2024 Bring-a-Buddy Camp |
Open to youth ages 6-13 with T1D, as well as a friend or sibling! Your camper's buddy does not have to have T1D. Buddies are encouraged, but not required.
3-Tier Pricing: You may elect the price that is most appropriate for your family. Your selection will have no impact on your camper's experience.
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Bring-a-Buddy Camp Life
Bring-a-Buddy Camp Activities
While at Bring-a-Buddy Camp, we will have fun activities similar to our other camp programs. This is an exciting opportunity to share informal T1D education with our campers' friends, so expect some fun diabetes-focused games and activities. Activities may include:
- Crafts
- Hang time
- Diabeducation Games like Family Feud or Jeopardy
- Gaga ball
- Campfire
Bring-a-Buddy Camp Facilities
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Camp Hendon partners with seasoned camp professionals by renting camp locations that provide high quality programs and activities.
Campers sleep on bunk-beds in cabins. Restrooms are located within the cabin. Meals are served in a state of the art dining hall where the kitchen staff are all trained and certified professionals. Special attention to the diabetic and allergy needs of our campers is always a priority. All of our camp programs are nut-free. Our Bring-a-Buddy Camp facility and program partner is Camp Horsin' Around in Perryville, KY. Camp Horsin' Around is located in central Kentucky. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
We are here to answer your questions! Please click the + next to each FAQ to expand the menu and view more. If you have additional questions, contact Lori O'Bryant at [email protected] or 502-544-1954.
Camper Application FAQ
How old does my child have to be to attend Bring-a-Buddy camp?
Youth with T1D ages 6-14 are eligible to participate. We ask that their buddy also fall within this age range.
How do I register a camper?
You can register online in a "phased application" process. Every individual camper will need to complete their own registration form.
Do I have to register my child online?
No. If you do not wish to register online please do one of the following:
How do you decide who to accept?
Campers are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with a completed application. Your child and their buddy will be admitted if we still have room and there are no significant behavioral or medical factors that would preclude acceptance. Campers do not have to reside in Kentucky to attend Camp Hendon.
What will my camper learn?
At Bring-a-Buddy camp, we will focus on empowering our youth with T1D to share their life with diabetes with their buddy. Some of the topics covered at camp may include:
Youth with T1D ages 6-14 are eligible to participate. We ask that their buddy also fall within this age range.
How do I register a camper?
You can register online in a "phased application" process. Every individual camper will need to complete their own registration form.
- The first step is to submit an initial application and deposit.
- The second step is to then log into your account and complete the required forms*.
Do I have to register my child online?
No. If you do not wish to register online please do one of the following:
- call: 502-544-1954
- e-mail: [email protected]
- or write to: Camp Hendon, 1640 Lyndon Farm Court, Suite 108, Louisville, KY 40223
How do you decide who to accept?
Campers are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with a completed application. Your child and their buddy will be admitted if we still have room and there are no significant behavioral or medical factors that would preclude acceptance. Campers do not have to reside in Kentucky to attend Camp Hendon.
What will my camper learn?
At Bring-a-Buddy camp, we will focus on empowering our youth with T1D to share their life with diabetes with their buddy. Some of the topics covered at camp may include:
- Age-appropriate Diabetes Education
- Helping our non-T1D campers understand life with T1D
- Social Support
- Opportunities for all campers to ask questions in a judgement-free space
- Building confidence and self-esteem
- Form Meaningful Relationships
- Feel a Sense of Belonging, Campers Learn They Are Not Alone
- Acceptance
Camp Life FAQ
Will my camper be safe at camp?
Yes! We respect it may be difficult to leave a child with diabetes into the care of others, but campers are well supervised at camp. The Bring-a-Buddy Camp will be staffed with counselors and dedicated medical staff that will be with your camper 24/7. At all times we have ample medical staff at the camp which may include RNs, RDs, MDs, and others.
Camp Hendon follows the American Camp Association’s operating standards, and we are ACA Accredited.
What happens if my camper is homesick?
Homesickness is a natural feeling for many campers as they adjust to being away from home. With great care, the counselors will do everything possible to determine the cause of the homesickness, and to address the issues identified.
