What made you decide to volunteer at Camp Hendon and how long have you been volunteering?
I first learned about Camp Hendon through a friend in 2015. I had no personal connection to Type 1 Diabetes, but when I had some free time on my hands in 2016, I volunteered to work on an annual report, brochure, and other marketing materials. In a strange turn of events, I also had a chance to visit camp for a day and help in the interview of a potential Executive Director. Little did I know…!

What is your role at camp?
I became Camp Hendon's Executive Director in 2017. On paper, my job is to oversee the daily operations of the organization, ensure we have the resources available to carry out our mission, managing staff, budgeting and strategic planning, and overseeing our programs. However, the title does little to express ALL the things I actually do! I strongly believe in never asking a volunteer or employee to do something that I wouldn’t also be willing to do myself. That means you can often find me picking up trash around camp or plunging toilets at 2 a.m., stuffing envelopes for mailings, training new camp counselors, talking to nervous parents, or leading songs before mealtime. Everything we do is a team effort.

Why do you come back year after year? What do you get from camp or how has it impacted your life?
I am passionate about Camp Hendon because of the tremendous impact is has on the kids and families we serve. Even though I had no connection to Type 1 Diabetes before taking on the role of Executive Director, I was very interested in the nonprofit sector and following a career path that had a positive impact on the world. This position really fell into my lap, and every day I realize how fortunate I am to do something that TRULY makes a difference. Even though so much of my time is spent at a desk, behind a computer, or on a phone, my figurative "batteries" are instantly recharged when I get to the next camp event and see the smiling kids and grateful parents. I became a mother a few years after joining the Camp Hendon team, and that has given me a greater appreciation for how heart-wrenching this experience must be for the parents and caregivers of our campers. If I can make their lives better in any way, and assure a parent that they can breathe a little bit easier knowing their child is in good hands, then I feel I have done my job well.

What is your favorite activity at camp and why?
Truth be told, I have done so very few activities at camp! I am often too busy working behind the scenes to break away and have fun. I will say, some of my favorite times at camp have been evenings in the Med Lodge when I get to talk, laugh, and share stories with the volunteers (they are the real heroes of this operation!). I need to make a new commitment to participate in one activity each summer – maybe this year I’ll finally take a dip in the pool 😊

What are some things you have learned or taken away from camp?
So many things! Here are a few of the most important things I have learned:

• Be grateful for every day
• Don’t sweat the small stuff!
• Don’t bank on Plan A because it will likely be Plan Q that actually takes place
• Patience, patience, patience!

What do you do in your real life when you’re not giving your time to Camp Hendon?
I have been with my husband Adam for 10 years (3 married) and we have a 2-year-old daughter named Rosalie. I am lucky enough to have Adam at camp as a volunteer counselor, too! We are looking forward to introducing Rosalie to camp when the time is right. Adam and I have two dachshunds, Peanut and Lucy. I love to garden, and am slowly working on replacing all the grass in my yard with pollinator gardens and/or herbs and veggies. Adam is a musician, so we spend a lot of time (when COVID allows) out listening to music and going to shows. We love to camp and spend time outside, and you can often find us at our 100-acre farm in Henry County. Needless to say, we also spend quite a lot of time doing all the things our 2-year-old demands 😉
 
Do you have any skills or talents that many may not know about you?
Lori has been pestering me to participate in the Camp Hendon talent show with her for five years and she has yet to succeed! I can’t claim to have any special skills or talents, except maybe planning trips and vacations... At last count I have been to 43 states and 32 countries.

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!

What made you decide to volunteer at Camp Hendon and how long have you been volunteering?
I have been volunteering at Camp Hendon since 2017. My girlfriend at the time (now married) Megan encouraged me to be an adult counselor, and so did Bryan Fallon. Megan is the Executive Director for Camp Hendon, and at the time Bryan was the Board Chair. Megan and Bryan conspired to get me and Bryan’s brother Mike to volunteer together. Mike and I each agreed individually to volunteer on the condition that the other person was already committed, and it worked!

What is your role at camp?
Adult Counselor / Den Leader

Why do you come back year after year? What do you get from camp or how has it impacted your life?
I love seeing the kids, and I know how important it is to them. Knowing the challenges they overcome every day is truly an inspiration and I enjoy supporting them. I have been following the same group each year and really love every single one of them.

What is your favorite activity at camp and why?
My favorite part of camp is recapping the day with each kiddo and tucking them into bed at night. It is just nice to see their individual personalities come out after a long busy day of interacting in the larger group. It is a brief but sweet moment that motivates me to make the most of every experience with them. I also enjoy identifying individual skills and talents of the volunteer staff and working with them to help support the team. I guess I enjoy being a coach.

