Camp Kudzu Inc

When a child is diagnosed with diabetes, families must learn how to manage the condition on a daily basis. Education starts almost immediately with information to absorb and skills to be practiced. The learning process introduces parents and children to an array of medical words and terms that describe diabetes and how to manage day to day; insulins, ketones, shots, pokes, tests, sugars, highs and lows, reactions, control. These words become a part of everyday language in the household and the entire family's schedule is formed around diabetes management. Camp kudzu recognizes the life-changing impact type 1 diabetes has on the entire family, we saw 71 families totaling 307 people in attendance of the (3) family camp programs. Camp kudzu's family camp is a fun-filled, educational and networking weekend for the entire family - children of all ages with diabetes, their parents and siblings. This is a program for families with children too young to attend summer camp and for those who have been recently diagnosed. Family camp is a time to learn more about diabetes, have fun and make friends with families who are experiencing the same challenges of living with diabetes.parents tell us that the parent education sessions are their favorite part of the weekend. We bring in diabetes experts (endocrinologists, diabetes educators and dietitians) to talk with our parents about latest diabetes technology and other hot topics. Parents have the unique opportunity to ask the experts anything and everything they always wanted to know, but never had the chance to ask.at family camp, children with diabetes see that they are not alone. Siblings feel included. Parents have an opportunity to learn more about the disease that affects their child. Parents receive life-saving education about how to manage their child's diabetes, and children, those with diabetes as well as their siblings, create an essential support network. Children enjoy activities under volunteer supervision while learning more about diabetes during the weekend.

Our teen weekend programing includes our "teen retreat" weekend and is offered to participants in 7th to 11th grade and has grown in participation in recent years. Moving from the cap of the winter 2021 program of 50 campers, we hosted 82 teen campers this year. This weekend overnight program provides the co-ed experience of camp with fun and education focused on skills required to successfully transition to young adults. Professionals are on site throughout the weekend to deliver diabetes management information and to answer questions about diet, activity and emerging trends in glycemic control. Teens have the opportunity to connect and develop friendships that can sustain them year-round.