Every attempt will be made to encourage the camper to have a good time and to feel needed and important. If a call is warranted, you and the director will discuss options before you speak with the child. If you determine the best option is to pick up your child, we will help you in that process by having the camper ready. We are not able to offer refunds for campers who leave due to homesickness.
Camp Hendon has occasionally had campers leave due to homesickness, but more often than not, seasoned staff members are able to work with the camper to be more engaged in the activities of camp... and soon the homesickness fades away.
What about food & meals?
Healthy eating is the overall goal for nutrition at Camp Hendon. We try to eliminate the myth that diabetes means “not eating sugar,” but instead means balancing carbohydrates, protein, and fat. All meals and snacks are based on carbohydrate (CHO) counting. This system may be used for children on a constant CHO meal plan or on CHO counting with insulin adjustment. At camp, the Dietetic Director sets up the meal plan that is adequate in calories and nutrients for the energy level while at camp.
Do you carb count?
Yes, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator supervises all food preparation and provide guidance and assistance in carb counting. Carbohydrate choices and grams of carbohydrate are listed for all meals and counted as appropriate for every camper’s individual need.
What if camper has other special food requirements?
Any food allergies or special needs should be noted during the application process. The Dietetic Director will communicate with the family if needed for follow-up questions. Allergies will be noted with all medical and non-medical staff.
Yes! We respect it may be difficult to leave a child with diabetes into the care of others, but campers are well supervised at camp. The Bring-a-Buddy Camp will be staffed with counselors and dedicated medical staff that will be with your camper 24/7. At all times we have ample medical staff at the camp which may include RNs, RDs, MDs, and others.
Camp Hendon follows the American Camp Association’s operating standards, and we are ACA Accredited.
What happens if my camper is homesick?
Homesickness is a natural feeling for many campers as they adjust to being away from home. With great care, the counselors will do everything possible to determine the cause of the homesickness, and to address the issues identified.
Every attempt will be made to encourage the camper to have a good time and to feel needed and important. If a call is warranted, you and the director will discuss options before you speak with the child. If you determine the best option is to pick up your child, we will help you in that process by having the camper ready. We are not able to offer refunds for campers who leave due to homesickness.
Camp Hendon has occasionally had campers leave due to homesickness, but more often than not, seasoned staff members are able to work with the camper to be more engaged in the activities of camp... and soon the homesickness fades away.
What about food & meals?
Healthy eating is the overall goal for nutrition at Camp Hendon. We try to eliminate the myth that diabetes means “not eating sugar,” but instead means balancing carbohydrates, protein, and fat. All meals and snacks are based on carbohydrate (CHO) counting. This system may be used for children on a constant CHO meal plan or on CHO counting with insulin adjustment. At camp, the Dietetic Director sets up the meal plan that is adequate in calories and nutrients for the energy level while at camp.
Do you carb count?
Yes, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator supervises all food preparation and provide guidance and assistance in carb counting. Carbohydrate choices and grams of carbohydrate are listed for all meals and counted as appropriate for every camper’s individual need.
What if camper has other special food requirements?
Any food allergies or special needs should be noted during the application process. The Dietetic Director will communicate with the family if needed for follow-up questions. Allergies will be noted with all medical and non-medical staff.
- Replacement food will be provided for any child with food allergies
- We operate a nut-free camp and kitchen
- We tastefully and creatively accommodate gluten allergies
Medical FAQ
What medical supplies should I bring?
Given the brief nature of Bring-a-Buddy Camp, we ask that our T1D campers bring all insulin and pump supplies. Camp Hendon will have available lancets, meters, test strips, glucagon, and low treatments.
Please bring all of the following that apply to your camper (T1D/non-T1D):
How are blood glucose levels monitored at camp?
All T1D campers will check blood glucose levels before every meal and bedtime and at any time a camper does not feel well or would like to be checked we will test them. Additionally, all staff members are well trained to observe for signs of hypo/hyperglycemia. We will give our non-T1D campers the chance to test their blood sugar as well, but this will not be required or forced. This is a very special opportunity to share one of the many physical challenges of life with diabetes!
Bedtime testing & 2:00 a.m. rounds
Our protocols mandate that campers below a certain blood sugar level at bedtime checks are to be tested again on our 2:00 a.m. rounds, when all campers are checked for signs of lows. Staff also check blood glucose levels before bed and 2:00 a.m. Staff is available 24/7 to check blood sugar levels at other times during the night and during all activities through out the day. Again, this is specific to our campers with T1D. We will welcome any non-T1D campers to observe 2 a.m. rounds.
