Camp Life FAQ
Will my child be safe at camp?
We respect it may be difficult to leave a child with diabetes into the care of others for a week, but campers are well supervised at camp. Our dens are staffed with a counselors and dedicated medical staff that will be with your child 24/7 from the beginning to the end of the week. At all times we will have at least 25-30 medical staff at the camp to include RNs, RDs, LPNs, Pharmacy students, Doctors and Residents. We use a 3 person buddy system, where no camper is ever alone or far from assistance.
Camp Hendon follows the American Camp Association’s operating standards, and we are ACA Accredited.
What happens if my child is homesick?
Homesickness is a natural feeling for many campers as they adjust to the first day/night at camp. 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 needed, 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 write letters home and 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 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. Not to worry, camp favorites are still a major part of the experience, but all with a twist. Smudgies have become an all camp favorite…… vanilla sugar-free pudding frozen between two graham crackers.
At camp, the Dietetic Director sets up the meal plan that is adequate in calories and nutrients for the energy level while at camp. Three meals and three snacks will be served during the day. Each child’s meal plan will be kept by the medical staff at each meal. The meal plan should be used as a guideline for appropriate, healthy eating.
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.
What will my camper learn?
Camp is a wonderful learning environment, and since the goal is life-long care just a few of the things your camper might learn depending on their age and readiness are:
We respect it may be difficult to leave a child with diabetes into the care of others for a week, but campers are well supervised at camp. Our dens are staffed with a counselors and dedicated medical staff that will be with your child 24/7 from the beginning to the end of the week. At all times we will have at least 25-30 medical staff at the camp to include RNs, RDs, LPNs, Pharmacy students, Doctors and Residents. We use a 3 person buddy system, where no camper is ever alone or far from assistance.
Camp Hendon follows the American Camp Association’s operating standards, and we are ACA Accredited.
What happens if my child is homesick?
Homesickness is a natural feeling for many campers as they adjust to the first day/night at camp. 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 needed, 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 write letters home and 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 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. Not to worry, camp favorites are still a major part of the experience, but all with a twist. Smudgies have become an all camp favorite…… vanilla sugar-free pudding frozen between two graham crackers.
At camp, the Dietetic Director sets up the meal plan that is adequate in calories and nutrients for the energy level while at camp. Three meals and three snacks will be served during the day. Each child’s meal plan will be kept by the medical staff at each meal. The meal plan should be used as a guideline for appropriate, healthy eating.
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
What will my camper learn?
Camp is a wonderful learning environment, and since the goal is life-long care just a few of the things your camper might learn depending on their age and readiness are:
- Improved Nutrition
- How to Treat Low and High Blood Sugars
- How to Count Carbohydrates
- Insulin Injections, Site Rotation, and Adjustment
- Blood Sugar Monitoring
- Age-appropriate Diabetes Education
- Social Support
- Diabetes Problem Solving
- Effects of Exercise
- They may learn to give their first injection or change their first site! – A Big Step Toward Independence
- Confidence & Self-Esteem by Meeting Others with Diabetes
- Form Meaningful Relationships
- Feel a Sense of Belonging, Campers Learn They Are Not Alone
- Acceptance