Family Camp Weekend
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Family Camp is a weekend retreat-style program focused on our younger campers and their families. Camp Hendon provides life-altering experiences, without the promise of a cure, but with the guarantee of an experience that makes diabetes manageable until that cure is found.
Family Camp is open to children with Type 1 Diabetes ages 5-12, as well as siblings ages 5+, parents, and other primary caregivers. This relaxed, intimate program allows families to connect with one another while getting to know the Camp Hendon team. In addition to group activities, parents also enjoy dedicated time with a pediatric endocrinologist, typically around a campfire, in a comfortable and nonclinical setting. Meanwhile, campers can enjoy games and activities with each other and our camp counselors. Family Camp is the perfect opportunity for young children and families new to Camp Hendon to meet our team and experience a short-term program before sending their child to summer camp. The number one benefit both children and their parents express after attending Camp Hendon is the ability to feel part of a group where everyone has diabetes and the feelings of isolation are eliminated. Camp Hendon provides children the chance to meet and learn from adult counselors with diabetes who have gone through many of the same things the campers are experiencing, and can share the ways they coped with the chores of having diabetes. |
Family Camp Life
Family Camp ActivitiesWhile at Family Camp, camp experiences may include:
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Sample Family Camp ScheduleSATURDAY
9:00 AM Check-In 10:00 AM Get-to-know-you games 10:30 AM Guided Hike + Snack 11:30 AM Blood sugar check/insulin 12:00 PM Lunch 1:15 PM Creek Walk 2:30 PM Gaga ball + Snack 3:45 PM Rest time 4:45 PM Blood sugar check/insulin 5:00 PM Dinner 6:15 PM Campfire medical chat (parents); crafts (kids) 7:30 PM Coffee & s'mores 9:00 PM Return to cottages for family time SUNDAY 2:00 AM Suggested time for parents to check child's blood sugar; Camp Hendon medical staff available if needed 8:00 AM Blood sugar checks/insulin 8:15 AM Breakfast 9:30 AM Group and family photos 10:30 AM Check-out Of course, we provide lots of snacks, treatment for lows, and blood sugar checks. We also make medication and insulin adjustments as needed under the guidance of licensed medical professionals. |
Family Camp Facilities
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Camp Hendon partners with seasoned camp professionals by renting camp locations that provide high quality programs and activities.
Family Camp participants stay in shared cottages, with one bedroom per family sleeping 4-5 people (two bunks beds: one twin upper and lower bunk + one twin upper and queen lower bunk). Each cottage bedroom has a private ensuite restroom. 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. Camp Hendon's Family Camp partner is Aldersgate Camp, operated by the Kentucky Conference of the United Methodist Church. Aldersgate is located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes southeast of Lexington, in Ravenna. Aldersgate provides the perfect location for families in the eastern part of the state. |
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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 lobryant@camphendon.org or 502-544-1954.
Application FAQ
How old does my child have to be to attend family camp?
Children with diabetes ages 5-12 are eligible to attend Family Camp. Siblings age 5 and older are welcome. Given that no COVID-19 vaccine is yet available for children under the age of 5, we regret that we will not be able to accept children in this age group. Parents are encouraged to invite other primary caregivers to attend as well.
How do I register?
You can register online in a "phased application" process.
Do I have to register online?
No. If you do not wish to register online please do one of the following:
How do you decide who to accept?
Families are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with a completed application. Your family will be admitted if we still have room and there are no significant behavioral or medical factors that would preclude acceptance. You do not have to reside in Kentucky to attend Camp Hendon. We welcome children with T1D between the ages of 5-12 regardless of where you live!
What will we learn?
Since the goal is life-long care, just a few of the things your family and your camper might learn depending on age and readiness are:
Children with diabetes ages 5-12 are eligible to attend Family Camp. Siblings age 5 and older are welcome. Given that no COVID-19 vaccine is yet available for children under the age of 5, we regret that we will not be able to accept children in this age group. Parents are encouraged to invite other primary caregivers to attend as well.
How do I register?
You can register online in a "phased application" process.
- 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 online?
No. If you do not wish to register online please do one of the following:
- call: 502-544-1954
- e-mail: info@camphendon.org
- or write to: Camp Hendon, 1640 Lyndon Farm Court, Suite 108, Louisville, KY 40223
How do you decide who to accept?
Families are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with a completed application. Your family will be admitted if we still have room and there are no significant behavioral or medical factors that would preclude acceptance. You do not have to reside in Kentucky to attend Camp Hendon. We welcome children with T1D between the ages of 5-12 regardless of where you live!
