FALL 2023 HIGHLIGHTS:
MILESTONES! Find Your Camp Celebrations! And more!
PAT PRIOR SORRELLS PRESIDENT AND CEO
1993
Camp For All was founded
Dear Camp For All Family, Camp For All is celebrating 30 years! Let’s celebrate the future because the best is yet to come! Camp For All is on a trajectory to transform many more lives of children and adults with challenging illnesses or special needs. It’s only a matter of time and passion! 1996
Land purchased
1998
Camp For All opened and welcomed 2,718 campers.
2001
Full accreditation from the American Camp Association (ACA)
First group, Camp HUG, a weekend family camp from AIDS Foundation Houston
2002
Ranch completed
2005
Grace Chapel completed
2007
7,208 campers
2019
Lakeside amphitheater completed
9,700 campers served
2011
New Challenge Course completed
2012
8,294 campers
2020
Virtual programming has national impact Camp For Y’All launched Camp Director wins ACA Service Award
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2013
Star Place opens
2014
2017
Camp For All wins national award
Camp For All 2U launched at MD Anderson Children’s Hospital
2021
Mission Statement upgraded Camp For Y’All wins HBJ Innovation Award
2022
Charles Jago Elder Charitable Trust donates land to Camp For All
2023
Camp For All has served more than
180,000
campers since 1998
From The Chair
It’s hard to believe I’ve been coming to camp for almost 25 years. Since my first summer as an incabin counselor, through becoming a Partner Director, and now to my service as Chair of the Board of Directors. I have been continually impressed with the amazing impact that the Camp For All experience has on our campers, staff, and volunteers. Camp For All is a place where children and adults facing daily challenges due to health conditions can come to step outside of their comfort zones.
As campers face physical challenges in programming such as the ropes course or equestrian program and less extreme activities like “minute-to-win-it,” arts and crafts, or fishing, their participation in camp activities with the friendship and camaraderie of other individuals facing similar challenges fosters an independence and confidence that stretches far beyond the gates of Camp. JOSHUA SAMUELS, M.D. CHAIR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
I have had the extreme privilege of watching this transformation in real time and to see it play out over the lifetime of my patients-turned-campers. Our Partner Camp, Camp Shining Stars, brings children with chronic kidney disease to Camp For All starting at age 6 all the way through the teen years. One of my greatest joys has been seeing a patient’s growth from timid firsttime camper into a seasoned confident role model. Several of my former campers have not only returned to Shining Stars as counselors, but have also become full-time Camp For All employees. Talk about paying it forward! An added benefit to the Camp For All experience is really getting to know my patients outside of a medical setting. Camp gives us a place to get away from the hospital and clinic and interact in a non-threatening way. One of my strategies has been to wear outrageous costumes that match our camp theme for the week. This has several benefits. Firstly, when campers see me in a silly outfit, I am no longer that scary doctor who gives them bad news or limitations. Additionally, since I’m not afraid to make a fool of myself, it helps campers to challenge themselves without fear of how they will look, either. Finally, it’s also just lots of fun.
And that is the true beauty of Camp For All. Hiding beneath that veneer of fun and camaraderie, we give campers hope, independence, and the confidence to face whatever challenges life throws their way.
Dear Camp For All, I want to thank everybody who was there and helped this to happen! Especially Cabin 8 for all the fun time I had this weekend. This was my first time sleeping outside of home without my parents or siblings and it was way above my expectations! I loved everything about this camp - the cooking, the photography, the carnival, the giant swing, the horse riding, the zipline, the animals, the fishing, the archery, the kickball, the campfire, all the fun games we played like Uno, Battleship, etc., and of course the food! Honestly, I didn’t want to leave and I was a little emotional at first but I remembered my self the quote: “Don’t cry because it’s over, be happy because it happened.”… I will always remember my first camp and can’t wait to see all of you next year! :) — RADO, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023, RICHMOND, TX
MISSION Camp For All
transforms the world for children and adults with challenging illnesses or special needs. FALL 2023 | CA M P F OR A L L | 3
Find your
Camp!
*Please refer to www.campforall.org for schedule updates.
