MORE THAN A SUMMER CAMP

For generations, Camp Hickory Hill has created a place where children

living with type 1 diabetes can build confidence, friendships, and lifelong memories.

How Camp Hickory Hill Began

Camp Hickory Hill was founded by Dr. Ronald James, whose own experience living with diabetes inspired him to create a place where children could feel understood, supported, and empowered.

After losing his older sister to diabetic ketoacidosis at the age of two, Dr. James was diagnosed with diabetes himself at age eleven. His personal journey shaped a lifelong commitment to helping children and families navigate life with diabetes through education, support, and community.

What began as a vision to create a safe and encouraging camp experience has grown into a tradition that has impacted generations of campers across Missouri.

Today, Camp Hickory Hill continues that mission on nearly 100 acres of wooded hills, trails, cabins, campfires, and outdoor adventure in Columbia, Missouri.

A person with short blonde hair, wearing a gray T-shirt and yellow shorts, and a young girl with curly hair wearing a striped shirt standing outdoors in front of a tree and a house, with a person on a motorcycle in the background.
Group of five young boys sitting on a park bench outdoors among trees.
A smiling man wearing glasses and a Camp Atlantic t-shirt, standing in a room with other people, musical decorations, and windows in the background.
Two women standing outdoors in front of trees, smiling at the camera. The woman on the left has short blonde hair and is wearing a checkered shirt. The woman on the right has curly blonde hair and is wearing a dark T-shirt with overalls.

A  place

to  belong

Group of young boys and a young man standing outdoors in a wooded area, some wearing tie-dye shirts, some holding paper crafts, with trees and forest background.

At Camp Hickory Hill, campers quickly discover they are surrounded by people who understand the daily challenges and experiences of living with diabetes.

Camp becomes a place where friendships form naturally, confidence grows, and campers are encouraged to try new things, build independence, and simply enjoy being kids.

From swimming and climbing to campfires, outdoor games, and nature exploration, every part of camp is designed to create unforgettable memories in a safe and supportive environment.

Children and adults enjoying a water activity at a creek, with some children wearing yellow protective helmets, balancing on a log across the water, surrounded by green trees.
Group of young women and girls hiking on a forest trail, some smiling and waving, surrounded by green trees, with a sign indicating 'Exit Only' and 'Do Not Enter' near trees.

Our Mission

Camp Hickory Hill exists to create an inclusive and supportive community for children and adults living with diabetes.

Our medically-sound camp program is designed to foster education, self-reliance, confidence, and an active lifestyle while helping campers develop the skills needed to successfully manage their diabetes.

Most importantly, camp provides a place where every camper feels encouraged, understood, and supported.

Camp for
Every Child

Camp Hickory Hill is proud to be the only diabetes camp in Missouri that does not turn away campers because of an inability to pay all or part of the camp fee.

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience camp, regardless of financial circumstances.

Through scholarships, donations, and community support, we work to ensure camp remains accessible to every family who needs it.

98

Acres of Adventure

Nestled in the wooded hills outside Columbia, Missouri, Camp Hickory Hill offers nearly 100 acres of outdoor adventure and exploration.

Campers experience:

  • wooded trails

  • cabins

  • campfires

  • climbing activities

  • swimming

  • open playing fields

  • wildlife

  • natural spaces that encourage curiosity and connection

From deer and turkey sightings to evenings around the fire, camp creates an environment where campers can unplug, explore, and grow.

A view of the inside of a dark cave with green plants and moss at the entrance, with small water streams on the cave floor.
Brown wooden cabins along a wooded trail with a small wooden footbridge and green leafy trees.
A white painted wooden sign with green text and illustrations, reading 'Camp Hickory Hill for Diabetes Education'. The sign features a green tree and a small tent illustration, and is mounted on a white fence with green foliage in the background.
A small campfire burning in a fire pit surrounded by rocks at night.

Help us Continue the Tradition

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