Blood sugar goals at camp
Our goal is a safe, healthy, and fun environment where we can provide meaningful opportunities for education and empowered self-management discussions. Given a shifting schedule and changes in activity levels, variations in typical blood sugar levels should be expected.
Who oversees the diabetes management of campers?
Camp Hendon follows the guidance of a Medical Advisory Committee, which includes our Medical Director and other licensed diabetes care providers. At Bring-a-Buddy Camp, a licensed medical professional such a Nurse Practitioner or Pediatric Endocrinologist will oversee all medical care, with the support of other medical staff.
What are the vaccination requirements?
All those who are attending Camp Hendon’s programs are required to be adequately immunized against
preventable diseases, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Exemptions will only be granted for bona fide medical reasons. Vaccination against COVID-19 is strongly recommended. View Camp Hendon's full Immunization Policy here.
Given the brief nature of Bring-a-Buddy Camp, we ask that our T1D campers bring all insulin and pump supplies. Camp Hendon will have available lancets, meters, test strips, glucagon, and low treatments.
Please bring all of the following that apply to your camper (T1D/non-T1D):
- insulin/pens/syringes
- insulin pump supplies (reservoirs, infusion sets, special injection aids, etc.)
- your camper’s prescription medications in original containers
- any special medical equipment for non-diabetes related conditions
How are blood glucose levels monitored at camp?
All T1D campers will check blood glucose levels before every meal and bedtime and at any time a camper does not feel well or would like to be checked we will test them. Additionally, all staff members are well trained to observe for signs of hypo/hyperglycemia. We will give our non-T1D campers the chance to test their blood sugar as well, but this will not be required or forced. This is a very special opportunity to share one of the many physical challenges of life with diabetes!
Bedtime testing & 2:00 a.m. rounds
Our protocols mandate that campers below a certain blood sugar level at bedtime checks are to be tested again on our 2:00 a.m. rounds, when all campers are checked for signs of lows. Staff also check blood glucose levels before bed and 2:00 a.m. Staff is available 24/7 to check blood sugar levels at other times during the night and during all activities through out the day. Again, this is specific to our campers with T1D. We will welcome any non-T1D campers to observe 2 a.m. rounds.
Blood sugar goals at camp
Our goal is a safe, healthy, and fun environment where we can provide meaningful opportunities for education and empowered self-management discussions. Given a shifting schedule and changes in activity levels, variations in typical blood sugar levels should be expected.
Who oversees the diabetes management of campers?
Camp Hendon follows the guidance of a Medical Advisory Committee, which includes our Medical Director and other licensed diabetes care providers. At Bring-a-Buddy Camp, a licensed medical professional such a Nurse Practitioner or Pediatric Endocrinologist will oversee all medical care, with the support of other medical staff.
What are the vaccination requirements?
All those who are attending Camp Hendon’s programs are required to be adequately immunized against
preventable diseases, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Exemptions will only be granted for bona fide medical reasons. Vaccination against COVID-19 is strongly recommended. View Camp Hendon's full Immunization Policy here.
Financial Faq
How much does camp cost?
Bring-a-Buddy Camp offers a 3-tier pricing structure. The fee is per camper. Families may participate in any tier of their choosing. The tier selected will have no impact on the camper's experience. Camp Hendon also provides financial assistance to those families who may need additional support. We never want finances to keep a child from attending camp - whether or not they have diabetes.
The camp fee helps to provide for:
As a primarily volunteer organization, we accept the generosity of individuals, families, parents, and companies in any amount to help defray the costs of the camp. We are perpetually raising money so camp can exist.
We encourage all families that can support camp to do so through tax-deductible donations to Camp Hendon. Please consider supporting our great cause by making a donation.
Is there financial assistance?
YES! Camp Hendon strives to provide the camp experience regardless of financial ability. We have never turned away a camper for financial reasons. We fundraise year-round to offer assistance and camperships. There is a need-based application process for partial and full assistance packages. We also consider extenuating financial and family circumstances when reviewing financial aid applications. Please do not let finances be the reason you do not send your child or their buddy to camp!
