Camp Kudzu is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization providing education, recreation and peer-networking programs for Georgia's children living with type 1 diabetes. Led by dedicated volunteers, medical professionals and a small professional staff, Camp Kudzu hosts week-long overnight Summer Camps, Family Camps and other diabetes education and management programs throughout the year.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells of the pancreas. Beta cells normally produce insulin. Children and adults with type 1 diabetes must take insulin in order to stay alive. There is no cure. Insulin can be taken by injection (several times each day), or through continuous infusion delivered by an insulin pump. People with type 1 diabetes must test their blood sugar by pricking their fingers for blood multiple times daily. They also have to balance food intake, exercise, growth spurts and stress, in an attempt to avoid low blood sugars and high blood sugars, which can be life threatening.
For more information, please see National Diabetes Fact Sheet 2011
About Camp Kudzu
Camp Kudzu was founded in 1999, by parents, doctors, health professionals and community leaders who joined forces to establish a program in Georgia that would support the special medical needs of children with type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes in a fun, safe environment. We held our first summer camp in June, 2000. Since that time, the number of programs, campers and volunteers have continued to grow . . . like kudzu.
The challenge of living with this chronic, incurable disease knows no racial, cultural or socio-economic borders. Type 1 diabetes cannot be outgrown. It will not disappear with age or a change in diet. Children who do not participate in an aggressive medical management program are at risk for life threatening complications from diabetes, including heart disease, kidney failure and blindness.
Children with type 1 diabetes can never take a vacation from the disease. But there is now a place for them to learn and grow with other children facing the same struggles.
Camp Kudzu created a Strategic Plan to guide its actions over the next several years. This plan was adopted in the Spring of 2010. To review Camp Kudzu's plan, please click here.
Camp Kudzu is accredited by the American Camp Association. ACA accredited camps meet up to 300 standards for health, food service, safety, and program quality. Camp Kudzu is a member of the Diabetes and Education Camping Association. http://www.diabetescamps.org/
Camp Kudzu is pleased to work with our friends and colleagues at Camp Twin Lakes ( www.camptwinlakes.org) and Camp Barney Medintz ( www.campbarney.org), the hosts of many of our camps and programs.
View our 2011 Financial Audit and Our Latest IRS 990 . Or contact Camp Kudzu's office at 404-250-1811 for additional information.