Weekend Camp Head Nurse April Bradley served as Interim Health Services Director during the search and transition.
Shiraround.is stepping into the role previously filled by Kit Sluder, who helped start our camps, and left earlier this year to devote more time to caring for her family. "Kit's expertise, dedication, and enthusiasm were critical to making Camp Blue Skies so very successful," said founder Dick Sesler. "We are grateful for all her incredible work and invaluable contributions.”
(between Greenville and Atlanta) from
SUMMER 2022 Our Mission: To offer camps to adults with developmental disabilities, enhancing their lives through recreation, socialization and life skills education.
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When Shira was asked what she is most excited about, she stated: “Everything! I love all aspects of camp, from watching the campers' independence and adventurous spirits to giving the caregivers a much needed and deserved respite.”
We are pleased to
New Health Services Director named Nothing but blue skies & smiles in Georgia Campers and volunteers safely returned for two sessions at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, the first time since 2020.
CampBlueSkies.org
Dick Sesler wins AARP prize for founding Camp Blue Skies: CampBlueSkies.org/award
“It almost felt like Christmas morning,” said one volunteer. We agree.
BesidesMinnesota.various nursing positions (in home care, assisted living, pediatrics, etc.), she has worked at camps for seven years, including YMCA camps, a Jewish day camp, and an overnight camp for kids and adults with disabilities (physical, mental, and developmental). Shira has been a counselor, lifeguard, assistant nurse, and head nurse/health director. She loves camps and thought it was too good to be true to be able to work with a camp year
After an extensive search, Shira emerged as the top candidate. Dick says: “We were impressed and reassured when she shared her first hand experience of working at camps with our population, and how important and challenging it can be to screen campers carefully and get meds ready for the first med pass on opening day!”
Volunteers needed for NC & Weekend camps: CampBlueSkies.org/volunteer
“We think Shira is well prepared for the scale of our camps and our plans to expand,” stated Dick. Shira is overseeing camper enrollment and health services, starting with our October camps.
Join us on Saturday, Aug. 20
Supporters already have filled all 10 boats for the Hooked On Camp Fishing Derby fundraiser for Camp Blue Skies on Friday, Sept. 30.
Anglers will fish on Lake Broyhill, a pristine 140 acre lake teeming with largemouth bass and bream. The lake is at YMCA Camp Harrison, our home camp in North Carolina. All proceeds provide financial assistance for campers by bridging the gap between the camper fee and the true cost per camper. This year's derby goal is $25,000 and will help cover expenses for 22 campers. The Derby co chairs are Brooks Runkle and Keith Wall. Thanks to our event partners: Chris Carnes and Riley’s Catch for helping recruit the guides and boats; and Bizz Baits for donating prizes and swag.
Many thanks to the Camp Counselors who hosted the party and invited a great group of friends and to the Fun Committee: Liza Sippe, Lisa Ten Eyck, Amy Okel, Aisha Thomas, Ellen Thompson, Kenna Jordan, Sydney Coffin, Stephanie Cline, and Sara Cline and many of their husbands for making the party a reality. If you could not join us this year, please put next year’s date on your calendar and join us for the Blue Skies Bash on Feb. 24, 2023! 2
Over 250 people attended the Blue Skies Bash at the Barrel Room at Triple C Brewery. The Bash helped raise $70,000 for our camps. The night was filled with music by Natty Boh Duo, food by Best Impressions, a silent auction, and many conversations about Camp Blue Skies with new and old friends.
You're invited to play or attend our first ever Pickleball for Camp tourney fundraiser on Aug. 20 hosted by Pickleball Charlotte on the indoor courts at Charlotte Sports Connection, 10930 Granite St. The round robin tourney is 9 am noon and is limited to 60 players. Registration is $25. Sign up soon if you're interested! Spots will go quickly. Free clinics and open play are available 1 4 pm for newbies or those wanting to brush up on their PB skills. Enjoy a raffle, food truck & more! All proceeds benefit our camps. Register and more CampBlueSkies.org/pickleballinfo:
Congratulations to Becky Harris, who won the naming contest for this year’s special Triple C brew Kiss A Fish.