What are some things you have learned or taken away from camp?
These kids and their parents are heroes. They can accomplish anything as long as they manage their T1D instead of letting T1D manage them.

What do you do in your real life when you’re not giving your time to Camp Hendon?
I run US Logistics operations for Amgen, which is a pharmaceutical manufacturing company. I also love the outdoors and travel. Most of all I love spending time with my wife and baby girl Rosalie. I also play and sing in multiple bands with my twin brother Aaron. Someday I am going to convince him to come to camp with me, and I know it will change his life too!
​
Do you have any skills or talents that many may not know about you?
I happen to be Megan Cooper’s trophy husband… although everyone already knows that. :)

What made you decide to volunteer at Camp Hendon and how long have you been volunteering? 
My sister Kari had been coming to camp for years, first as a camper, then as staff. She had initially asked me if I could come up and DJ the dance for the kids, which I told her I would be happy to do, but then mentioned that they are always looking for male counselors to stay the whole week, so I offered to do that as well! I have been volunteering since 2017 and will keep doing so as long as I am able! 
​

What is your role at camp? 
I am a counselor and den leader, former messy games coordinator (I passed that torch to Hype Team Josh and Paige this past year, and they did an AMAZING job!), as well as resident camp DJ and pirate! 
​
Why do you come back year after year? What do you get from camp or how has it impacted your life?
Camp is amazing. Like I tell my new counselors every year, camp is what you make of it. If you allow yourself to be fully present and participate with the kids, there is potential for very real, life-impacting magic to happen. There is something truly special about Camp Hendon. They call it The Best Place on Earth, and it is more than just a clever slogan. There is an instant and very real bond that forms between the campers… Some of them come from places where they might be the only kid with T1D in their school or even in their town. When they are given the opportunity to be around other kids who know and understand their struggles, and to be in a safe environment where they are free to just be KIDS, it is a wonderful and amazing thing to witness them open up… The amount of growth that can take place over 5 days is truly remarkable. My first year, I made a promise to my campers that I would keep coming back and follow them from den group to den group as they got older until they aged out. In 2022, all the kids from my first year as a counselor will be in the oldest group, and I am proud of each and every one of them. I hope to see them come back as staff in the future!

What is your favorite activity at camp and why? 
Oooooh, this is a tough one! I would have to say a toss-up between messy games and the dance. Messy games is one of those experiences that is totally unique to camp. All pretense of adulthood as well as any stress or problems that campers and staff who participate might be going through just goes out the window and you get to see pure, unadulterated kid joy on the faces of campers and staff alike as we chase each other with water guns and get blasted with shaving cream. It is one of the things I look forward to every year! As far as the dance goes, I am a professional DJ and I have done a lot of club gigs and weddings, and I genuinely love both… especially weddings. At weddings, there is a palpable undercurrent of joy that underpins the entire event… It is like that at camp as well. I love watching the kids having fun and dancing to their favorite songs!! Much like messy games, it is an opportunity for the kids to let go and just have FUN! 

What are some of the things you have learned or taken away from camp?
Camp has helped me learn to be present in the moment in my day-to-day life. It is so easy to let the stressors and problems of adult life wear you down… Far too often, we find ourselves just going through the motions every day while our brain is focused elsewhere. Being a counselor and den leader at Camp Hendon has helped me to remember to stay present in the moment in my day to day life as well… To see and appreciate the little bits of magic that can happen every day if we are fully present in the moment and open to them. 

What do you do in your real life when you’re not giving your time to Camp Hendon?
In addition to the work I do as a DJ, I am also a part-time install technician for security and surveillance systems, I am a cast member of Dinner Detective Louisville, which is a largely improvisational dinner theatre comedy and whodunnit mystery show, I am a regular cast member with Theatre In Motion and their official Captain Hook at the Louisville Zoo each year at Halloween, I am active in the local theatre community and perform in as many plays and short films as I can! I am also a musician, vocalist, and producer, and have the most adorable dachshund on the planet… His name is Sinatra! I am also very proud to have brought my amazing girlfriend Erin into the Camp Hendon family this year :) 

Do you have any skills or talents that many may not know about you? 
I think I covered most of those in the previous question when listening my hobbies! I think the only thing I didn’t mention is the fact that I can say the alphabet backwards in under 3 seconds as anyone who participated in virtual camp in 2020 can attest to! ​

What made you decide to volunteer at Camp Hendon and how long have you been volunteering?
3 summers. I used to work as a counselor in my younger days and always enjoyed the rewarding work inspiring young people being outdoors making friendships and memories. I learned that most charitable camps are in need of volunteers, so I decided to help out and put my past experience to work.