What will we learn?
Since the goal is life-long care, just a few of the things your family and your camper might learn depending on 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
- Confidence & Self-Esteem by Meeting Others with Diabetes
- Form Meaningful Relationships
- Feel a Sense of Belonging, Campers and Families Learn They Are Not Alone
- Acceptance
Camp Life FAQ
Is there medical care at Family Camp?
Yes! Although parents/caregivers have primary responsibility for their child's diabetes care during Family Camp, we will have licensed medical providers in attendance to offer support and guidance.
Camp Hendon follows the American Camp Association’s operating standards, and we are ACA Accredited.
Can I bring my other children that are very young (babies) or much older (adults)?
We understand that diabetes affects the entire family, so we encourage you to bring all members of your immediate family that have direct involvement or regular exposure to your child's care that are age 5 or older. Given that no COVID-19 vaccine is yet available for children under the age of 5, we regret that we will not currently be able to accept children in this age group. If you have older children that are heavily involved in or exposed to your T1D child's care, we encourage them to attend! As always, if you have questions or are unsure, please let us know.
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 Family Camp, we typically ask that you arrive on Saturday morning having already eaten breakfast. You will be provided with a mid-morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, and evening snack. On Sunday, breakfast will be served and you will be sent home with a snack. Checkout occurs before lunchtime.
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. Our staff will communicate with your family if needed for follow-up questions. Allergies will be noted with all medical and non-medical staff.
Yes! Although parents/caregivers have primary responsibility for their child's diabetes care during Family Camp, we will have licensed medical providers in attendance to offer support and guidance.
Camp Hendon follows the American Camp Association’s operating standards, and we are ACA Accredited.
Can I bring my other children that are very young (babies) or much older (adults)?
We understand that diabetes affects the entire family, so we encourage you to bring all members of your immediate family that have direct involvement or regular exposure to your child's care that are age 5 or older. Given that no COVID-19 vaccine is yet available for children under the age of 5, we regret that we will not currently be able to accept children in this age group. If you have older children that are heavily involved in or exposed to your T1D child's care, we encourage them to attend! As always, if you have questions or are unsure, please let us know.
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 Family Camp, we typically ask that you arrive on Saturday morning having already eaten breakfast. You will be provided with a mid-morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, and evening snack. On Sunday, breakfast will be served and you will be sent home with a snack. Checkout occurs before lunchtime.
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. Our staff will communicate with your family if needed for follow-up questions. Allergies will be noted with all medical and non-medical staff.
- Replacement food will be provided for anyone 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 Family Camp, we ask that you bring all of your child's medical supplies. Please plan to bring:
Extra supplies that Camp Hendon will have available include:
How are blood glucose levels monitored at camp?
Although caregivers are in charge of their camper's blood glucose while at camp, we encourage families to model the routine followed by Camp Hendon at our summer programs. This includes checking blood glucose levels before every snack or meal, before bedtime, at 2 a.m., and any time a camper does not feel well or would like to be checked. Additionally, all staff members are available to assist with blood glucose checks and are trained to observe for signs of hypo/hyperglycemia.
Bedtime testing & 2:00 a.m. rounds
Summer camp protocols mandate that any campers with a blood sugar below 120 at bedtime should be automatically checked again at 2 a.m. Although at Family Camp you are responsible for your child's diabetes care, we encourage you to model this same practice. As always, our staff is available 24/7 to check blood sugar levels at other times during the night and during all activities through out the day.
Blood sugar goals at camp
We strive for healthy and safe blood sugar levels, but variations in activity levels, shifting schedules, and an environment which encourages learning about freedom with food choices and carb counting can all lead to less than ideal blood sugar results for the week.
Our goal is a safe, healthy, and fun environment where we can provide meaningful opportunities for education and empowered self-management discussions.
Who oversees the diabetes management of campers?
Families are responsible for the diabetes management of their camper(s) during Family Camp. Our camp medical director, a licensed pediatric endocrinologist, oversees and establishes all protocols used at camp with the input and support of our Medical Advisory Committee. In addition to the medical director, we will have a variety of volunteer licensed medical staff on site which may include physicians, nurses, pharmacists, certified diabetes educators, or registered dietitians.
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. View Camp Hendon's full Immunization Policy here. Given that no COVID-19 vaccine is yet available for children under the age of 5, we regret that we will not be able to accept children in this age group.
