Volunteer Spotlight: Natalie Tennill

What made you decide to volunteer at Camp Hendon and how long have you been volunteering?
I was a previous camper (started at the age of 12) and my time at camp wasn’t nearly finished! This year (2021) will be my 4th year as a volunteer but my 10th year of camp total :)

What is your role at camp?
Adult Counselor/singer of all the camp songs/does whatever Lori and Megan need me to :-)

​Why do you come back year after year? What do you get from camp or how has it impacted your life?
I love the network of people and the friendships I have made with campers and counselors alike. I truly do not know what my life would look like if my parents hadn’t made me go to camp! I have the greatest support system of people who know exactly what I’m going through and are always there for me.

What is your favorite activity at camp and why?
Either the dances (because let’s face it- I’m an amazing dancer) or fishing/canoeing!

What are some things you have learned or taken away from camp?
That most everyone is going through the same thing you are, and we pretty much have shared experiences. We are not alone and this network of awesome people are always there for you day or night! :)

What do you do in your real life when you’re not giving your time to Camp Hendon?
I am a full-time student studying Elementary/Special Education at UofL. I graduate this December and plan to
begin my teaching career in January of 2022! I have a 1 year old pup named Kiwi and love to exercise!

Do you have any skills or talents that many may not know about you?
Other than just being overall awesome, no

At what age were you diagnosed with T1D?
9 - November 7, 2008

Favorite low treatment snack?
Anything except glucose tabs and those nasty crackers they try to feed me at camp

Are you on a pump &/or CGM? If so, which ones?
I am on Omnipod and the Dexcom G6 CGM

What is hard for you? How do you manage it?
Since turning 21 in September, it’s been really hard for me to manage my blood sugars while drinking. I love fruity drinks so those always send my blood sugars sky high, then come crashing down. I do my best to think
beforehand about how much I am going to drink and to keep a close eye on my Dexcom!

Favorite tip for dominating T1D when you have diabetes burnout?
This is a hard one because I seem to constantly be going through burnout. I always just try to keep going and in the back of my mind try to have hope that there will be a cure one day soon!

Do you wear a medical ID?
I do not- I probably should though

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