Camp Kudzu E-News: November 2016 Edition
Photo Credit: Ben Evans Photography
Reflecting on our many blessings

As the season of friends, family and feasting begins, we want to pause and reflect on Camp Kudzu's many blessings... and we count YOU among them!  On November 15th, 400 guests gathered at the 9th annual Camp Kudzu Benefit Luncheon to honor our diabetes heroes. We celebrated the spirit of the children that come to camp and the whole body of Camp Kudzu which works to make a difference in the lives of those living with diabetes. As our Light the Way Award recipient, Usher Raymond IV, put it, our campers see that their "glasses are more than half full." The record-breaking results of the Camp Kudzu Benefit Luncheon have been overwhelming, to say the least. Thanks to our sponsors and the hundreds of generous supporters, more than $270,000 was raised to help fund the educational diabetes management programs that Camp Kudzu provides to more than 700 children each year! Thank you for being a blessing to Camp Kudzu and the children we serve!

Teen Winter Retreat

A few spots remain open for the 2017 Teen Winter Retreat. The weekend fun will kick-off at the Camp Kudzu office on Friday, January 20th, when we board the charter bus and head to Lake Junaluska, NC. We'll be skiing and playing outdoors nearby at the beautiful Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley, NC and will return to the Camp Kudzu office late in the evening on Sunday, January 22nd.  We will have counselors, an endocrinologist and medical staff with us for the weekend. All diabetes supplies (apart from pump supplies) and snacks will be provided.  Need-based scholarships are available. Register  here .  Fun activities await you on and OFF the slopes! 

Volunteers- are you an experienced skier? Email [email protected] if you would like to volunteer for this weekend. Space is limited.

Medical Corner- Thanksgiving Carbs
 
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Food is a central part of holiday gatherings and the meals are typically very carbohydrate-heavy. We want to equip you with facts and tips to relish the favorites that will be on your table.  Check out our Thanksgiving Dining Tips and hopefully learn something new to help you and your family enjoy that Thanksgiving turkey even more!

You may also enjoy an article from our friends at D-Life, Carve Carbs at Thanksgiving.
Diabetes Etiquette

With November being Diabetes Awareness Month across the nation, much of the focus is around individuals with type 2 diabetes. After all, only 5-10% of individuals with diabetes have type 1, yet these two types of diabetes are - as we all know - drastically different. By now, you've surely heard judgments, comments and questions that bother you.  Read our article,  Emily Post for Type 1 Diabetes, for some coping skills when faced with ignorance from others.
Office Holiday Closings

Every year, Camp Kudzu "turns out the lights" for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. The reason is quite simple: We believe that family and friends matter and that our staff deserves time off for rest, recuperation, self-reflection and - of course - celebration. And w e're not alone. A recent article in the New York Times explored how a growing number of big box retailers are choosing to stay closed or limit their opening hours during the holidays. It seems that after years of expanded hours and ever earlier openings, even business leaders are realizing that the holidays are for family and celebration.
 
The Camp Kudzu office will be closed on the following dates: 
Nov. 24-27, Dec. 23-26 and Dec. 30-Jan. 2

On behalf of the entire Camp Kudzu family, we would like to wish you a happy, restful and reflective holiday season. And if you are working this Thanksgiving (because we know that medical work doesn't stop for the holidays), we thank you for your dedication and we hope you still find time to celebrate.
Happenings and Opportunities

Summer Volunteers Needed
 
Camp Kudzu is looking for energetic and compassionate volunteers to serve this summer as counselors and clinicians, as well as logistics and activity staff. Volunteer registration will open on December 1, 2016. If you have any questions or need assistance with the registration process, please contact Whitney at [email protected]  or  404-250-1811 ext. 20 .



Counselor In Training (CIT)

Teens living with diabetes who are juniors and seniors in high school are eligible to apply for our CIT program. This program is designed to develop leadership skills, compassion and capability in caring for younger campers, and an understanding of the role of eventually becoming a volunteer staff person with Camp Kudzu. CIT applications open Dec. 7. 

Fundraise 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 Mandy at  [email protected]. 




2017 Summer Camp Dates


We Love Our Partners!
Camp Kudzu educates, empowers and inspires children living with diabetes. 


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