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 camp?
Children with diabetes ages 8-17 are eligible to participate in Camp Hendon.
How do I register a camper?
You can register online in a "phased application" process.
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 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. We welcome children with T1D between the ages of 8 - 17 regardless of where they live!
What will my camper learn?
Since the goal is life-long care, just a few of the things your camper might learn depending on their age and readiness are:
Children with diabetes ages 8-17 are eligible to participate in Camp Hendon.
How do I register a camper?
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 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 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. We welcome children with T1D between the ages of 8 - 17 regardless of where they live!
What will my camper learn?
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
- Many campers 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
Camp Life FAQ
Will my child be safe at camp?
Yes! 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 have ample medical staff at the camp including RNs, RDs, LPNs, Pharmacy students, Doctors and Residents. We use a three-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 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 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 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. 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:
Yes! 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 have ample medical staff at the camp including RNs, RDs, LPNs, Pharmacy students, Doctors and Residents. We use a three-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 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 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 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. 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
Medical FAQ
What medical supplies should I bring?
All insulin, insulin pens, syringes and blood glucose monitoring equipment is provided by camp. Please bring:
Do not bring:
How are blood glucose levels monitored at camp?
All campers 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.
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.
Blood sugar goals at camp
Many parents are surprised at the end of the week check-out with our medical staff when the camper’s weekly blood sugar log is not perfect. "I thought this was diabetes 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?
Our camp medical directors, both of which are practicing pediatric endocrinologists, oversee and establish all protocols used at camp. Every cabin of campers is assigned a medical staff member who lives in the den, supervises all blood glucose monitoring, treatments, insulin management, and any other medical care.
Our in-den medical teams include volunteer physicians, nurse practitioners, registered pharmacists, nurses, and registered dietitians, all with special interest and experience in diabetes. Many are certified diabetes educators.
All insulin, insulin pens, syringes and blood glucose monitoring equipment is provided by camp. Please bring:
- 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
Do not bring:
- insulin
- blood glucose meters
- low blood sugar treatments (glucose tabs, snacks, etc.)
- over the counter medicine
- cell phones for use with CGMs - please ONLY bring the receiver. Camp Hendon is cell-phone free.
How are blood glucose levels monitored at camp?
All campers 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.
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.
Blood sugar goals at camp
Many parents are surprised at the end of the week check-out with our medical staff when the camper’s weekly blood sugar log is not perfect. "I thought this was diabetes 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?
Our camp medical directors, both of which are practicing pediatric endocrinologists, oversee and establish all protocols used at camp. Every cabin of campers is assigned a medical staff member who lives in the den, supervises all blood glucose monitoring, treatments, insulin management, and any other medical care.
Our in-den medical teams include volunteer physicians, nurse practitioners, registered pharmacists, nurses, and registered dietitians, all with special interest and experience in diabetes. Many are certified diabetes educators.
Financial Faq
How much does camp cost?
We charge a minimal camp registration fee of $550 per camper. This fee provides for:
While the true cost to send your child to camp is closer to $1,700, through fundraisers, personal donations, and corporate support we are able to reduce the fee to just $550 for the week-long residential camp program.
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 considering financial aid applications. Please do not let finances be the reason you do not send your child to camp!
For questions regarding financial aid, please contact Lori O'Bryant at [email protected] 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 charge a minimal camp registration fee of $550 per camper. This fee provides for:
- Insulin
- Glucose check supplies
- Treatments
- 3 meals and 3 snacks per day
- All activities and special events
- Facility rental
- Trained program staff
While the true cost to send your child to camp is closer to $1,700, through fundraisers, personal donations, and corporate support we are able to reduce the fee to just $550 for the week-long residential camp program.
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 considering financial aid applications. Please do not let finances be the reason you do not send your child to camp!
For questions regarding financial aid, please contact Lori O'Bryant at [email protected] 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.
Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost?
The total fee to attend Camp Hendon is $550. There is a $25 non-refundable application deposit plus a $525 camp fee.
Fun fact: It actually costs Camp Hendon close to $1,700 per camper to make our programs happen! We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit and we fundraise year-round in order to reduce the fee to only $550 per camper. We do not receive any funding from the American Diabetes Association or JDRF. You can make a tax-deductible donation here: www.camphendon.org/donate
2. I can't afford to send my child to camp. Is there financial aid and how do I apply?
YES! 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.
