For 19 years, CDF has been holding our internationally renowned and unforgettable basketball camp. This year's Campers stay true to our broad geographic history!

• This year's Campers hailed proudly from:
• 16 states
• 1 from Turkey
• 1 from Canada 

Chris Yost...

Have you wondered what your favorite counselor does for their day job? Or, perhaps you've lost touch with a CDF pal and would love to know what they're up to. Search no more! You can find out here in the alumni spotlight "Where Are They Now?"... Oh, and please remember to email and let us know what you are up to so we can feature YOU too!

1. How many years did you attend camp and what was the last year that you attended?  

I was one of the original campers.  I first started attending the Chris Dudley Basketball Camp in 1995 (before any current camper was born) and attended 7 years as a camper.  In 2003, I believe, I switched over to staff and have been a counselor through 2012.  Last year 2013, I was able to attend for a few days as a special guest.  Unfortunately this year will be my first over the past 19 years that I will not spend part of my summer at Cedar Ridge in lovely Vernonia, OR. 

2. What is your favorite camp memory? 

Wow, this is a tough question to answer......  A lot of great memories have taken place over the last 18 years. 

• In the early years of camp on Thursday night, I believe, we used to have an All-Star game were a select handful of campers were chosen to play in a basketball game against the counselors.  Being able to participate in that was great.
  
• There used to be some intense 'Capture the flag' battles featuring Chris Dudley and former Dudley Coach, Coach Rison.
• Johnny Brainard catching crawdads every camp year.
• Heinreich and Coach Maki jawing back and forth.  Heinreich in the splash contest.  Heinreich barking like a dog.
• Infamous splash contest involving former counselor, Mitch and Big Mike......The ladder match.
• Mike Farrell bacon breakfasts
• Talent shows
• Ben Rue and fanny packs
• Oak tree runs
• Hills and boulders
• Dino nuggets!

3. Did you learn anything at camp to improve your diabetes care? 

Absolutely.  Early on in my camp years I learned from other campers how to do a shot in my arms.  A few years later I learned how to do it in my stomach.  More recently I have been able to see some of the latest diabetic monitoring technology.  I am very interested and am looking into getting a continuous glucose monitor.
 

4. Do you stay in contact with anyone you met while attending camp? 

Yes.  Over the years I have stayed in contact with many past campers, counselors, coaches, and administrative staff.  A couple of months ago I had breakfast with Patrick Reilingh.  I value each and every connection I have made through camp.  I got my first job from a contact at Dudley camp (Jeremy Weir).  I consider some of these people to be my best friends.  Although we do not get to see each other every day, it is important to me that I know they are only a phone call away.

5. Do you have any advice for present or future campers? 

Go into camp with an open mind.  The last few years the expression of "take the cool jacket off" has been used a lot at camp.  Let your guard down, put yourself out there, and make the most of camp.  The week goes very fast.  This is a great opportunity to make lifelong friends/connections, diabetes resources, and basketball mentors.

6. Tell us about yourself since your camper days...