Given the brief nature of Family Camp, we ask that you bring all of your child's medical supplies. Please plan to bring:
- Insulin
- Insulin pens
- Syringes
- Blood glucose monitoring equipment
- Pump Supplies
- Glucagon
- Any other prescription medications
Extra supplies that Camp Hendon will have available include:
- Glucagon
- Lancets
- Blood glucose meters
- Test strips
- Ketone strips
- Alcohol swabs
- Sharps containers
- Low blood sugar treatments (glucose tabs, snacks, etc.)
- First aid supplies (band-aids, antibiotic ointment, etc.)
How are blood glucose levels monitored at camp?
Although caregivers are in charge of their camper's blood glucose while at camp, we encourage families to model the routine followed by Camp Hendon at our summer programs. This includes checking blood glucose levels before every snack or meal, before bedtime, at 2 a.m., and any time a camper does not feel well or would like to be checked. Additionally, all staff members are available to assist with blood glucose checks and are trained to observe for signs of hypo/hyperglycemia.
Bedtime testing & 2:00 a.m. rounds
Summer camp protocols mandate that any campers with a blood sugar below 120 at bedtime should be automatically checked again at 2 a.m. Although at Family Camp you are responsible for your child's diabetes care, we encourage you to model this same practice. As always, our staff is available 24/7 to check blood sugar levels at other times during the night and during all activities through out the day.
Blood sugar goals at camp
We strive for healthy and safe blood sugar levels, but variations in activity levels, shifting schedules, and an environment which encourages learning about freedom with food choices and carb counting can all lead to less than ideal blood sugar results for the week.
Our goal is a safe, healthy, and fun environment where we can provide meaningful opportunities for education and empowered self-management discussions.
Who oversees the diabetes management of campers?
Families are responsible for the diabetes management of their camper(s) during Family Camp. Our camp medical director, a licensed pediatric endocrinologist, oversees and establishes all protocols used at camp with the input and support of our Medical Advisory Committee. In addition to the medical director, we will have a variety of volunteer licensed medical staff on site which may include physicians, nurses, pharmacists, certified diabetes educators, or registered dietitians.
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. View Camp Hendon's full Immunization Policy here. Given that no COVID-19 vaccine is yet available for children under the age of 5, we regret that we will not be able to accept children in this age group.
Financial Faq
How much does Family Camp cost?
We follow a three-tier pricing system for our weekend retreat programs. Families are invited to freely participate in the tier most appropriate for their family. You will enjoy the same camp experience regardless of the tier you select or financial ability. As always, financial aid is available above and beyond the lowest-tier pricing.
Camp Hendon is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and we fundraise year-round in order to provide experiences like Family Camp. As a primarily volunteer organization, we welcome 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 considering financial aid applications. Please do not let finances be the reason you do not attend camp!
For questions regarding financial aid, please contact Lori O'Bryant at lobryant@camphendon.org or 502-544-1954.
If you plan to request financial assistance, we strongly encourage you to visit our Fundraising page to learn how you can help cover your child's camp fee.
We follow a three-tier pricing system for our weekend retreat programs. Families are invited to freely participate in the tier most appropriate for their family. You will enjoy the same camp experience regardless of the tier you select or financial ability. As always, financial aid is available above and beyond the lowest-tier pricing.
- Tier 1 "Thanks to our Donors": $60/person - At this level, every participant's fee is subsidized by donations and fundraising.
- Tier 2 "The Actual Cost": $75/person - Camp Hendon's actual cost per person to provide the Family Camp experience.
- Tier 3 "Pay it Forward": $100/person - This is a special opportunity to cover the cost of your Family Camp experience, while also helping to offset the cost of Tier 1 participants.
Camp Hendon is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and we fundraise year-round in order to provide experiences like Family Camp. As a primarily volunteer organization, we welcome 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 considering financial aid applications. Please do not let finances be the reason you do not attend camp!
For questions regarding financial aid, please contact Lori O'Bryant at lobryant@camphendon.org or 502-544-1954.
If you plan to request financial assistance, we strongly encourage you to visit our Fundraising page to learn how you can help cover your child's camp fee.
How do I register?
You can register online in a "phased application" process.
Do I have to register online?
No. If you do not wish to register online please do one of the following:
You can register online in a "phased application" process.
- 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 online?
No. If you do not wish to register online please do one of the following:
- call: 502-544-1954
- e-mail: info@camphendon.org
- or write to: Camp Hendon, 1640 Lyndon Farm Court, Suite 108, Louisville, KY 40223