In 2020, Sydney Coffin joined the team as the Volunteer Coordinator for Weekend Camp. Her background includes working for YMCA of Greater Charlotte as the Marketing Director for YMCA Camp Thunderbird, banking, document services sales, and starting a stationery business. She has served on several nonprofit executive boards in the Charlotte area. Reach her
Carolina.continueAlisonMallie@CampBlueSkies.org.andexistingingreach.withwithtorVolunteerjoinedInSydney@CampBlueSkies.org.atlate2021,MallieBraggre-ourteamtobecomethe&OutreachCoordina-inGeorgia.Mallieworkedusafewyearsagotohelpcommunicationsandout-Sheisfocusingonbuild-newrelationshipsorstrengtheningoneswithcolleges/universitiescivicorganizations.ReachheratBarryoverseestheteamandwilltorecruitvolunteersforNorth Volunteer team grows to help camp grow
Greenway 3
The Atlanta Commercial Board of REALTORS® selected our camps for adults with developmental disabilities as one of the nonprofits it will be supporting for the next three years.
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“One of our goals is to increase the number of camps we offer, which means more campers,” says founder Dick Sesler. “To meet that need, we need to increase the number of incredible volunteers who make our sessions possible.”
Thanks to Jim Guimond and Becky Harris on their hard work on this event!
ACBR fundraiser benefits our camps in Georgia
The Uptown Grill food truck served dinner. The evening closed with a performance of bluegrass favorites by Sugar Creek, our camp house band.
"We are grateful for not only the financial support but look forward to connecting with the members and getting them to our March camps as volunteers," said founder Dick Sesler.
ACBR has been the voice for Commercial Real Estate in the Atlanta area for over a century. It is one of the largest commercial REALTOR® associations in the nation with over 2,200 members.
As Camp Blue Skies plans to expand over the next few years, one thing is clear: We need more volunteers.
Longtime volunteer and supporter Pat Murphy (on left in photo) serves on the ACBR Board and graciously represented Camp Blue Skies at the recent Battle of The Broker Bands, one of the group's signature fundraisers. Hundreds of people attended the popular event featuring an ‘80s theme on June 9 in Atlanta. The other nonprofits that the ACBR event benefited include Families First and FCS (Focused Community Strategies).
Camp Blue Skies style fun on the
Campers, parents/caregivers, volunteers, and supporters enjoyed an afternoon of fun and an evening of entertainment at Anne Springs Close Greenway on May 12. A grant from Anne Springs Close Greenway's Bridge Program made the event free to our community. Attendees participated in camp style activities such as fishing, nature walk, archery, and more in the afternoon.
upsioneagerjoinedForyears,MaryJoPerretteheardaboutCampBlueSkiesfromherbrotherandveteranvolunteer,JohnLenhart.SheJohnonafewcallsduringourVirtualCampsandwastovolunteerwhenwereturnedtocamp.Herfirstses-asvolunteerwasWeekendCamp2021.ShethensignedforoneofoursessionsinGeorgia.Andwe ’ rehopingshe
Dayana Pimentel: GA McKenna Puckett: WK Debby Rea: WK, WS, GA Sam Rentz: GA Frankie Roman: WK Alan Ross: WS, GA Joe Ross: WK Anita Rounds: WK Mary Russell: WK Nabu Seck: WK Betsey Sesler: WK, WS Doug Sheffield: WS, GA Elly Sherman: GA Mary Mac Stallings: WK Dan Sturzenbecker: WK, WS, GA Avinash Sukhu: WS Anne Sydnor: WK David Taylor: WK Shawn Taylor: WK Lisa Ten Eyck: WK Nancy Tran: WK Jeremy Urekew: GA Ashley Vanhoose: WK Mark von Waldner: GA Trina von Waldner: GA Jacqueline Wabler: WS Kylee Waters: GA Kristen Williams: GA Samantha Williams: GA Kelsey Wishik: GA Brent Wolfe: WS Bridget Zapolnik: WK Tikabo Zerabruk: WK Amber Zimmerlink: WK Laughing Matters (improv group): WS Woody Appleby aboutWoodyApplebyhasknownCampBlueSkiesbeforemostofusdid.He ’sadear ofHislikefriendoffounderDickSesler,manyofourvolunteers.stepson,Brandon,isoneourfirstcampers.Woodydidn ’ teertgetachancetovolun-untilthe2022Georgiasession.Nowhe ’shooked. Andhe’ sspearheadingour fundraisingfirstPickleballForCamptourneyonAug.20.Here ’ shisvolunteerorigin storyinhisownwords... “I knew it was an awesome Camp, as my wife, Adria, had volunteered in the early years when the Camp was just getting started in NC. Her experience was fantastic, but I always traveled extensively for work and could not volunteer myself. When my work schedule opened up, I was very skeptical about how I would relate and work with this population. Adria and Jim Guimond convinced me to volunteer! “I was still very nervous when I got there, but soon found out that the Camp Blue Skies staff is SO professional and thorough, that I knew every single detail had been thought of, and that I had the whole team at my side! I was also very fortunate to have CBS veteran Michael Coulter as the other volunteer in my cabin. What tremendous guidance!