What is your role at camp?
Cabin Counselor

Why do you come back year after year? What do you get from camp or how has it impacted your life?
I do enjoy the change of pace and challenges of keeping things fun and covering all the bases from bug bites to blood sugar, but honestly, the campers are the best group of kids I have worked with for how well they treat one another.  Their inclusive attitude creates an amazing atmosphere to be a part of.

What is your favorite activity at camp and why?
Lately it has been the tie-dye t-shirts and the good old fashioned hikes, especially when we get to go through some creeks.  Also cabin games have provided a lot of laughs.  And preparing for campfire with songs and skits then seeing them performed is great.

What are some things you have learned or taken away from camp?
Life’s obstacles create growth that becomes greater than what the challenge was threatening to take away.

What do you do in your real life when you’re not giving your time to Camp Hendon?
I do fool around with real estate renovation and house flips, but only so I can pay for fun things like travel to foreign countries or just stay in my cabin in the woods and garden and feed birds.  Those plants and bird seeds get expensive.

Do you have any skills or talents that many may not know about you?
Furniture making.  I hope to have a retail outlet to display and sell some of my work in the future.

What made you decide to volunteer at Camp Hendon and how long have you been volunteering?
I was the Kentucky Diabetes Control Program Diabetes Nutritionist for WEDCO District Health Department in 1982.
Dee Deakins, Pediatric Nurse with UL in 1982, mentioned Camp Hendon during the one week of pediatric diabetes education training for KDCP RNs/RDs.  She asked if any of the KDCP nurses or dietitians wanted to volunteer.
I said why not and haven’t stopped volunteering since.
I’ve been a Camp Hendon volunteer/supporter for 41 years.
 
What is your role at camp?
Momma Maggie, Camp Nutritionist thru 2021.
Provider of fun, healthy food, and gifts.
 
Why do you come back year after year?
Camp Hendon became part of my personal and professional development.  I learned more from campers and other staff/volunteers than I ever could have learned in school or clinic.
It was an opportunity to support healthy lifestyles in persons with diabetes and others in their lives.
Also came back to feed the Eagles!!!!!!!
 
What do you get from camp or how has it impacted your life?
Camp Hendon became family from Year 1.  The volunteers over the years, the campers, the parents, brothers, sisters, they all become part of the love and care CH provides anyone who experiences it.
The volunteer medical staff, adult counselors, support persons, and administrative staff develop a special friendship.  For me this has lasted to this day.  Many are lifelong friends.
Professional Impact was being involved in the Association of Diabetes Educators and a CDE.  We were able to present at national meetings on camps.
Personal Impact is the bond I have with the many people over the past 40 years who made the choice to volunteer at The Best Place on Earth
 
What is your favorite activity at camp and why?
Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Snack, Dinner, Snack, Bedtime Snack, 2 AM Snack
 
What are some things you have learned or taken away from camp?
The many ways to do the same thing😊
The relationships/friendships
Children with diabetes can eat anything they want
 
What do you do in your real life when you’re not giving your time to Camp Hendon?
My husband -Rusty/Henry- and I are fully retired.  We work-out or walk.  I grow flowers and landscape my yard to excess.  Rus waters! 
Our daughter, Alicia, whom many of you know, was married September 4, at the Lexington Opera House so that kept me busy.  Ask and I’ll send pictures.
Have no pets but do have 8 bird feeders.  We enjoy the birds a lot.
Now I am watching football and waiting for summer.
 
Do you have any skills or talents that many may not know about you?
Talents  - Can’t sing.  Can tap dance.  Can play dulcimer.
Skills  -  Pretty good with food.

What made you decide to volunteer at Camp Hendon and how long have you been volunteering?
Lisa Ullrich asked me to help with pump site changes for one day at camp.  That was about 15 years ago, and I’ve been volunteering ever since then.
 
What is your role at camp?
I am the Pump Team Leader at camp sessions, and am completing my tenure on the board of Camp Hendon.  I have served on the board for the past 7 years, and I look forward to continuing to be involved with camp through volunteering on committees.
 
Why do you come back year after year? What do you get from camp or how has it impacted your life?
The week of camp is my favorite of the year.  I love watching these amazing young people blossom and flourish as the week progresses.  I see them gain confidence and friends.  They realize they aren’t alone and have a wonderful support system through camp and their peers.  I see the positive impact camp has on these kids all year long.
 
