Camp Hendon History

Camp Hendon was named for the late Dr. James Robert Hendon who was the first endocrinologist in Kentucky. Since 1965, Camp Hendon has served over 3,000 children with diabetes in Kentucky and the surrounding region. For a number of years, Camp Hendon operated as an independent entity without any professional fundraising support. Later, the Kentucky Chapter of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) became the program’s sponsor, providing operational and administrative support to the volunteer board and volunteer staff.

In September of 2010, the ADA notified Camp Hendon’s volunteer leadership that they were consolidating camping programs in Kentucky and other areas into a program at Camp Joy, in Clarksville, Ohio. This change would dramatically affect the delivery of the camping service provided to the Kentucky region since 1965. Following this decision, five dedicated volunteers formed an independent entity and incorporated as the Kentucky Diabetes Camp for Children, Inc. dba Camp Hendon.

2021

As the COVID-19 pandemic continued into 2021, Camp Hendon was unable to host in-person programs during the first half of the year. Fortunately, a drop in the positivity rate paired with robust medical protocols and an adjustment to the size and scope of our program, allowed Camp Hendon to gather in person for our two weeks of summer camp. We welcomed 71 campers to Summer Session 1 and 35 campers to Summer Session 2. This return to camp was made possible by 113 volunteers. As COVID-19 cases spiked again in the Fall, all remaining in-person camp programs were cancelled in 2021.

2020

2020 was one of the most unprecedented years in the history of Camp Hendon. The COVID-19 pandemic led to cancellation of all in-person programming for the entirety of the year. Instead, the Camp Hendon team leaned on virtual opportunities to maintain connectivity between our camp community. We held two weeks of virtual camp which welcomed 106 campers from 6 states and Thailand, as well as delivering "camp in a box" to each participant's doorstep. Importantly, we also grew our team by welcoming Wendy Williams as Fund Development Manager.

2019

Summer Session 1 at Camp Loucon welcomes 126 campers, and Summer Session 2 at Aldersgate Camp welcomes 41 campers. To support our largest number of campers yet, 126 volunteers gave their time to Summer Sessions 1 and 2. Camp Hendon holds our second Family Camp from May 10 - 11 at Aldersgate Camp with 10 families in attendance. We once again expanded our program offerings with the addition of a Teen Retreat Weekend from November 1 - 3 at Camp Kavanaugh in Crestwood, KY. 20 campers ages 13 - 17 attended the Teen Retreat.

2018

As a part of our strategic plan to expand our services to the eastern region of Kentucky, Camp Hendon hosts a second week of summer camp at Aldersgate Camp in Ravenna, KY. 31 campers are in attendance at Summer Session 2, and Dr. Alba Morales of the University of Kentucky's Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center is the medical director. Camp Hendon's longstanding camp session at Camp Loucon in Leitchfield, now referred to as Summer Session 1, welcomes 131 campers. Between both sessions, Camp Hendon hosts a record-high 162 campers with the support of 104 volunteer staff.

2017

Camp Hendon hires our second employee, Megan Cooper, as executive director. 136 campers are in attendance, a record high. After nearly 25 years as Medical Director, Dr. Vasti Broadstone steps down and becomes a den volunteer for camp. Dr. Mike Foster, a pediatric endocrinologist at the University of Louisville, is named the Medical Director. The first Family Camp Weekend is held by Camp Hendon at YMCA Camp Piomingo from September 9 – 10. Six families and 15 staff members attend. Continuous Glucose Monitors make their debut at camp.

2016

Camp Loucon: 131 campers enrolled (63M, 68F). 83 volunteer staff.

2015

Camp Hendon hires our first employee, Lori O’Bryant, to oversee daily administrative tasks and manage operations. Camp Loucon: 117 campers enrolled (59M, 58F). 88 volunteer staff.

2014

Camp Loucon: 114 campers enrolled (59M, 55F). 102 volunteer staff.

2013

Camp Loucon: 83 campers enrolled (48M, 40F). 78 volunteer staff.

2012

Camp Hendon partners with Loucon Training and Retreat Center in Leitchfield, KY - our “New Home.” Camp Loucon hosts 67 campers (26M, 41F) and 50 volunteer staff.

2011

Camp Hendon holds our first camp session as Kentucky Diabetes Camp for Children, Inc. - an unaffiliated public charity non profit 501(c)3 corporation of volunteers. Camp Hendon partners with the Center for Courageous Kids (CCK) in Scottsville, KY. Partnering with CCK allows us to continue our mission to enable campers to gain knowledge and skills to help with their lifelong journey with diabetes. Camp moves to a Sunday – Friday schedule.

2010

No Camp. In May of 2010 Camp KYSOC, the host facility for Camp Hendon, is closed by the Kentucky Easter Seals. Camp Hendon has no choice but to cancel the 2010 session of Camp Hendon for only the second time in its history. In September 2010, Kentucky Diabetes Camp for Children, Inc. is formed as a standalone organization separate from the ADA. KYDCFC/Camp Hendon receives non-profit, 501(c)3 Public Charity status on January 11, 2011.