comestoNorthCarolina,too.Here’ shervolunteerstoryinher ownwords... “I first heard about Camp Blue Skies from my brother John Lenhart. John speaks frequently about the staff, volunteers and campers he met while helping with fundraising and fishing during camp weeks. He has nothing to say but great things about everyone involved. “I envisioned camp to be a wonderful opportunity for the campers to enjoy activities that they rarely get to do and a place where many campers knew each other. “Once I got to experience camp in person my expectations were met. It was exciting to see all the campers so happy and most helpful to each other and staff. I realized what a special place this was for them. What I was most impressed with was the amount of planning and tremendous organizational skills required for a successful week of camp. Camp Blue Skies has these skills mastered. “To experience the campers' excitement, encouragement and concern for each other was the highlight of camp for me. Participating in all the camp events was a highlight of the week for me too, I gotta mention all the encouragement I received to do the zipline and ropes course. “Volunteering at camp allows us to see life through a different lens allowing me to have a better understanding of those with disabilities, and to be most thankful for all that has been given me.”
“The biggest highlight is just being with and watching this population enjoy every minute of Camp, from the moment they wake up until bedtime. The joy that Camp brings to their lives is amazing! The other highlight was the Big Swing just sayin’!
Two people who knew about Camp Blue Skies but had never volunteered share their experience as first timers.
Mary Jo Perrette
“I will be a CBS volunteer from here on in, because it means that much.”
Woody says volunteering is all about “the experience”. “It is unlike anything I have ever done before. The joy that one sees in the campers every day for a week, is just a blessing. Volunteering at Camp Blue Skies is something that everyone should experience as a matter of fact, it won’t be long before we have a waiting list to become a volunteer!
Big fans become volunteers
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Camp Blue Skies-Williams Syndrome, March 7-11 Camp Twin Lakes, Rutledge, GA 6
What happens when it’s time to take the final camp photo and there’s a steady downpour? You get creative! The result is not o photos. Thanks to the volunteers and YMCA Camp Harrison staff for making this happen quickly and efficiently on our final mor
Camp Blue Skies-Georgia, March 14-18 Camp Twin Lakes, Rutledge, GA 7
CONTACT INFO 704 266 Instagram.com/CampBlueSkiesTwitter.com/CampBlueSkiesFacebook.com/CampBlueSkiesUSAContact@CampBlueSkies.orgCampBlueSkies.org2267John Alexander Rob ClaireJonAulebachBeallBingham,DPTKimConroyDr.TomGavigan Dr. Dalton Cox Tom Cox Sara PhilAndyFedynaKaneNorwoodDeeSchwab Richard Sesler Aisha Thomas John D. Williams Brent Wolfe, PhD BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2820 Selwyn Ave., Box 767 Charlotte, NC 28209 CampBlueSkies.org RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED 2022 Aug. 20: Pickleball for Camp fundraiser (see page 2 for details) Sept. 29 30: Hooked on Camp Fishing Derby fundraiser (see page 2 for details) Oct. 1-5: NC Camp #1 Oct. 8 12: NC Camp #2 Nov. 18 20: Weekend Camp (visit CampBlueSkies.org/weekendfordetails) Nov. 28-Dec. 31: Annual End Of Year Giving Campaign 2023 Feb. 24: Blue Skies Bash (see page 2 for details) March 6 10: Williams Syndrome Camp March 12-16: Hoops For Camp NCAA Bracket Challenge fundraiser March 13 17: Georgia Camp April 14 16: Weekend Camp TBA: Cornhole For Camp fundraiser
