Camp Kudzu offers three weeklong overnight camps for children living with type 1 diabetes ages 8-16, and a Counselor In Training (CIT) program for young adults ages 17-18. Children from all over Georgia come to camp to have fun, learn more about managing their diabetes and make friends who are also experiencing life's challenges of living with diabetes.

We will have the ability to serve approximately 600 children and teens this summer. Summer programs include our traditional overnight summer camps, and more. This year, we offer Teen Extreme Adventure during Sessions 1 and 3 for those who want to venture to a location on the Ocoee River for whitewater rafting, paintball and other activities. Our newest endeavor takes place during Session 3: Camp Kudzu, The Musical! You can sign up to become a star in the theater-intensive program!

The Counselors in Training program is designed for older teens who are now in their junior or senior year of high school. To learn more about the Counselor in Training Program, please scroll to the very bottom of this page.

Dates:

Session 1: Campers arrive Sunday, May 27, and stay until Friday, June 1
Camp Twin Lakes location in Rutledge, Georgia

Session 2: Campers arrive Sunday, June 3, and stay until Friday, June 8
Camp Twin Lakes location in Rutledge, Georgia

Session 3: Campers arrive Sunday, August 4, and stay until Saturday, August 11
Camp Barney Medintz location in Cleveland, Georgia

Two Great Locations!

Our early summer sessions are held at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia, located about 45 minutes east of Atlanta. Situated amid 300 wooded acres, Camp Twin Lakes is complete with 30 camper cabins, two lakes, numerous recreational facilities, an amphitheatre and a state-of-the-art medical lodge.

Camp Kudzu's late summer session is in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains at Camp Barney Medintz in Cleveland, Georgia (75 miles N.E. of Atlanta). Covering more than 500 acres, the camp facility is a rustic summer camp complete with two mountain lakes and streams. It showcases the natural environment -- with "open-air" styled buildings -- and provides an array of activities and outdoor adventures.

Cabins, Counselors and Kids . . .

Campers are assigned to cabin groups based on age and gender. A typical cabin has nine campers and three adult counselors.

The Doctor Is In.

Each cabin group is assigned a clinician and an endocrinologist, for diabetes management and for "in the field" diabetes education. Dieticians plan and supervise meals, as well as teach about nutrition. These diabetes professionals work as a team to monitor blood sugars, deliver and adjust insulin levels, help campers manage their diabetes throughout the week, and teach the children how to live longer, healthier lives. We also have a team of physicians and nurses to manage day-to-day nondiabetes medications and health needs.

Relax . . . Be Yourself.

Many of our campers say that Camp Kudzu is the one place where they feel "normal". At camp, the children feel like they don't have to explain themselves or live differently from their peers. Everyone checks blood sugars, takes insulin by injection or pump and counts carbohydrates. At Camp Kudzu, you can just be yourself and know that all of your friends understand what you're going through.

CAMP KUDZU COUNSELOR IN TRAINING (CIT) PROGRAM

Looking for a great summer experience working with children? Camp Kudzu's CIT program is a wonderful opportunity for teens who want to further develop their leadership and communication skills as well as gain experience in planning and instructing activities for young children. This position has many elements that are exciting, challenging, and fun.

About The Program
The program consists of a week-long training period, in which the CITs will live together in a cabin, work with a cabin group, plan an evening program for the entire camp, and participate in camp activities as a group. During this time, they will be shadowing cabins and other counselors to learn and stimulate educational opportunities and prepare them for counselor responsibilities. The training period is designed to create leaders, role models and caring staff members that will be great additions to the Camp Kudzu Staff in the years to come.

Eligibility Requirements
Applicants wishing to participate in the 1st year CIT program must be currently in the 11th grade, i.e. a junior in high school. Applicants wishing to participate in the 2nd year CIT must be currently in the 12th grade, i.e. a senior in high school.

Program Dates
The 1st year CIT program is offered two times- hosted at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, GA
Saturday, May 26 - June 1, 2012 and Saturday, June 2 - 8, 2012
(Participants will need to attend one session and a preference of dates is requested of the applicant)

The 2nd year CIT program is offered once- hosted at Camp Barney Medintz in Cleveland, GA
Saturday, August 4 - 11, 2012

CIT Participant Expectations

• CITs honor Camp Kudzu's rules and policies.
• CITs accept responsibility, offer an appropriate role model to campers, and cooperatively assist the Counselor to which they are assigned.
• CITs have a positive attitude.
• CITs think and act safely.
• CITs share talents, creative ideas, fun, thoughts, insights, a sense of humor, hobbies, and friendships.
• CITs accept feedback and learn from it.
• CITs communicate from a caring position with the campers and Counselor in their cabin.
• CITs have a maturity about them that is reflected in a willingness to grow.
• CITs are not afraid of work, and are willing to take initiative to pitch in where help is needed.

Application Process
It is important that you carefully read all of the materials below so that you fully understand the commitment you'll be making when you choose to apply to be a Camp Kudzu CIT. All forms, including references, must be returned to the Camp Kudzu Office by February 1, 2012. Please be aware of this deadline.

Please click http://www.campkudzu.org/summer_camp_reg.html to find the application forms.