3. My child is on a CGM/Dexcom, can he/she bring their cellphone to summer camp?
If your camper needs their phone to access their CGM or pump, they are welcome to bring it. We will typically have a counselor in each den who is designated to carry cell phones for campers and allow them access when they need to check their CGM readings or access their pumps.
4. Can siblings or friends without diabetes attend Camp Hendon?
In the past, we have allowed siblings to attend Camp Hendon summer camp only after guaranteeing a space for every child with diabetes. If we have extra room after that, we will consider opening registration to siblings at that time. Please note: our den groups are separated by ages, so it is very unlikely that they would be in the same den group as their brother/sister. At this time, Camp Hendon is not accepting camper friends for summer camp, but we do offer Bring-A-Buddy Camp in which campers can have a friend come with them for a weekend camp program!
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. We encourage parents to write letters to their campers that we can deliver throughout the week. Always write positive and uplifting notes, and try to avoid comments that might bring down your camper’s mood (i.e. “we are sad you aren’t with us,” or “this week can’t end soon enough,” etc.). Our staff is fantastic at easing campers’ fears and helping them have a great week 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?
Other than in the event of emergency or under extreme circumstances, we do not allow phone calls to/from campers. 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 if your camper is homesick, we do not make phone calls home unless we are nearly certain the child will need to leave camp. Even though a phone call might seem like a good way to calm your child’s concerns, it typically has the opposite effect and only increases any anxiety or homesickness they are feeling. You are welcome to send mail/emails to your camper that we will distribute throughout the week. Please keep your notes positive and uplifting!
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 Sunday and check out on Friday. 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 – some camps are in Central Time and others are 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 have a whole document dedicated to this topic. Click here to view the Summer Camp Packing List.
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. Summer Session 1 is held at Camp Loucon in Leitchfield, which is 1.5 hours south of Louisville. Summer Session 2 is held at Aldersgate Camp in Ravenna, which is 1.5 hours southeast of Lexington. Our spring Family Retreat is also held at Aldersgate Camp.
The total fee to attend Camp Hendon is $550. There is a $25 non-refundable application deposit plus a $525 camp fee.
Fun fact: It actually costs Camp Hendon close to $1,700 per camper to make our programs happen! We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit and we fundraise year-round in order to reduce the fee to only $550 per camper. We do not receive any funding from the American Diabetes Association or JDRF. You can make a tax-deductible donation here: www.camphendon.org/donate
2. I can't afford to send my child to camp. Is there financial aid and how do I apply?
YES! 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.
3. My child is on a CGM/Dexcom, can he/she bring their cellphone to summer camp?
If your camper needs their phone to access their CGM or pump, they are welcome to bring it. We will typically have a counselor in each den who is designated to carry cell phones for campers and allow them access when they need to check their CGM readings or access their pumps.
4. Can siblings or friends without diabetes attend Camp Hendon?
In the past, we have allowed siblings to attend Camp Hendon summer camp only after guaranteeing a space for every child with diabetes. If we have extra room after that, we will consider opening registration to siblings at that time. Please note: our den groups are separated by ages, so it is very unlikely that they would be in the same den group as their brother/sister. At this time, Camp Hendon is not accepting camper friends for summer camp, but we do offer Bring-A-Buddy Camp in which campers can have a friend come with them for a weekend camp program!
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. We encourage parents to write letters to their campers that we can deliver throughout the week. Always write positive and uplifting notes, and try to avoid comments that might bring down your camper’s mood (i.e. “we are sad you aren’t with us,” or “this week can’t end soon enough,” etc.). Our staff is fantastic at easing campers’ fears and helping them have a great week 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?
Other than in the event of emergency or under extreme circumstances, we do not allow phone calls to/from campers. 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 if your camper is homesick, we do not make phone calls home unless we are nearly certain the child will need to leave camp. Even though a phone call might seem like a good way to calm your child’s concerns, it typically has the opposite effect and only increases any anxiety or homesickness they are feeling. You are welcome to send mail/emails to your camper that we will distribute throughout the week. Please keep your notes positive and uplifting!
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 Sunday and check out on Friday. 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 – some camps are in Central Time and others are 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 have a whole document dedicated to this topic. Click here to view the Summer Camp Packing List.
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. Summer Session 1 is held at Camp Loucon in Leitchfield, which is 1.5 hours south of Louisville. Summer Session 2 is held at Aldersgate Camp in Ravenna, which is 1.5 hours southeast of Lexington. Our spring Family Retreat is also held at Aldersgate Camp.