2009

Camp Hendon is held at Camp KYSOC from July 25 – 31. A partnership is formed with Purdue’s pharmacy program allowing pharmacy residents to volunteer at camp.

2007-2008

Camp Hendon is at Crooked Creek.

1996-2005

Camp Hendon is held at Camp Crooked Creek. In 1996 the first ultra-rapid insulin, Humalog, became available.

1995

Camp Hendon is held at the Boy Scout camp, Camp Crooked Creek, from Sunday, August 6 – Saturday, August 12. This summer was the first time a camper came equipped with an insulin pump.

1994

Camp Hendon is held at Camp KYSOC.

1987-1993

After Camp Greenshores closed, Camp Hendon relocates to Camp KYSOC. Camp was held for one week, Sunday – Saturday.

1986

Camp Hendon was held at Camp Greenshores and lasted for one week, Sunday – Saturday.

1985

Camp Hendon was held at Camp Greenshores and lasted for one week, Sunday – Saturday. This was the first year that blood glucose levels were checked by finger stick. In the morning and at bedtime, finger sticks were utilized, but urine tests were still the standard for lunch and dinner checks.

1984

Camp Hendon is held at Camp Piomingo.

1983

Camp Hendon is held at Camp Piomingo. Dr. Broadstone becomes the sole Medical Director.

1982

Camp Hendon is held at Camp KYSOC in Carrollton, KY. Camp was 10 days long, and the medical director was Dr. Vasti Broadstone. At this time, urine tests were used to identify blood sugar levels. The only available insulins were NPH, Lente, & Regular.

1981

Camp Hendon is held at Camp Piomingo in Brandenburg, KY. Dr. Duncan McMillan, the division chief for University of Louisville pediatric endocrinology, is the medical director. Pediatric endocrinology residents volunteer at camp as part of their pediatric rotation. The Diabetes Control Program, a nationwide program for diabetes educators started in 1980, was a source of many volunteers.

1976

Camp Hendon is held at Camp Green Shores from July 12 – 24. Registration is managed by Norton Children’s Hospital Pediatric Department.

1973

Camp Hendon is held at Camp KYSOC from June 10 – 22.

1970

Camp Hendon moves to Camp KYSOC and is held from August 9 – 22. Camp is renamed to James Robert Hendon Camp for Diabetic children in honor of Dr. Hendon. Campers ages 8 - 15 are invited to attend. The camp fee is $110 in 1970 which would be $890 in 2024 dollars counting for inflation.

Excerpt from the Lexington Herald, Sunday, June 21, 1970

1968

Excerpt from the Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky) Friday, June 7, 1968; page 27
"For the third straight year, the Kentucky Diabetes Association will operate a summer camp for diabetic children. It will be Aug. 4 to 17 at Camp Daniel Boone, 15 miles south of Lexington. The camp can accommodate 50 children. Applications are now being taken for children from ages 8 to 15, said Dr. Robert Hendon. There were 37 campers last year. Inquiries may be made at the Kentucky Camp for Diabetic Children, Fincastle Building, Louisville. Donations from individuals and service groups to assist children who cannot afford the camp from their own funds will be available, Hendon said. "The main value of the camp," added Hendon, chairman of the association's camp committee, "is that it lets these children know there are others with the same problem." There will be a staff of two physicians, two nurses, a dietitian and aide, and a staff of young counselors to guide the children through a normal camp routine of water sports, tennis, horseback riding, hiking and crafts. There are also special classes in how to handle their diabetic condition."

1967

Camp Hendon is held at Camp Daniel Boone on the Kentucky River from August 6 – 19 with 37 children in attendance. Camp is co-ed for the first time during the same week. Camp is sponsored by the Kentucky Diabetes Association. Dr. Lewis Dickinson is KDA President and Dr. James R. Hendon is chair of the camp committee. There are only 36 camps for children with diabetes in the U.S. at this time. The camp fee is $100 per child. Financial assistance is mentioned for the first time in publication.

1966

The Kentucky Camp for Diabetic Children is first held at Camp Running Deer on Kentucky Lake. The camp is two weeks long. One week for boys ages 9 – 15, and the second week for girls ages 9 – 15. 32 children were in attendance. Two physicians, two nurses, and an unknown number of dietitians attended the entire two weeks. The Jefferson County Lay Diabetes Society co-sponsors the camp.

1965

No documents/news can confirm this, but presumably the Kentucky Diabetes Association forms a committee chaired by Dr. James Robert Hendon, and endocrinologist, to develop a camp program for children with diabetes. According to Dr. Hendon's family, he was greatly assisted in this undertaking by a colleague named Gladys Powell.

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