Children’s Association for Maximum Potential 1st Quarter, 2016
We Must-ache You a Question. Did YOU #TurnInYourPaperwork?
Save Your Cell Phone for Selfies... The Power of a Small Gift:
Online Applications are NOT Mobile Friendly!
Use a Computer for ALL CAMP Online Applications! Start an Application Today @ campcamp.org CAMP Board of Directors President Mike Zerda Vice President Robert Kyle Garetson Secretary Dr. Toni Hill Vice Secretary Dana Fox Treasurer Jean Margargee Vice Treasurer Dr. Azreena Thomas Julie Allen Keith Holloway Ed Kreusel Dr. Alycia Maurer Kenneth McConnell
CAMP Advisory Committee Julianne Bass Jamie Fox Selena Frost Elena Guajardo Janessa Manning Dr. Fred McCurdy Anton Montano Jim Pennekamp Richard A. Ramirez Dr. Madeleine Reichert Chuck Smith Fred Swaney Dr. Phyllis Thompson Vanessa Vance
There Are NO Small Gifts!
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CAMP to Host 10th Annual CAMPfest
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5 Ways CAMP Benefits CAMPers
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Dignity Training Moves Beyond CAMP’s Borders
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Volunteer Work Groups Make CAMP Shine
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A Fairy Tale Beginning
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Memorials and Honorariums
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Executive Director Staff Directory Susan Osborne CAMP CFC #25279
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The Power of a Small Gift:
There Are NO Small Gifts! Participation in The Big Give SA has been a wonderful way for Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP) to connect with the generosity of San Antonio and the surrounding counties. The Big Give SA not only creates a larger conversation about charitable giving, it also seeks to include donors who don’t see themselves as philanthropists in the traditional sense. The minimum donation amount of ten dollars welcomes everyone to participate. Lest you think that a ten dollar gift is trivial, or that it lacks impact please read on. Just as the oft’ quoted theatrical adage goes, “There are no small parts in a play…”, there are also no small donations to a nonprofit.
Mark Your Calendar
Saturday, April 2, 2016, 11am-4pm Music, activities, splash pad, & food! Bring the family and enjoy a day in the beautiful Hill Country. Directions & RSVP
Today through April 17th Support CAMP in the Valero TX Open Birdies for Charity & Win! Support CAMP when YOU Shop!
Such is the case for CAMP. It’s the little things that make CAMP meaningful for CAMPers - and their families. Take arts and crafts for example…CAMPers use their imagination to create things of beauty that commemorate a week of achieving their Maximum Potential, and when the CAMPers return home and proudly display their works of art…it’s HUGE! The cost of a week’s worth of arts and crafts supplies per CAMPer? Ten dollars! See, there really are no small gifts. Sincerely,
Susan Osborne, Executive Director
CAMP’s mission is to strengthen and inspire individuals with special needs - and those who care for them - through Recreation, Respite, and Education.
Connect With CAMP @
CAMP to Host 10th Annual CAMPfest Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP) will host its 10th Annual CAMPfest event on Saturday, April 2nd, from 11 am to 4 pm at Camp CAMP located at 515 Skyline Drive in Center Point, Texas. Load up the family and bring a friend to this FREE event which includes activities, food, and entertainment as well as a resource fair and bake sale.
the runway in the CAMP Fashion Show, we provide the makeup and styles, you rock the runway. You can showcase your vocal talent in CAMP Karaoke, or cheer along with the Tivy High School cheer squad and mascot. The Cadence Cloggers may even join us, too!
Do you just want to have fun? H.E.Buddy will be there to meet kids of all ages and everyone will love the bounce castle, carnival games, petting zoo, and a visit from the Kerrville Firetruck and Ambulance. Be sure to bring a towel because the splash pad in the CAMP Aquatics Center will be open too, weather permitting.
Have lunch on us! At CAMP we know
“CAMPfest is CAMP’s annual open house. We invite perspective volunteers, CAMPers, and their families to come try CAMP out, before applying for camping programs,” said Executive Director Susan Osborne. “There’s something for everyone and it’s all FREE!”
having fun works up a powerful appetite, so grab a hot dog or hamburger in the CAMP Dining Hall. When you’re done, swing by the bake sale for some sweets. At CAMP Gluten-free options are always available. You might even find a Hill Country treasure in the silent auction. “The Resource Fair will be a wonderful chance CAMP families and community members to learn about the incredible services offered through local agencies,” said Lauren Weiss, Development Manager and CAMPfest coordinator.
Are you an artsy type? We’ve got crafts Want to learn more about CAMP? Attend with Artful Start, music with Smart Opera, face painting, and the art of outdoor cooking...with ice! You can even get your picture drawn by caricature artist Erica Missey.
Got a passion for performance? Take to
one of three question & answer sessions led by senior camping staff, get help with summer applications, or take a tour of camp. Click here to register to attend or go to www.campcamp.org. We’ll see YOU there!
