Camp Hendon is a vibrant community made up of children, teens, and adults from all walks of life. The one connecting thread for all of us is diabetes. Through summer camp and other year-round programs, we seek to build a community of support that empowers our campers to take control of their journey with diabetes. Continue reading to hear from some of our current and past campers on the role Camp Hendon has played in their diabetes journey.
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One week before my 10th birthday, my older sister was killed in a car wreck. Shortly after, I was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes, but at that time, the doctor called it “Rare Diabetes” which sounded even more scary then just diabetes. My father blamed himself; my mother was scared to death. Thinking the tiniest bruise could lead to amputation. Thinking that a single high blood glucose level would cause blindness. Thinking that her baby boy would never live old enough to be a man.
Not only was I trying to cope with the death of my sister, but I was also trying to learn about diabetes... Davey Turner
Diagnosed at age 1 6-time Camp Hendon Camper 16-year Camp Hendon Volunteer (and counting!) |
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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...
Shadie Tibbs
Diagnosed at age 9 7-time Camp Hendon camper 2-time Camp Hendon counselor (and counting!) |
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"What I Love About Camp"
Camp Hendon is so exciting. Every year I’ve been I have met at least 2 people. My most loved activity at camp is tie-dye. It is great for bonding, and I just love it. When we all sit down close to each other, we laugh, smile, and have fun all around. My second favorite thing about camp is the pool. When we are in the pool we are just having fun. We aren’t worrying about anything except having fun. We play games and talk. The pool is a really great place to get to know someone… Assata Hill
Diagnosed at age 7 4-time Camp Hendon camper (and counting!) |
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"The Reason Why I Love Camp Hendon So Much"
Last year was my first year at Camp Hendon. I was very excited and scared. My Mimi was very nervous for me to be away from home and her. She cried all the way to Camp. I was excited because I had never been away from home. I was scared at first but then I seen other kids just like me. When I went to Camp, I could not give myself shots. I learned a whole lot from Camp and I made lots of friends. I was not scared, and I even helped a boy who was crying missing his mom and dad… Leland Woosley
Diagnosed at age 8 5-time Camp Hendon Camper (and counting!) |
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Hello! My name is Maggie Epperson. A lot of you reading this probably know me because I was a Camp Hendon camper for ten years, and this summer will be my second year as a Camp Hendon Counselor. I am a freshman at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island majoring in Culinary Nutrition.
I’ll start by telling you a little of what that entails: My first trimester consisted of academic classes, English, math, nutrition, etc. Now I am in Culinary Labs. This consists of going into the kitchen for six hours a day cooking, moving, and loving every second of it as I chop, blanch, shock, deglaze, and everything else. And here’s a secret: I almost didn’t come here. Yes, I was accepted and even had a scholarship. But I almost allowed Diabetes to get in the way of my dreams... Maggie Epperson
Diagnosed at age 2 10-time Camp Hendon camper 4-time Camp Hendon volunteer (and counting!) |
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Camp Hendon Summer Camp
This summer was my first year at Camp Hendon summer camp. I was excited and scared. My mom was both! When I first got to camp I only knew two girls in my cabin. Their names are Hana and Laney. I knew some counselors. After dinner we did an outdoor activity. Close to the end of the night I cried and all the counselors helped me. I cried two times. But then I stopped crying because all the people helped me. I love Camp so much! It really is the best place on Earth... Molly Grantz
Diagnosed at age 7 4-time Camp Hendon camper (and counting!) |
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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"...
Natalie Tennill
Diagnosed at age 9 6-time Camp Hendon camper 3-time Camp Hendon counselor (and counting!) |
