ability to attend camp, regardless of family income. To ensure not one is turned away, we have several options for participating in camp, including a no interest payment plan and two programs that will subsidize either part or all the cost of camp for those who qualify.
We have a great deal of fun at camp. Our campers go swimming and hiking. They sing songs and eat meals together. They play softball, go rappelling, and sleep in cabins. And they do it all on our 77 wooded acres, which are safely nestled in the rolling foothills of the Ozark Mountains, five miles North of Columbia.
Camp Time!
Camp is held each year during the month of either June or July, for children who have type 1 diabetes and are between the ages of 7 and 17.
For more information on Camp Hickory Hill, please contact Jessica Bernhardt, Camp Director, at info@CampHickoryHill.com. Join in the adventure. See you at camp!
Jessica Bernhardt, Camp Director
Jessica Bernhardt has been with Camp Hickory Hill for over 23 years. Jessica started as a cabin counselor and has also served as Lifeguard, Aquatics Director, Challenge Course Facilitator, Activity Director, CIT Director and has served as the Camp Director since 2010. Jessica is dedicated to helping children and their families better understand and manage their Type 1 diabetes by inspiring health and confidence in children and others living with diabetes in a fun summer camp environment. A diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes changes the life of a child forever. Days filled with school, sports, and activities are quickly replaced by blood tests, insulin injections, and carbohydrate calculations. Every step required to manage their diabetes is a step away from what children see as “normal.” But at Camp Hickory Hill, Type 1 diabetes is normal. And when diabetes disappears, every camper can show what makes them special, not what makes them different and Jessica is a huge part of that process.
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