FALL 2021
All has always meant ALL at CAMP!
Find out how you can be a part of it ALL!
From The Chair
PATRICK SAMUELS, BOARD CHAIR
I’m proud to say that this year, Camp For All is BACK! Although we all have faced numerous challenges over the last 18 months, we are so pleased to have been able to keep our gates open, with the proper safety protocols in place. Providing a barrier-free place to come together is vital to our campers and their families and we are so grateful for our passionate and dedicated staff, Partners, Boards, volunteers and supporters for making it all possible. As my term as Chair of the Board of Directors comes to an end, I am confident that we will be in wonderful hands with the incoming Chair, Joshua Samuels, M.D. A wonderful and generous person, I am sorry to say that we are not related! Not only is this Josh’s third 6-year term on the Camp For All Board of Directors, he is also a Partner as camp director for Shining Stars for children and teens with kidney disease from The Kidney Kamp Foundation, he has been essential to helping us keep our gates open with his medical input and he is a generous donor. On top of all of that, Josh is also a pediatric nephrologist at UT Health. It is obvious that Josh’s unique perspective will surely lead Camp For All to the next level! I will miss serving as the Chair but will not be far! I can’t wait to continue supporting this amazing organization and participating in all of the successes to come. THANK YOU for the support you have provided to help Camp For All conquer all the obstacles we have faced over the last two years.
Let’s continue to transform the world!
PATRICK SAMUELS
All Means ALL!
Twenty-eight years ago, our founders, Paul Gerson, M.D., who had started Camp Periwinkle for children with cancer, Robert Zeller, M.D., who had started Camp Spike ‘n’ Wave for children with epilepsy and Larry Neuhaus who lost his son, Bo to cancer teamed up to build a camp for ALL children and adults with challenging illnesses or special needs. It made perfect sense to name it Camp For All. Before any architectural design, they met with the potential organizations that would use the camp and asked them for feedback on what this camp would need to meet ALL of the needs of the people with special needs they served. The potential “Partners” were asked to dream and dream, big.
So, what do we mean by ALL?
PAT PRIOR SORRELLS, PRESIDENT AND CEO
• We serve ALL kinds of challenges and ALL ages partnering with more than 65 different not-for-profits. • The barrier-free design of the site allows for the flexibility to suit ALL challenges. In other words, we level the playing field for ALL. • There are multiple ways to accomplish ALL of our activities. Everyone has different strengths and abilities, and ALL can participate. •A LL of our bathrooms, showers, doors, sidewalks are barrier-free, not just accessible • Research shows that ALL leave Camp with a sense of hope, a growth in self-confidence and realize they are not alone.
Is that ALL? There is so much more! – Schedule a tour and come see it ALL! 2 | CAM P F OR A LL | FA L L 20 21
MISSION Camp For All transforms the world for children and adults with special needs or challenging illnesses.
“Sam had very limited motor function in his lower legs, but was insistent on using the slant rock wall to get up at Star Place ropes. He pulled himself up for 30 minutes as his friends and staff cheered him on. He seemed tired but refused to quit and made it all the way up and then flew down the zipline!”
“I love coming to camp because I get to see old friends and be able to feel free with people that are like me.” – XTREME CAMPER, TIRR FOUNDATION
– CAMP FOR ALL STAFF MEMBER
“The combined support from Camp staff and parents allow campers to feel that they can do anything at camp, even something they might have shied away from in every-day life. Camp is magic!” – CAMP COUNSELOR, EASTER SEALS OF GREATER HOUSTON
“Our kids both had such a fantastic time and came home full of stories and memories. Thank you all for putting together such a fantastic weekend!!” – PARENT OF CAMP FOR ALL 2U CAMPER, THE PARISH SCHOOL
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Find your
Camp!