SPRING 2024 Jan 19‐21 Feb 9‐11 Feb 9-11 Feb 16‐18 Feb 21-23 Feb 22-23 Feb 23‐25 Feb 25th Feb 29-Mar 1 Mar 1‐3 Mar 8‐10 Mar 8‐10 Mar 20‐22 Mar 27‐28 Apr 3‐5 Apr 3‐5 Apr 5th Apr 5‐7 Apr 7th Apr 12‐14 Apr 12‐14 Apr 18-19 Apr 19‐21 Apr 24th Apr 26‐28 May 1‐5
Duchenne Family Retreat Camp LIFE MOST Camp CLIFF Amazing Place Gryphon’s Nest Shining Stars Family Camp Friendship Smile Camp For Joy Capitol School of Austin Family Camp Cell-A-Bration-Next Level Easter Seals Vet Family S.M.I.L.E. The Parish School MADE Houston Camp Verne Cox Monarch Chrysalis Camp Periwinkle YOLO & Family Camp Camp LIFE Day Camp Escape Retreat Survived It All Monarch Butterly and Bridge Pump It Up Monarch LIFE DAY Be An Angel Higher Ground Retreat
Families that have a child with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy Youth and Adults with developmental disabilities Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University Teens and young adults with cerebral palsy Easter Seals Greater Houston Families affected by cancer Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance Caregivers of adults with dementia Amazing Place Houston Adolescents with academic and social challenges Gateway Academy Families that have a child with kidney disease Kidney Kamp Foundation Children with cleft lip or palate Friendship Smile Children with language and learning differences The Joy School School for children with languageCapitol School of Austin related learning differences Teenagers ages 15‐19 with sickle cell disease Sickle Cell Association of Texas Marc Thomas Foundation Veterans Family Camp Easter Seals Greater Houston Children with autism The Westview School Children with social and learning differences The Parish School Children with learning differences MADE Houston Adults with developmental differences Verne Cox Children with neurological differences The Monarch School Teens affected by cancer; The Periwinkle Foundation Families affected by cancer Children and adults with any disability Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University Adults ages 20 or older with sickle cell disease Sickle Cell Association of Texas Marc Thomas Foundation Children and teens with gastrointestinal diseases Texas Children’s Hospital Children with neurological differences The Monarch School Children with cardiovascular challenges Texas Children’s Hospital Children with neurological differences The Monarch School Families that have a child with special needs Be An Angel Adults with brain injuries Texas District of Pilot International
SUMMER 2024
THE QUICKEST WAY TO FIND YOUR CAMP, JUST SCAN!
Jun 2-7 Camp Champions Jun 2-7 Camp That Love Built Jun 9-14 Spike ‘n’ Wave Jun 9-14 Oasis Jun 16-21 Star Trails Jun 23-28 Rainbow Connection Jun 23-28 Camp Dreamcatcher Jun 30-Jul 5 Camp Smiles Jun 30-Jul 5 Bayou Bruisers Jul 7-12 Camp PHEver Jul 7-12 Camp Social Superheroes Jul 7-12 Camp Connect Jul 14-19 Moran Camp Xtreme Jul 14-19 Camp Hope Jul 21-27 Camp Periwinkle Jul 28-Aug 2 Shining Stars Jul 28-Aug 2 Cell-A-Bration Aug 4-9 Camp Discovery, Texas Aug 4-9 MDA
1
Visit www.campforall.org
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Campers 10-60 with intellectual challenges Children and adults with spina bifida Children with epilepsy Children with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis Children with cancer and blood disorders Children and teens with cancer Children with cancer Children with cerebral palsy Children and teens with bleeding disorders Children and teens with phenylketonuria Children with social and learning differences Teens with social and learning differences Children participating in wheelchair sports Children and teens with HIV and AIDS Children with cancer and blood disorders and their siblings Children and teens with kidney disease Children with sickle cell disease Children with skin disorders Children with muscular dystrophy
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Click the “Find Your Camp” button in the navigation bar
The Arc of Harris County Spina Bifida Association Houston Gulf Coast Epilepsy Foundation of Texas Houston/Dallas/Fort Worth Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Center Childhood Cancer Connection McLane Children’s Hospital, Baylor Scott & White Easter Seals Greater Houston Louisiana Hemophilia Foundation University of Texas Health Science Center The Carruth Center at The Parish School The Carruth Center at The Parish School TIRR Foundation Allies in Hope The Periwinkle Foundation Kidney Kamp Foundation Sickle Cell Association of Texas Marc Thomas Foundation American Academy of Dermatology Muscular Dystrophy Association
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Select the category or categories that apply to you or your loved one
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Contact the organization directly to sign up!
Spotlight on Bobby Kloecker’s 25 Years of Service Just over 25 years ago, a friend told Bobby Kloecker that Camp For All wouldn’t last. At the time, Bobby had just lost his wife to cancer, and he was undecided about his next steps in life and work. He knew that his days operating a restaurant in Somerville were at an end. He also knew that sitting at home wasn’t in his nature. After giving it some thought, Bobby spoke with Charlie Chenault, a member of the original Camp For All team, who made him an offer to join the Grounds crew, part-time. Parttime almost immediately gave way to full-time and now, a quarter of a century later, both Camp For All and Bobby Kloecker are getting along just fine.