For questions regarding financial aid, please contact Lori O'Bryant at [email protected] or 502-544-1954.
Bring-a-Buddy Camp offers a 3-tier pricing structure. The fee is per camper. Families may participate in any tier of their choosing. The tier selected will have no impact on the camper's experience. Camp Hendon also provides financial assistance to those families who may need additional support. We never want finances to keep a child from attending camp - whether or not they have diabetes.
- Tier 1: $110/camper
A subsidized price thanks to donations and fundraising - Tier 2: $130/camper
Camp Hendon's actual cost to provide camp - Tier 3: $150/camper
Pay it forward! This tier is a special opportunity for families to support campers participating in Tier 1.
The camp fee helps to provide for:
- Facility rental
- Meals and snacks
- Low treatments
- All activities and programming
- Insurance
As a primarily volunteer organization, we accept the generosity of individuals, families, parents, and companies in any amount to help defray the costs of the camp. We are perpetually raising money so camp can exist.
We encourage all families that can support camp to do so through tax-deductible donations to Camp Hendon. Please consider supporting our great cause by making a donation.
Is there financial assistance?
YES! Camp Hendon strives to provide the camp experience regardless of financial ability. We have never turned away a camper for financial reasons. We fundraise year-round to offer assistance and camperships. There is a need-based application process for partial and full assistance packages. We also consider extenuating financial and family circumstances when reviewing financial aid applications. Please do not let finances be the reason you do not send your child or their buddy to camp!
For questions regarding financial aid, please contact Lori O'Bryant at [email protected] or 502-544-1954.
Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost? What if I can't afford to send my child to camp?
Camp Hendon offers 3-tier pricing for our Bring-a-Buddy Camp. Please view the "Financial FAQ" for specific details.
Financial aid is available! Camp Hendon has never turned a child away for financial reasons, and we receive support from the Helmsley Charitable Trust to be used specifically for camperships. If you have any financial concerns, please contact us! We will make every effort to ensure your child is able to come to camp. We do not receive any funding from the American Diabetes Association or JDRF. You can also make a tax-deductible donation.
2. What are the vaccination requirements?
All those who are attending Camp Hendon’s programs are required to be adequately immunized against
preventable diseases, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Exemptions will only be granted for bona fide medical reasons. Vaccination against COVID-19 is strongly recommended. View Camp Hendon's full Immunization Policy here.
3. My child is on a CGM/Dexcom, can he/she bring their cellphone to camp?
Almost all of Camp Hendon's overnight programs are cell-phone free, and that includes Bring-a-Buddy Camp. Our goal is to allow campers to get the full experience of camp without the distraction of phones, social media, etc. If your camper is on a CGM/Dexcom, we ask that they bring their receiver with them in place of their phone.
4. Who can my T1D camper bring with them?
Your camper is encouraged to bring a sibling or friend ages 6-14. Their buddy does not have to have T1D. Additionally, although it is strongly encouraged, your camper can attend* even if they do not bring a buddy along.
*Dependent on capacity limitations
5. What if my camper gets homesick?
Homesickness is very common, and completely normal! It is important to recognize this upfront, and have a conversation with your child before they arrive at camp. Feelings of homesickness will likely occur, and that is okay. Remind your camper (and we will too) that they are not the only one feeling this way and the best thing to do is try their best to have fun and participate in activities. Our staff is fantastic at easing campers’ fears and helping them have a great time at camp, and we will make every effort to give your camper the best experience possible.
6. Can my camper call home, or can I call them?
Since Bring-a-Buddy Camp is cell-phone free, phone calls would only take place under very special circumstances. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and campers alike to disconnect. Our goal is for the camper to get a truly unique and special experience at camp, and that means immersing them in daily activities with their peers. Even though a phone call might seem like a good way to calm your camper's concerns, it typically has the opposite effect and only increases any anxiety or homesickness they may be feeling.
7. Can you accommodate food allergies?
Yes! Food allergies and sensitivities are very common. All camp properties are nut-free, and we work with our dietetic team to provide appropriate substitutions for all other allergies and sensitivities.