Spring 2022 DATE CAMP
NEED
PARTNER
Janury 28-30 Coleman
Veterans who have received service dogs
Easter Seals of Greater Houston
February 4-6
Escape Retreat
Adults ages 20 or older with sickle cell disease
Sickle Cell Association of Austin Marc Thomas Foundation
Feb 11-13
Be An Angel
Families that have a child with special needs
Be An Angel Fund Inc.
Feb 18-20
Shining Stars Family Camp
Families that have a child with kidney disease
Kidney Kamp Foundation
Feb 25-27
Love Without Limits
Children with orthopedic and neurological diagnosis Shriner’s Hospital for Children
Feb 27
Friendship Smile
Children born with a cleft lip or palate
Friendship Smile
March 3-4
Camp For Joy
Children with language and learning differences
The Joy School
March 4-7
Cell A Bration Next Level
Teenagers ages 15-19 with sickle cell disease
Sickle Cell Association of Austin Marc Thomas Foundation
April 1-3 Periwinkle Family Camp
Families affected by cancer or other life-threatening illnesses
The Periwinkle Foundation
April 1-3
YOLO
Teens and siblings with life-threatening illnesses
The Periwinkle Foundation
April 6-8
MADE Houston
Children with learning differences
MADE Houston
April 13-14
The Parish School
Children with social and learning differences
The Parish School
April 21-22
Monarch Chrysalis
Children with neurological differences
The Monarch School
April 22
Monarch Chrysalis Day Camp Children with neurological differences
The Monarch School *Please refer to www.campforall.org for schedule updates.
Summer 2022 DATE CAMP
NEED
PARTNER
May 26-29
Children with burns
Camp Janus
May 30-June 3 Sunrise
Teens with developmental challenges
Briarwood Tuttle School
May 31-June 3 Monarch Butterfly
Children with neurological differences
The Monarch School
June 5-10
MDA Summer Camp
Children and teens with neuromuscular disease
Muscular Dystrophy Association
June 12-18
Spike ‘n’ Wave
Children with epilepsy
Epilepsy Foundation of Texas Houston/Dallas/Fort Worth
June 19-24
Star Trails
Children with cancer and blood disorders
MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Center
June 22
Star Trails Junior Camper Day Children with cancer and blood disorders
MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Center
Janus
June 26-July 1 Rainbow Connection
Children and teens with cancer
Childhood Cancer Connection
June 26-July 1 Dreamcatcher
Children with cancer
McLane Children’s Hospital, Baylor Scott and White
July 3-8
Camp That Love Built
Children and adults with spina bifida
Spina Bifida Association Houston Gulf Coast
July 3-8
Smiles
Children with cerebral palsy
Easter Seals of Greater Houston
July 10-15
X-Treme
Children participating in wheelchair sports
TIRR Foundation
July 10-15
PHEver
Children and teens with phenylketonuria
University of Texas Health Science Center
July 10-15
Social Superheros
Children with social and learning differences
The Parish School
July 17-22
Hope
Children with HIV and AIDS
AIDS Foundation Houston
July 24-29
Champions
Children and adults 10-60 with intellectual challenges The Arc of Greater Houston
July 31-Aug 6 Periwinkle
Children with cancer and blood disorders and their siblings
The Periwinkle Foundation
Aug 7-12
Cell-A-Bration
Children with sickle cell disease
Sickle Cell Association of Austin Marc Thomas Foundation
Aug 7-12
Discovery Texas
Children with skin disorders
National MS Society Lone Star
Aug 7-12
Shining Stars
Children and teens with kidney disease
Kidney Kamp Foundation *Please refer to www.campforall.org for schedule updates.
HOW TO FIND THE CAMP FOR YOU: 1
Visit www.campforall.org
4 | C AM P F OR A LL | FA L L 20 21
2
Click the “Find Your Camp” button in the navigation bar
3
Select the category or categories that apply to you or your loved one
4
Contact the organization directly to sign up!
