Camp Hendon News

What do you do for Camp Hendon?
In August 2020, I joined the Camp Hendon team as the Fund Development Manager. In this role, I manage the camp development programs, which consist of fundraising, donor retention, and communications. I make sure that our annual financial goals are being met through our community's generosity and support. My job is to let the world know how much Camp Hendon means to children (and adults!) with Type 1 Diabetes.
 
Before you joined the Camp Hendon staff, what was your volunteer role at camp?
Adult Counselor
 
What made you decide to volunteer at Camp Hendon, and how long did you volunteer?
After 10 summers as a camper, I was beyond excited to work alongside the counselors who impacted my life. I started volunteering as a CIT (counselor in training) when I was 18 years old. I could not envision a summer without camp once I "grew up," and I have been a volunteer ever since.
 
Why did you come back to volunteer year after year? What do you get from camp, or how has it impacted your life?
Camp is home for me. There is no other place that I can be completely myself... messy, fun, and a little wild! Camp taught me how to do practical diabetes management (insulin injections, carb counting, low treatments), but most importantly, it has provided me with a place that I feel connected and welcomed no matter what. My "camp family" has seen me through all of life's highs and lows, and I hope to provide that guidance to other children with Type 1 Diabetes.
 
Why did you want to come work for Camp Hendon?
Camp truly is THE BEST PLACE ON EARTH! When I started my undergraduate degree, I knew that I wanted to work in a setting where I could watch individuals' lives being impacted through generosity and programs similar to camp. After spending some time in the development field, I knew I wanted to use my skills at a place that is near and dear to my heart. I guess the question should be, "Who would not want to work at Camp Hendon!"
 
What is your favorite activity at camp, and why?
Messy games! I love being able to let loose and have fun.
 
What are some things you have learned or taken away from camp?
Don't let your diabetes slow you down or define you completely. I learned that I could do just as much as any other kid. I was lucky to go through my camp years with the same group of people. Those friendships continue to this day, and we are just a phone call away, no matter what. Camp provided me with the same support group from the age of 7 to now (22 years later).
 
At what age were you diagnosed with diabetes?
I was 13 months old.
 
Favorite low treatment snack?
I love an ice-cold Coke!
 
What is hard for you? How do you manage it?
There are days when I am so tired after work and school that the last thing I want to do is deal with my diabetes. Occasionally I will let myself feel sad and bummed out, but I always remember that managing my diabetes is much easier than not managing my diabetes. I am also on the go ALL THE TIME, remembering to stop and take care of myself can be a challenge. There are times when I can't remember if I have taken my insulin, or I forget to check my sugar. I finally learned to set an alarm on my phone every few hours with a reminder.
 
Favorite tip for dominating T1D when you have diabetes burnout?
Lean on, jump at, fall into your support system. There have been several times where I felt like I just need a break from managing my diabetes, but I always remember my friends at Camp Hendon. They are always available to relate, talk sense into me, make an inappropriate diabetes joke (we all do it...it helps us survive!), or just listen. Just talking to my camp family reminds me that diabetes can't be all that bad...after all, it introduced me to these people!
 
Do you have any skills or talents that many may not know about you?
I am a dog whisperer! 

When talking about Camp Hendon I tell people that our motto “The best place on Earth” is not an exaggeration. Through my 7 years of Camp Hendon I have met countless campers and adult counselors who have went from acquaintances to family in just a matter of a week. With so many individuals that are going through the same hardships as you, depletes those small yet large impact differences that children with T1D experience on a day to day basis. Someone to talk to and comfort you when you have a high blood sugar or are up countless times in the night to recheck. You do not feel singled out, or as if you are an attraction in a circus, but finally part of the norm. So yes, when I meet a diabetic I cant resist telling the amazing stories I’ve gained, and continue to collect, from my experiences with Camp Hendon and I will always try to convince them to take their first step in the best place on earth.

-Shadie Tibbs

Without a doubt, Camp Hendon has changed my life for the better. My first year as a camper was back in 2012 when I was 12 years old. I hated the idea of being away from home, without my cell phone for the whole week. Little did I know, I was about to have the best experience of my entire life! The first thing I said to my parents whenever they picked me up was "I can't wait to go back again next year". I have returned to camp every summer since then, and this year I completed my 3rd year as a counselor. Camp Hendon provides a place for children who have Type 1 Diabetes to feel "normal", because they are in the majority for once and not the minority. Camp Hendon is a second family for many children and adults, including myself, because we simply understand each other and what each of us are going through. I love being able to rely on my friends that I have met throughout the years at Camp Hendon and would highly recommend to any parent who has a diabetic child and wants them to have this experience as well!

​-Natalie Tennill