8. When is check-in/check-out.
Your camper will check in on Friday evening and check out on Sunday before lunch. Specific times will be provided to you in the weeks leading up to camp, so please pay attention to your email! Also take special note of the time zones – Bring-a-Buddy Camp is in Eastern time. We also ask that you PLEASE try to adhere to the times provided to you. If you arrive too early to check-in or check-out, you will be asked to remain in your car until the appropriate time. Arriving too late also creates a significant challenge to our staff, and your child may feel singled out if they are the only one left to check-in or check-out.
9. What do we need to pack?
This is a great question, and we are currently developing a document specifically for our Bring-a-Buddy Weekend. Check back soon!
10. Where is camp located?
The Camp Hendon office is located in Louisville. We do not own any property, so we rent the facilities where our programs are held. Bring-a-Buddy Camp is held in central Kentucky at Camp Horsin' Around in Perryville.
Camp Hendon offers 3-tier pricing for our Bring-a-Buddy Camp. Please view the "Financial FAQ" for specific details.
Financial aid is available! Camp Hendon has never turned a child away for financial reasons, and we receive support from the Helmsley Charitable Trust to be used specifically for camperships. If you have any financial concerns, please contact us! We will make every effort to ensure your child is able to come to camp. We do not receive any funding from the American Diabetes Association or JDRF. You can also make a tax-deductible donation.
2. What are the vaccination requirements?
All those who are attending Camp Hendon’s programs are required to be adequately immunized against
preventable diseases, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Exemptions will only be granted for bona fide medical reasons. Vaccination against COVID-19 is strongly recommended. View Camp Hendon's full Immunization Policy here.
3. My child is on a CGM/Dexcom, can he/she bring their cellphone to camp?
Almost all of Camp Hendon's overnight programs are cell-phone free, and that includes Bring-a-Buddy Camp. Our goal is to allow campers to get the full experience of camp without the distraction of phones, social media, etc. If your camper is on a CGM/Dexcom, we ask that they bring their receiver with them in place of their phone.
4. Who can my T1D camper bring with them?
Your camper is encouraged to bring a sibling or friend ages 6-14. Their buddy does not have to have T1D. Additionally, although it is strongly encouraged, your camper can attend* even if they do not bring a buddy along.
*Dependent on capacity limitations
5. What if my camper gets homesick?
Homesickness is very common, and completely normal! It is important to recognize this upfront, and have a conversation with your child before they arrive at camp. Feelings of homesickness will likely occur, and that is okay. Remind your camper (and we will too) that they are not the only one feeling this way and the best thing to do is try their best to have fun and participate in activities. Our staff is fantastic at easing campers’ fears and helping them have a great time at camp, and we will make every effort to give your camper the best experience possible.
6. Can my camper call home, or can I call them?
Since Bring-a-Buddy Camp is cell-phone free, phone calls would only take place under very special circumstances. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and campers alike to disconnect. Our goal is for the camper to get a truly unique and special experience at camp, and that means immersing them in daily activities with their peers. Even though a phone call might seem like a good way to calm your camper's concerns, it typically has the opposite effect and only increases any anxiety or homesickness they may be feeling.
7. Can you accommodate food allergies?
Yes! Food allergies and sensitivities are very common. All camp properties are nut-free, and we work with our dietetic team to provide appropriate substitutions for all other allergies and sensitivities.
8. When is check-in/check-out.
Your camper will check in on Friday evening and check out on Sunday before lunch. Specific times will be provided to you in the weeks leading up to camp, so please pay attention to your email! Also take special note of the time zones – Bring-a-Buddy Camp is in Eastern time. We also ask that you PLEASE try to adhere to the times provided to you. If you arrive too early to check-in or check-out, you will be asked to remain in your car until the appropriate time. Arriving too late also creates a significant challenge to our staff, and your child may feel singled out if they are the only one left to check-in or check-out.
9. What do we need to pack?
This is a great question, and we are currently developing a document specifically for our Bring-a-Buddy Weekend. Check back soon!
10. Where is camp located?
The Camp Hendon office is located in Louisville. We do not own any property, so we rent the facilities where our programs are held. Bring-a-Buddy Camp is held in central Kentucky at Camp Horsin' Around in Perryville.
Youth with Type 1 Diabetes ages 6-15, as well as their buddy of the same age range, can register online, or request a paper application by contacting Lori O'Bryant at [email protected] or 502-544-1954.