DONOR SPOTLIGHT – A FAMILY AFFAIR
Tim and Marie Vogler and Tim and Ally Kelly
Camp For All changed Ally Kelly’s life – and now she and her family are paying it forward. Ally first discovered Camp For All in the spring of 2005 where she came as a counselor for LIFE with the Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University. She instantly fell head over heels and applied and became a Camp For All program staff member during the summers of 2005 and 2006. Afterwards, she continued to be a counselor and eventually became the Camp Director for LIFE. During her time at Camp in 2005, Ally met Tim Kelly. Tim has been connected to Camp For All since the very beginning, in 1998 coming with Rainbow Connection, Childhood Cancer Connection for children and teens with cancer. He came as a sibling camper with his little sister who had leukemia. Tim later became a counselor for Rainbow Connection before becoming a program staff member for Camp For All in 2004 and then a Program Supervisor from 2005-2007. Once Ally and Tim met at Camp, they became fast friends. They started dating that summer and have been together ever since! They married in 2009, and now have two beautiful, children - Charlie (4) and Zoey (almost 2). Ally’s parents, Tim (yes also named Tim!) and Marie Vogler, couldn’t help but feel connected to Camp, when Ally’s passion for it began. They have been generous supporters of Camp For All
not only giving personally, but securing matching funds multiple times from Tim’s company, EOG. Tim Vogler says, “Ally's had a calling to work with special needs children since her high school days. When we heard she'd be working at Camp For All we were very excited, happy and proud of her. We loved the many heartwarming stories of the joy it brought to the campers. Not only did she love the work but also formed lifelong friendships with many of whom we've been lucky to meet. And as an extra added bonus she met her husband to be, Tim. So, in addition to all of the other wonderful aspects about Camp For All, indirectly it also gave us a truly great son-in-law. Camp For All has not only been a special cause to support for the wonderful work it does, but it's also given us so much more in return.” We are incredibly grateful to the Vogler’s and the Kelly’s, who as a family have given huge amounts of time, energy, passion and funds to make sure campers with challenging illnesses or special needs lives are transformed. THANK YOU to this wonderful family, who have made giving and kindness a family affair!
ON ALLY AND TIM’S EXPERIENCES AT CAMP, Ally says, “We really owe so much of what makes us who we are to Camp For All. That’s where we found each other and learned so many lessons that we pass on to our kids, to this day. Camp is just a breeding ground for love, joy, compassion, and generosity! We were introduced to so many different kinds of abilities and ways of thinking at Camp. It greatly shaped my methods as a special education teacher and as a behavior specialist. It reminded me to try to bring fun and joy into the classroom each day. Camp For All really has impacted every facet of our lives in one way or another!”
FALL 2021 | CA M P F OR A L L | 5
Growth in Leadership at Camp! NEW LEADERS: 1. Sean Lougheed – Food Services Manager 2. John Wayne Gasper – Program Supervisor
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RECENT PROMOTIONS: 3. Lindsay Gallmore – Camp For All 2U Manager 4. Justin Sparks – Program Supervisor 5. Johnny Martin – Facilities Director 6. Nathan Kalkhake – Facilities Manager
CAMP FOR ALL GOES OVER THE EDGE 2021 ROOFTOP SPONSOR: The Howard Hughes Corporation FUNDS RAISED: $75,000
A STARRY NIGHT VIRTUAL GALA CHAIRS: Brooke and Jason Bernhardt; Dawn and Brett Berly UNDERWRITING CHAIR: Tom Behanick HONOREES: Dr. Joshua and Cheryl Samuels FUNDS RAISED: $800,000 6 | C AM P F OR A LL | FA L L 2 0 21
To purchase a table or learn more visit
www.campforall.org/events
Camp For All Homecoming January 2022 it All Spir r o F p m 2022 your Ca Show us ay, January 22, d on Satur
DATE: Saturday, January 22, 2022 TIME: 6:00 PM LOCATION: The Revaire, 7122 Old Katy Rd, Houston, Texas
Grab your letter jacket and pom poms as we celebrate Camp For All Homecoming 2022, A Night to Come Together! After being apart for so long, co-chairs Ginger Bertrand and Susan Walker look forward to spreading the love, laughter, hope and healing campers experience at Camp For All with you! This year we are thrilled to honor Laurie and Jack Maddox for their passionate support of Camp. Join us on January 22, 2022! When you join us for Camp For All Homecoming 2022, you’ll experience a casual, fun, celebration AND support children and adults with cancer, autism, heart disease, renal challenges, muscular dystrophy, lost limbs, severe burns, cognitive challenges and so much more.
