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

What made you decide to volunteer at Camp Hendon and how long have you been volunteering?
I started volunteering so I could provide kids the support and love I received as a kid when I attended camp. To be a role model. And to work side-by-side with my role models I had as a camper. To continue my own diabetes education, and to pass down my knowledge to the campers. To inspire, and to be inspired.
 
What is your role at camp?
I was an adult counselor for many years, and as camp grew, so did I. So now my role during camp is Supply Manager. From insulin to eye drops, from test strips to trash bags, if we got it, I know where it is, lol. I am also on our Operations Team. I also like to provide a sense of support for the volunteers, kind of like big brother. Camp can be mentally exhausting and emotional, so being there for the adults is just as important to me as being there for the kids.
 
Why do you come back year after year? What do you get from camp or how has it impacted your life?
I return every year to be with my family, and to welcome new members to that family. Camp not only gives me a sense of purpose, it also gives me the support and love and the courage to be a better me.
 
What is your favorite activity at camp and why?
GAGA BALL... camper, or staff, I will take you down!
 
What are some things you have learned or taken away from camp?
Well as a camper, I learned how to carb-count and how to properly treat a low blood sugar. To give my own injections. I learned how to treat high blood sugars, and how things effect my body. Most importantly, I learned that I am not alone. As an adult, camp reminds me that I do have the knowledge and the tools to be a better diabetic. I have the love and support of Camp Hendon. Also, how to work under pressure without using cuss words, lol.
 
What do you do in your real life when you’re not giving your time to Camp Hendon?
I am a server for Logan's Roadhouse. I love my job, and they have always allowed me to take time off for any camp function. I am very thankful to have an employer who understands how important camp is to me. I do not have children, but I do have a mini-schnauzer named Jack. He is 8 years old, he's been my baby since he was 10 weeks old. My main hobby is my Wonder Woman collection, over 200 items, although I only have about half of that displayed in my room. Sometimes too much really is too much, but I can't stop. lol.
 
Do you have any skills or talents that many may not know about you?
My #1 talent is I can tell time. Without a clock. (I know, I live an exciting life.)
 
At what age were you diagnosed?
10
 
Favorite low treatment snack?
Swiss Rolls and Fudge Rounds
 
Are you on a pump &/or CGM?  If so, which ones?
I am still a finger poker. My pump is the Animas Vibe. Yes it know it is out of date, but thanks to many of my fellow diabetics who upgraded, I have like 2 years worth of supplies. (Thank you everyone who has helped me with supplies, Diabetes is much better when it is free, lol)
 
What is hard for you?  How do you manage it?
It is most frustrating having low blood sugar, and with my type of work, I go low just about every day. Low blood sugar always strikes at the worst times. They really should have called it Monkey Wrench Type One.
 
Favorite tip for dominating T1D when you have diabetes burnout?
VENT. VENT. VENT. Let it out. Tell a friend, tell a family member. Tell a fellow diabetic. Tell me. Let it out, the more diabetes emotion you bottle up, the more you will rebel. But rebelling hurts you, not diabetes. And when you absolutely are fed up, bolus some extra insulin and go buy your favorite candy bar.                          
 
Do you wear a medical ID?
I do not wear a medical ID. If anything happens to me, hopefully EMS will notice the insulin pump attached to me. Hopefully they know what an insulin pump is. Hmm, maybe I should have a medical ID, lol.