Click Here to let us know you’re coming!
5 Ways CAMP Benefits CAMPers For 37 years CAMP has been providing individ- 4. CAMP Helps CAMPers Develop Lifelong uals with special needs aged 5 to 50 accessible Friendships - CAMP is a place to explore camping experiences. Here are the top five interests with others. The CAMP community reasons CAMPers benefit from attending a provides strong connections to other summer session. individuals with special needs as CAMPers share new experiences, overcome fears, and 1. CAMP is Fun - First and foremost, CAMP work together in teams. encourages everyone to have fun! CAMPers have the opportunity to do things that they do not get to do otherwise. From tubing the lazy river, singing at Karaoke, or horseback riding, CAMP offers the thrill of trying something new to all CAMPers in an encouraging, accessible environment.
Imagine what can happen when we give individuals with special needs opportunities to experience independence and confidence at an early age. 5. CAMP Creates Memories that Last a Lifetime - Every year CAMPers return to CAMP to create memories of acceptance, accomplishment, friendship, and joy. CAMP is life-changing, it is a place where CAMPers learn what they enjoy, what they’re good at, and how to succeed with a support system.
2. CAMP Builds Confidence & Self-Esteem Every session, CAMPers’ names are recorded in the “Book of Firsts”, as peers and counselors champion CAMPers through new experiences. CAMPers are celebrated for trying or achieving something new, giving CAMPers a sense of accomplishment. 3. CAMP Instills Independence - Imagine what can happen when we start offering individuals with special needs opportunities to experience independence and confidence at an early age. At CAMP, CAMPers have the chance to try new experiences on their own with the support of peer mentors who help them grow in strength, independence, and self-confidence.
To start YOUR CAMPer’s summer 2016 Camp Application go to www.campcamp.org Click here to review CAMP’s 3 Step Application Process Online applications are NOT mobile friendly, use a computer for ALL submissions
Dignity Training Moves Beyond CAMP’s Borders
One of CAMP’s core values is treating everyone with dignity and respect. We emphasize these concepts when training our CAMP staff and volunteers and encourage our entire CAMP family to carry these concepts out into the world. By treating all people regardless of their skills, abilities, diagnoses, challenges, or any other distinguishing characteristic - with dignity and respect, we make the world a better place. We were recently privileged to learn of some first-hand evidence of the ripple effect this training has. Former CAMP Volunteer Heather Keiler-Green, now a teacher at Texas School for the Deaf in Austin, recommended that CAMP Staff be invited to provide “Dignity Training” for her fellow teachers. Teachers at Texas School for the Deaf interact daily with individuals who are deaf and students who have a variety of other special needs. As a result, their staff is already attuned to issues of dignity and
respect for individuals who are different from the general population. CAMP was honored to be invited to share our perspective on “dignity” with their staff, to deepen and broaden their understanding, and to deliver “dignity and respect for all” concepts. While leading the training we also learned a great deal from the staff at Texas School for the Deaf. CAMP’s mission is to strengthen and inspire individuals with special needs - and those who who care for them – through Recreation, Respite, and Education. Sharing Dignity Training with those who interact with individuals with special needs is central to our mission. If you have an organization that would benefit from such a training, let us know. We are happy to share with your group – and work together to change the world, one person at a time!
For more information on scheduling CAMP Staff to lead a Dignity Training, email: brandon.briery@campcamp.org or call the CAMP office at (210) 671-5411. Written by Brandon G. Briery Ph.D, Chief Program Officer/Executive Camping Director.
Volunteer Work Group When Center Point Facilities Manager, Ken Kaiser, started working at CAMP last summer he hit the ground running!
put in some sweat equity for a good cause and learn a bit while they’re at it,” said Ken.
“I have spent a significant part of my professional career organizing and facilitating volunteer work groups at special needs camps all around the country,” Ken said.
He will tell you that CAMP has a healthy list of projects that will keep volunteers busy for a long time, but Ken has a couple of dream projects up his sleeve, too.
You might say, volunteers are Ken’s passion. “I think people really enjoy volunteering when they’re challenged and have meaningful work to do.
“I’d like to build a zip line that would cross over a portion of the canyon AND a giant accessible tree fort,” he said. “I’m convinced there are groups out there that would be totally interested in taking on these projects. They just might not know it yet.”
CAMP can work with almost any type of group from civic clubs and organizations, to churches, schools, colleges, and corporations. “Anyone who is willing to
Above - Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Ability Experience - College men from the five University of Texas Branches with Ken Kaiser, Ben Elble, Chef Javi, and Mason Howerton in front of the new wheelchair accessible ramp leading to the office. Below - Two of the six projects completed by Pi Kappa Phi. Thanks Guys!
ps Make CAMP Shine
Top—CAMP Alumni Group - Back Row L-R Ken Kaiser, Anthony Cona, Dylan Nelson, Alex Sego, Mason Howerton, