Camp Kudzu

The 2022-2023 fiscal year saw a bounceback of pre-pandemic numbers at in person programs. While fy22 was a return to year-round (in-person) programming and events, the climb back to large participation in programs was steady. Over the past twelve months, Camp Kudzu hosted four week-long residential (sleepaway) programs with over 500 participants. Camp Kudzu's 5 day day-camp program for younger campers, aged 5-8 years old, a teen retreat weekend, two family Camp weekends, and several Kudzu one-day events across the state of Georgia including a weekend event at tybee island moved the needle to nearly 1,300 participants total. Fully staffed by volunteers- many of them living with t1d themselves- Camp Kudzu programs play a vital role in a lifetime of proper disease management. Our programs have medical professionals present to provide guidance, education and help families manage day to day challenges and copying skills for family and school life. As part of our multiyear outcomes research project- now in year 6- data still show that youth and their families grow and are mentally and physically supported by participating in a Camp Kudzu program. Proven to be statistically significant. Camp Kudzu continues to yield high satisfaction and proves to be statically relevant and important in shaping the lives and supporting the broader t1d community. Year one of data collection show that attendees in Camp Kudzu programs have less medical emergency visits related to their t1d than those who don't attend Camp Kudzu programs.our flagship program continues to be our summer residential programs and Camp Kudzu hosted 4 weeks of sleep away Camp and mini (split week) as part of our 4th summer session. A total of 503 campers attended just our summer sessions and more than 736 campers participated in our year-round programs with 171 new campers/families participating for the first time (23%).

When a child is diagnosed with diabetes, families must learn how to manage the condition on a daily basis. Education starts almost immediately with information to absorb and skills to be practiced. The learning process introduces parents and children to an array of medical words and terms that describe diabetes and how to manage day to day, insulins, ketones, shots, pokes, tests, sugars, highs and lows, reactions, control. These words become a part of everyday language in the household and the entire family's schedule is formed around diabetes management. Camp Kudzu recognizes the life-changing impact type 1 diabetes has on the entire family, we saw 62 families totaling 272 people in attendance of the programs. Camp Kudzu's family Camp is a fun-filled, educational and networking weekend for the entire family - children of all ages with diabetes, their parents and siblings. This is a program for families with children too young to attend summer Camp and for those who have been recently diagnosed. Family Camp is a time to learn more about diabetes, have fun and make friends with families who are experiencing the same challenges of living with diabetes parents tell us that the parent education sessions are their favorite part of the weekend. We bring in diabetes experts (endocrinologists, diabetes educators and dietitians) to talk with our parents about latest diabetes technology and other hot topics. Parents have the unique opportunity to ask the experts anything and everything they always wanted to know, but never had the chance to ask.at family Camp, children with diabetes see that they are not alone. Siblings feel included. Parents have an opportunity to learn more about the disease that affects their child. Parents receive life-saving education about how to manage their child's diabetes, and children - those with diabetes as well as their siblings - create an essential support network. Children enjoy activities under volunteer supervision while learning more about diabetes during the weekend.

Our teen weekend programing includes our "teen retreat" weekend and is offered to participants in 7th to 11th grade and has grown in participation in recent years. Moving from the cap of the winter 2021 program of 50 campers, we hosted 71 teen campers this year. This weekend overnight program provides the co-ed experience of Camp with fun and education focused on skills required to successfully transition to young adults. Professionals are on site throughout the weekend to deliver diabetes management information and to answer questions about diet, activity and emerging trends in glycemic control. Teens have the opportunity to connect and develop friendships that can sustain them year-round.