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Camp Kudzu E-News: August 2017 Edition
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We hope you enjoy our August news from start to finish.
There's a LOT to share this month! |
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Hello from Rob Shaw!
A sincere
Thank You to all of Camp Kudzu's stakeholders who made camp possible for more than 700 children living with T1D and their family members this year! A special "shout out" to the invaluable -- or, shall I say, irreplaceable volunteers and staff who make camp run like clockwork! An amazing summer and incredible start as incoming Executive Director with many great memories made - and more to come!
It is truly a privilege to once again work with our T1D community and I look forward to reconnecting with so many families and having the chance to get to know many of you in the coming months.
Spending time at Camp Kudzu's Summer Sessions was both inspiring and emotional. I was fortunate to see many friends (now young adults) from 10+ years ago - as well as meeting the incredibly talented team of volunteers and counselors that have since joined the Camp Kudzu Family.
I want to also acknowledge the incredible leadership and long-time commitment of Alex Allen. She has been a beacon for so many Camp Kudzu families and the entire T1D community. I feel privileged to build on her legacy.
We have so much to be proud of and together we will reach new heights and move the needle forward with your continued support!
With warm regards and unbridled excitement, I look forward to this exciting new chapter and start!
All the best,
Rob Shaw
404.250.1811
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A Memorable Summer!
The Summer of 2017 marked Camp Kudzu's 18th year of providing wonderful camp programs for children and teens living with diabetes.
Since 2000, our world has changed. Remember NPH and R insulins, and "exchange" meal
plans? Remember when phones weren't so smart (and when kids didn't have them)? In late July at the Opening Session of summer camp's fourth session,
Randy Travis
, Fox 5's investigative reporter, spent just a few minutes down memory lane with our campers.
Randy has lived with T1D for over 25 years. The heart of his message was that he defines himself as a husband, father, reporter, athlete, fan of the Walking Dead and Broadway shows, and so much more. Having diabetes is just one part of who he is. He acknowledged the serious challenges of life with diabetes, and shared examples of how he's coped. His story about potato chips saving the day at an awards event brought out a lot of laughter. Randy's medals from a few of his 29 marathons were a big hit. He promoted the aspirations of all those present that evening - whether those aspirations are athletic, artistic or other.
- 363 Golden Awards for knowledge gained and skills attained in diabetes management
- 121 campers who were brand new to Camp Kudzu
- Over 3,000 years = the sum total of time our summer camp staff volunteers have lived with diabetes.
- 71 CITs
- 3 Beautiful camp locations thanks to our relationships with Camp Twin Lakes, YMCA High Harbour and the MJCC'S Camp Barney.
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A Special Thank You
Teresa Tucker, Ph. D., has been a friend of Camp Kudzu since 2011. She helped strengthen our CIT program, led new staff training sessions, conducted on-site orientation, worked with teens on weekend programs and served as interim Camp Director in 2013.
Teresa stepped up again for our kids this year, in a very big way! Teresa served as interim Camp Director for our last session of camp this summer as a volunteer. Teresa is devoted to youth development, especially via camp programs. She is a faculty member at Clemson University, a leader within the American Camp Association, and widely recognized speaker and facilitator.
We are deeply grateful for her gift of leadership and guidance this summer. A favorite memory from August is seeing Teresa sing, dance and sign in American Sign Language - all at the same time - on karaoke night!
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Spin for Kids - The Ride of Your Life for Our Kids!
It's time to get your pedals spinning, your heart pumping and your friends giving!
Join Team Camp Kudzu and help us raise funds to send deserving kids to camp!
Last year's efforts helped raise $25,000 for our kids. This year we want to do it again... The date is Sunday, October 15 AND TEAMS ARE FORMING NOW!
Registration We promise you a
fun and fulfilling ride through the scenic back roads of beautiful Morgan County. Riders of all skill levels can choose from five scenic road routes: 5, 15, 27, 47, 62 or 100 miles. Read on for more details! Please call or email Doris Pierce-Hardy to learn more! 404.250.1811, x 25, [email protected]
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Fall Family Camp: Registration Begins!
Do you and your family need a break? Do you want to join others who "get" your journey through life with diabetes? Is your son or daughter too young or not quite ready for overnight camp or eager to return ASAP? Are you new to diabetes and eager to learn real life solutions to challenges you face? Family Camp is for YOU! Plan to register and then
join us October 27-29 at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge.
You'll have the chance to learn from healthcare professionals, meet families who've got a few years experience already, and gain hope from seeing our staff, most of whom have diabetes, caring for your children and joining you for activities and meals.
Speaking of meals... the food is great AND we have carb counts for everything. For more information, please call our office: 404.250.1811.
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Medical Corner: Back to School, College Edition
It's hard to believe that summer has flown by as we quickly approach the beginning of fall semester for many college students. Whether your child has diabetes or not, sending him/her to college can be a big transition. Throw type 1 diabetes into the mix and it can often be overwhelming. Follow the link below, where Kudzu's Program Assistant, Anna Rambo, reminisces on this major life transition and shares her tips and tricks for how she successfully adjusted to college. This blog article has received widespread acclaim and reference from members of JDRF and the College Diabetes Network.
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Calling All Volunteers!
October 7, Tucker, Georgia
Camp Kudzu is excited about support from new friends and old friends. Can you help make a new event for us a success? How about a few hours at A Taste of Tucker (Tucker, GA) October 7, 2017? Please contact Doris Pierce-Hardy,
[email protected],
to volunteer.
Shifts are available between 8 am and 7 pm. A portion of the proceeds will help send children with type 1 diabetes to Camp Kudzu next year.
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Happenings and Opportunities
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support Camp Kudzu every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to Camp Kudzu to support.
How do I shop at AmazonSmile?
Simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.
For more information, please email or call Doris Pierce-Hardy: [email protected] or 404.250.1811.
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A Taste of Tucker
Join the fun at
A Taste of Tucker on October 7, 2017! Enjoy fresh air dining on Main Street from 1 pm until 7 pm. Bring your friends and family! Partial proceeds will provide support for children to attend Camp Programs in 2018. Click
here for more information about this great event.
And...
THANKS to our friends in Tucker!
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Fund Raise for Camp Kudzu
If your neighborhood, book club, classroom, group or organization seeks a good cause for an event you wish to host, think Camp Kudzu! Bake sales, car wash, dine for a cause, party with a purpose, garage sales, marathon training, theater nights... the possibilities for fundraising events are endless! For more information on how you can host a Third Party event for Camp Kudzu, email Doris Pierce-Hardy at
[email protected], or call 404.250.1811, x25.
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Camp Kudzu Benefit Luncheon - November 14
We welcome interest in our upcoming signature event. Please contact Doris Pierce-Hardy at [email protected] to learn more. And please continue to check our
Luncheon page of the Camp Kudzu website in the weeks to come.
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Camp Kudzu educates, empowers and inspires children living with diabetes.
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