Celebrating independence with Camp Kudzu!

Celebrating Independence

The start to our first three summer sessions has already been filled with so many great memories. Looking forward, we stand proud and united as we give thought to the concept of independence all of us so grateful for being part of this amazing Kudzu family. The 4th of July is an important day for recognizing the founding of our countrys independence, and its also important to recognize the significance and value of Camp Kudzus mission of encouraging and providing independence and ownership for each of our campers so that they may live full and productive lives!

Our first overnight sessions have been packed with great memories and positive outcomes all of which fuel our passion to do more. Friendships have been made, skills have been taught, and valuable life lessons learned. I'm excited to share some of these memories with you in this issue and to also let you know what we have coming up. Our summer isn't over yet, and we have a year's worth of excitement on the horizon as we educate, inspire and empower children and teens living with type 1 diabetes to learn to enjoy the independence they deserve.

-Rob Shaw
Executive Director

Take a Look at Camp in Action!

We are all so thankful to have successfully hosted three consecutive overnight sessions (first time ever in Kudzu history), and emotions are still running high as we excitedly prepare for Session 4 and Sprouts Day Camp. Take a look at some of our favorite pictures from the summer so far!

Thanks For Your Help

The Board wants to thank our staff and all of our amazing volunteers (doctors, clinicians, counselors, photographers, logistics, etc.) for all of the hard work and sleepless nights each of you put in that enabled us to put on 3 weeks in a row of camp at Camp High Harbor and Camp Twin Lakes. We literally could not do it without your dedication and love for Camp Kudzu! The Board, our campers, and their families all thank you!!

-Jennifer Odom
Board Chair

Eagle Scout Helping Kudzu Kids Navigate Lows

Cooper and his mom visited our offices in February with the idea of creating an emergency kit that can be used to treat low blood sugars when away from supplies at home. This project was to count toward Coopers requirements to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. By soliciting local companies, families and friends, Cooper was able to get enough money and supplies to prepare these wonderful kits that will be shared at our upcoming Family Camps. In all, Cooper raised in dollars and in-kind more than $1,100! Thank you, Cooper!

Host your own Third Party FUNdraising Events

It is incredibly easy for you to host your own event to benefit Camp Kudzu. A third-party event is a great way for parents, ambassadors, campers, and supporters of Camp Kudzu to raise funds that allow us to continue delivering vital diabetes management education to children ages 5 to 18 in a fun and medically-supervised environment that encourages healthy living.

There are benefits to eating locally and seasonally

By Taylor Dixon
The summer is the perfect time to head down to your local farmers market and pick up some fresh produce. Farmers markets are the perfect way to find fresh, locally grown, seasonal foods. While any produce - local or not - is better than no produce at all, there can be lots of benefits to choosing locally grown and seasonal produce.

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Save the Date

11th Annual

Honoring: Kathy Womack

Co-Chairs: Mrs. Jan Studdard and Mrs. Melissa Zgonc

We are recruiting new committee members and volunteers. If you are interested in joining the luncheon committee or volunteering, please contact Doris Pierce-Hardy at [email protected] .

Lighting the Way

Honoring of the 2018 Camp Kudzu Ambassadors

Camp Kudzu is proud to announce our 2018 Ambassadors : Mindy Bartleson, Nicole Bernath, Julie Cortes, Erin Dever, Laura Gillespie, Caroline Graff, Brian Starks, and Zach Whigham.

The Kudzu Ambassador program aims to represent our alumni who have grown up attending our programs and remain involved with Camp Kudzu and the type 1 community while excelling in their personal lives and professional goals. These eight individuals were chosen from hundreds of our alumni because of their stellar representation of Camp Kudzus effectiveness.

You'll have the opportunity to continue getting to know our wonderful new class of ambassadors in upcoming E-News issues! We cannot wait to honor these incredible representatives of Camp Kudzu at the Annual Benefit Luncheon.

Camp Reflections on New Technology

By Kat Shreve
Just after Camp Kudzus first three sessions of the summer, I washed several loads of laundry, ate dinner in near silence at my own kitchen table, intentionally didnt apply sunscreen, and packed my car in order to journey to my family reunion (for those readers who see where this is going, yes, a Family Reunion is just like another week of summer camp: theres t-shirts, singing, a photographer or two, meals served family style, and outdoor activities, rain or shine...oh, and a little bit of interpersonal relationship management).

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The Proposal

The Lip Sync Battle of Session 3 ended on a very high note! Earlier that week, Colby Peebles worked quietly behind the scenes to plan a surprise proposal for former camper and current volunteer, Kirsten Benjamin. Colby proposed to Kirsten on stage with all of Camp Kudzu celebrating the happy duo from the audience.

The Camp Kudzu staff, volunteers and campers wish Kirsten and Colby happiness and joy as they embark on the next phase of life!

Quilted Memories

Longtime camper (and now volunteer) Nathan Rogers' mother, Sandee Rogers, made a charming quilt out his old t-shirts to memorialize some of his cherished childhood memories. If you look closely you can spot a few Camp Kudzu shirts. Thanks for sharing, Rogers Family!

Camp is Almost Full!
A few spots are open for Session 4: July 29-Aug 4 at Camp Barney in Cleveland, GA

Available spots depend on age and gender and are reserved for campers who have not yet attended camp this summer. To inquire about availability, contact Mandy Conroy, Registration Coordinator at [email protected] or
404-495-4863.

2018 Kudzu Partners