CAMP KUDZU'S MISSION IS TO EDUCATE, EMPOWER AND INSPIRE CHILDREN AND TEENS LIVING WITH T1D. THROUGH ITS CAMP AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, CAMP KUDZU CHANGES YOUNG PEOPLE'S LIVES. WITHOUT THE LESSONS LEARNED AND PRACTICED AT CAMP KUDZU, MANY CHILDREN LACK ACCESS TO DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT SUPPORT AND WOULD HAVE INCREASED RISK FOR SERIOUS MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS AND/OR SHORTENED LIFE SPANS. CAMP KUDZU IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHICH BEGAN PROVIDING MEDICAL SELF-MANAGEMENT EDUCATION, RECREATION AND PEER-NETWORKING PROGRAMS IN THE YEAR 2000. IT WAS FORMED IN 1999 IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA BY PARENTS, DOCTORS, HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS WHO JOINED FORCES TO ESTABLISH PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENTAL AND MEDICAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES IN A FUN ENVIRONMENT MARKED BY CLINICAL OVERSIGHT AND DIRECTION.