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 has continued to grow . . . like kudzu.

There are more than 2,000 children with juvenile diabetes in Georgia, and the number of newly diagnosed is growing. The challenge of living with this chronic, incurable disease knows no racial, cultural or socio-economic borders. Juvenile 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 juvenile 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.