Volunteer Spotlight: Maggie Cook-Newell

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.

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