“ I’ve known a lot of people who retired, and then just kind of drifted away. I’m proud of what we do. No reason to stop now.” — BOBBY KLOECKER As Grounds Supervisor, Bobby takes pride in making sure that Camp looks its best, and that the campers who visit are greeted with a vibrant, clean and wellmanicured place that goes beyond expectations. “I just jumped in wherever I was needed,’ Bobby remarks about his earliest days with Camp For All. “I enjoy working out here, and I know that I made the right choice,” he continued. When Bobby reached his 20-year mark of service, he was honored with the naming of a sidewalk at Camp. This year, in honor of his 25th year, a tree was planted that will bear his name for the future. But don’t talk to Bobby about retirement. As he feeds the fish each morning, his favorite ritual of starting the day at Camp For All, Bobby reflects on what he says has happened to so many friends over the years after retirement. Bobby Kloecker was recognized for his 25 years of service during a Town Hall meeting of Camp For All staff in October. FALL 2023 | CA M P F OR A L L | 5
Despite windy conditions suspending activities on Saturday, April 29, Camp For All successfully resumed its Over The Edge event on Sunday, April
30. Funds raised at Over The Edge help to support the nearly 9,000 campers that Camp For All welcomes each year. Thirty-six high-flying charitable individuals rappelled down the 31-story CAMP FOR ALL GOES OVER THE EDGE The Woodlands® Towers and raised a record total of more than $178,000 for ROOFTOP SPONSOR: Camp For All. Event partners Howard Hughes Corporation, Shell Trading The Howard Hughes Corporation (US) Company, Western Midstream, Truist, Altura Consulting, KRIV Fox FUNDS RAISED: 26 and 104.1 KRBE raised funds and awareness for the event. A $191,000 “landing zone” area, hosted by the Emerging Leaders, a young professionals group supporting the Camp For All mission, featured a pop-up market celebrating the talents of local adults with disabilities. “Over The Edge is a fantastic opportunity for our supporters to make a major difference in a completely unique way,” said Pat Prior Sorrells, President and CEO of Camp For All. “This year, we are celebrating our 30th Anniversary, and we could not be more thankful to our Camp For All community for their steadfast commitment each and every day.”
BY: The Camp Friends Board On October 12, Camp For All celebrated HOSTED of Directors FEATURED SPEAKER: Adeline Jansson 30 years with a birthday gala!
The Camp Friends Board welcomed supporters to Star Place at Camp For All FUNDS RAISED: $320,000+ for an inspiring gala evening that included heartwarming camper stories and an opportunity to honor those whose long-standing dedication to the organization has positively impacted the community. The celebratory gala raised more than $320,000 which will go toward supporting the mission of Camp For All for many more years to come. Camper Adeline Jansson shared her own personal story to a crowd of supporters, to which she received a standing ovation. “During my week at Camp,” Adeline said, “I found friends who understand and share my experiences, faced fears that I was sure I would never get over and made lasting memories.” Adeline continued, “I also found the time to chill out, breathe and just be a kid again.” Pat Prior Sorrells, President and CEO of Camp For All said, “It is with immense gratitude that we recognize our Camp For All family for all they have done to support us over the years. We look forward to continuing
this journey together.”
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Come One, Come All to the Greatest Event on Earth! DATE: Saturday, January 27, 2024 LOCATION: The Revaire (7122 Old Katy Rd, Houston, TX 77024) CO-CHAIRS: Yésely Love, Stephanie Magers, Caroline Walter Join us Under the Big Top to celebrate Camp For All on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at The Revaire. We are thrilled to spotlight the evening’s honorees: Ginger Bertrand, Sybil Roos, and the Bertrand/Roos Families for their passionate support of Camp For All. There is room for everyone Under the Big Top and we hope that you can join us!
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 2023 | 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
2023 Camp For All Board of Directors CHAIR
Joshua Samuels, M.D. Marion Anderson Jim Avioli Laurie Baker Tom Behanick Beth Clarke Bob Davis Marcella Foreman Ashley Frysinger Bob Funk Philip Gallegos Steve Gilbreath Amanda Gyeszly Sarah Hastings Kim Hurst Ally Kelly Candy Leiser Michael Lewis Liz Logan Steph Magers Matt Mogas Dena Wren Mumford Stacie Pitts Patrick Samuels Lesley Schick Susie Smith Julie Taetz Martha White EX OFFICIO
Cale Ferguson Jenny Schaer Pat Prior Sorrells McKensie Wren East EMERITUS
Paul Gerson, M.D. Laurence B. Neuhaus Robert S. Zeller, M.D. PRESIDENT AND CEO
Pat Prior Sorrells
GENERAL COUNSEL
Gary W. Miller
Help us create an improved camper experience by checking these items off the Camp For All Wish List! n 50 Twin Mattresses: $10,000 (or $200 each!) Campers get a great night’s sleep!
n Grapple Attachment for Tractor: $3,300 Clearing the way for more camper fun!
n Metal Building Roof Repairs: $8,000
Keeping the sun and the rain off campers!
n Salad Bar for Dining Hall (2): $2,000 ea. More leafy greens for healthy kids!
n Epic CR2 Touch Free Cleaning System: $5,200 – Clean camper places and clean camper spaces!
n Broiler for Kitchen: $3,000
Fresh, hot and crispy food to keep campers going strong!
To donate toward the purchase of these wish list items, please contact Mary Beth Mosley at 346-440-3036, or scan QR code at right. Follow us! Visit www.campforall.org or call 713.686.5666 for more information about donating, attending or volunteering!