Camp Hendon News

Over the last year, Camp Hendon has made an intentional effort to grow and strengthen our Board of Directors. We are excited to welcome new members, as well as newly elected officers, to the Camp Hendon Board of Directors. First, a note from our outgoing Chairperson, Rhiannon Reams:​

Camp Hendon's newest Board Members include Andrew Dawson, Susan Lugo, Wendy Novak, and Paul Schneider. Their diverse areas of expertise are welcome additions to the team. We are also pleased to recognize Tonya Lucas in her dual role as Vice Chairperson and Treasurer, and Leslie Scott who continues for a new term as Secretary. To learn more about our newest members, visit Our Team. 

What made you decide to volunteer at Camp Hendon and how long have you been volunteering?
My dream career when graduating from nursing school and starting my journey at Norton Children’s Hospital was to be a diabetes educator. When I heard there was a camp dedicated to children with diabetes, I knew this was the place for me. I wanted to be able to learn as much as possible from the kiddos served at camp so that I could pass along their knowledge and skills to the families and children at Norton Children’s Hospital. I want to be the best educator I possibly can be, and this starts by learning from those that live with diabetes every single day. I am inspired by my friends at camp, the young AND the more experienced. I have been going to camp for most of the past several years. 
 
What is your role at camp?
My role at camp is a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. AKA overseer of the medicines, insulin, tacklebox, and clipboard. 
 
Why do you come back year after year? What do you get from camp or how has it impacted your life?
I think I addressed part of this in the first question, but every year I learn more about the impact of diabetes on the everyday life of our families. This equips me to better educate the families I see in the hospital on how to manage the diabetes after they are home from the hospital. I come back each year to keep up my learning. Camp is when I get the most hands on experience with technology of diabetes (CGM’s and Pumps). I also have the pleasure of talking with campers about their diabetes so that I understand more the feelings and emotions behind their diabetes which helps me to grow as an educator as well. 
 
What is your favorite activity at camp and why?
My favorite camp activity has to be….gosh…this is a hard question!!! The entire week is packed full of so many incredibly fun activities. I definitely love to watch the talent show and enjoy the dancing. The nature hike though, that’s my jam. Playing in the water and being close to nature, I love that part of camp. 
 
What are some things you have learned or taken away from camp?
I learn how to be a better person and a better diabetes educator by going to camp every year.  I know how to teach the families at the hospital the skills and knowledge necessary to keep their family member or themselves safe and healthy at home because of everything I learn at diabetes camp. 
 
What do you do in your real life when you’re not giving your time to Camp Hendon?
I am a mom of 3 lovely children ages 11, 5, and 2!  They keep me quite busy, but I love planning adventures for our family. We will be going to Disney World this spring break! I also love to cook and bake, sometimes the family likes my experiments, and sometimes they don’t. Our newest favorite is cabbage steaks! We are in the process of building a house! We will hopefully be moved in sometime this spring which is super exciting!! 
 
Do you have any skills or talents that many may not know about you?
I can play Mario like you wouldn’t believe. I’m also pretty good at Crash Bandicoot and Spyro if I may say so myself. (:

Camp Hendon recently bestowed a special honor, and a brand-new title, on a former member of the board of directors.

The honor recognizes Dr. Vasti Broadstone as the organization’s very first Director Emerita. Dr. Broadstone has devoted decades of service to Camp Hendon as both a strategic leader and director of medical care.
Dr. Broadstone is a practicing endocrinologist at Joslin Diabetes Center through Baptist Health Floyd in New Albany.

“Camp Hendon is an immensely grateful recipient of long-standing volunteer support,” stated Executive Director Megan Cooper. “Dr. Broadstone is a passionate member of our community and she has given immeasurable time, talent, and treasure for the benefit of children with Type 1 Diabetes.”  

Past members of the board who have served Camp Hendon in extraordinary ways are eligible for recognition as a Director Emeritus. Those nominated for this honor will have made a distinct mark on Camp Hendon through their leadership, and have departed the board in good standing.

Dr. Broadstone is well-suited to become the first Director Emerita. She was first named as Camp Hendon’s Medical Director in 1981. At the time, it was a shared responsibility with Dr. Duncan McMillan. In 1983, Dr. Broadstone took over as the sole Medical Director and remained in this role until 2017. Under her tenure, over 1,200 children with Type 1 Diabetes attended Camp Hendon.

When Camp Hendon was re-formed in 2010 as the Kentucky Diabetes Camp for Children, Inc., an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit, Dr. Broadstone was named the founding Chairperson of the Board of Directors. She remained an active member of the Board until 2020. She also returned to volunteer as a medical provider at summer camp year after year.

In her role as Director Emerita, Dr. Broadstone may continue to serve on volunteer committees. She also has an open invitation to attend board meetings, but with no vote and no responsibilities.
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Dr. Broadstone’s commitment to both Camp Hendon and the diabetes community at large makes it clear that she has certainly earned this privilege, and Camp Hendon is forever grateful, and better, for her service.
Congratulations, Dr. Broadstone!