CAMP FOR ALL NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT TO SERVE OUR CAMPERS. Every gift makes a huge impact on the lives of children and adults with special needs or challenging illnesses and their families. We are honored by the generosity of the compassionate and dedicated family of donors who make Camp For All possible with their kind support. MAKE A GIFT
SPECIAL TRIBUTE
MONTHLY GIVING
MATCHING GIFTS
LEGACY GIVING
To give a gift by credit card, visit www.campforall.org/ donate. You can also send a check to: Camp For All 3701 Kirby Drive, #570 Houston, Texas 77098
If you would like to make a gift in honor or in memory of a friend or loved one, please let us know who should be notified about this special tribute.
Monthly donors are our “Energizers” each month! Visit www.campforall. org/donate to set up your monthly or quarterly gift of $10, $25 or $50. You can stop any time you need to.
Many employers will match your contributions to Camp For All. If you need supporting documentation to complete the match, please contact Serjio Brereda at sbrereda@campforall.org.
Leave Your Legacy for Camp For All. Including Camp For All in your will can give the gift of joy, belonging and fun to thousands of campers, long after you are gone.
MORE INFORMATION If you have already planned a gift or designated Camp For All as a beneficiary in a life insurance policy or retirement account such as a 401k, or if you would like to make a gift of stock or talk to someone about a gift, please contact Development Director Mary Beth Mosley at 346-440-3036 or mmosley@campforall.org. FALL 2021 | C A M P F OR A L L | 7
3701 KIRBY DRIVE, SUITE 570 • HOUSTON, TEXAS 77098 6301 REHBURG ROAD • BURTON, TEXAS 77835
NON-PROFIT ORG. US. POSTAGE
PAID
HOUSTON, TEXAS PERMIT NO. 10064
2021 CAMP FOR ALL BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR
Patrick Samuels Marion Anderson Tom Behanick Brett Berly Jason Bernhardt Julie Boushka Beth Clarke Bob Davis Lyndsay Fincher Bob Funk Steve Gilbreath Sarah Hastings Michael Lewis Michael E. Lewter Stephanie Magers Matt Mogas Mike Odegard Stacie Pitts Robin Reed Joshua Samuels, M.D. Lesley Schick Susie Smith Julie Taetz Eric Wade Leslye Weaver Martha White Dena Wren
Camp For All Young Professionals
Support our campers while meeting and networking with other Camp leaders! The mission of the Camp For All Young Professionals is to increase awareness of Camp For All, while providing charitable, social and leadership opportunities. Join a group of driven young professionals and dynamic emerging Houston leaders. Membership donation: $50 gift annually or $5/month recurring gift. Head to www.campforall.org/young-professionals to join today! MEMBER BENEFITS • Opportunity to serve on Camp For All Board committees • Attend unique events • Participate in meaningful volunteer projects
EX OFFICIO
Katie Dowdell Kyle Merten Pat Prior Sorrells Peter Wismer EMERITUS
Paul Gerson, M.D. Laurence B. Neuhaus Robert S. Zeller, M.D. PRESIDENT AND CEO
Pat Prior Sorrells
GENERAL COUNSEL
Gary W. Miller
Follow us! Visit www.campforall.org or call 713.686.5666 for more information about donating, attending or volunteering!