What is your favorite activity at camp and why?
The big water slide is my favorite activity.  I love watching the kids laugh and how carefree they are when they are zooming down the slide.
 
What are some things you have learned or taken away from camp?
I have learned how truly resilient and strong people with diabetes are.   These kids are the smartest, bravest, strongest of all and they inspire me to be a better person every day.  I am honored to walk this journey with them.
 
What do you do in your real life when you’re not giving your time to Camp Hendon? 
I am a Diabetes Dare and Education Specialist at the Wendy Novak Diabetes Center in Louisville, and lead the diabetes technology program there. 
I have been married to my husband, Rob, for 27 years, and we have one son, Adam.  Adam is a senior in mechanical engineering at Purdue this year.  We have 2 dogs, Mini and Boomer, who keep us busy!
My hobbies include tap dancing (I think most of the campers know this), hiking, reading, and traveling.
 
Do you have any skills or talents that many may not know about you?
I have been tap dancing for most of my life, and teach classes in my time away from work.  

(LOUISVILLE, Ky., September 1, 2021) “Summer Camp and Beyond” is the premise for the Kentucky Diabetes Camp for Children’s use of a new $25,000 grant from the Anthem Foundation. The Kentucky Diabetes Camp for Children, better known as “Camp Hendon,” offers medical camping programs to youth with Type 1 Diabetes and their families in the Kentucky region and beyond. After cancelling all in-person programs in 2020 and early 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Camp Hendon was able to bring 106 children with Type 1 Diabetes back to summer camp in June and July.

Type 1 Diabetes, or T1D, is an autoimmune disorder that mostly strikes during childhood and puts families in a state of constant vigilance to avoid extreme high or low blood sugars. The disease can be deadly, but programs like Camp Hendon exist to empower youth to take control of their journey with diabetes. Children gain not only practical skills to help manage Type 1 Diabetes, but they experience the camaraderie of others who intimately understand the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis. Both the physical and emotional support provided by Camp Hendon boost campers’ interest in and ability to care for themselves. Camp Hendon’s programs also give parents a much-needed reprieve from the 24/7 stress of managing a chronic condition, and peace of mind knowing that their children are under constant medical supervision. 

The Anthem Foundation’s support of “Summer Camp and Beyond” will fund children and families attending camp programs and receiving this essential educational and emotional support. “Camp Hendon is truly magical: not only does it provide Lucas with normalcy and fun at camp and events throughout the year, but it also provides me with the emotional support and friendships needed while parenting my way through the diagnosis. We are very grateful for organizations like Anthem, who are generous in donating to Camp Hendon, so they can continue supporting all of our families,” says Stephanie Schneidtmiller, the parent of a camper who first became affiliated with Camp Hendon three years ago through their family program. Camp Hendon’s goal is to send 382 participants to camp programs over the course of the year.

“The life of a child with diabetes can be incredibly isolating,” says Camp Hendon Executive Director Megan Cooper, “but when they arrive at camp and for the first time in their life they are surrounded by other kids feeling the exact same thing, it is an unbelievably powerful experience. It can change a child’s whole outlook when they realize they aren’t alone. Our thanks to the Anthem Foundation for helping make this a reality cannot be overstated.”

For three years running, the Anthem Foundation has supported Camp Hendon in their growth and programming. The Foundation’s total giving to the Kentucky nonprofit has surpassed $75,000, with their most recent $25,000 grant made in 2021.

“The generosity of the Anthem Foundation continues to amaze us, year after year,” says Cooper. “The Foundation understands the value of what happens at camp, and they are a dedicated partner in easing the burdens of Type 1 Diabetes in our youth.”

“The Anthem Foundation is pleased to support Camp Hendon because their work to help Kentucky’s kids manage the physical and emotional aspects of T1D mirrors our commitment to whole person health,” says Kentucky Anthem Foundation Manager Morgan Coleman. “The lessons learned, memories created, and friendships formed will be with these kids for the rest of their lives.”

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About Kentucky Diabetes Camp for Children, Inc. dba Camp Hendon
 
Camp Hendon is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, tax ID 27-3619275. Our mission is to give children with diabetes life-changing experiences, empowering each of them to take control of their unique journey. Primary programs include summer camp for youth with diabetes ages 8 – 17, Family Camp for youth with diabetes ages 6 – 13 as well as their siblings, parents, and other caregivers, and a Teen Retreat for teens ages 13 – 17 with diabetes. Financial aid is available. Visit us online for more information at www.CampHendon.org. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
 
Media Contact:
Megan Cooper
Executive Director
mcooper@camphendon.org
919-357-1956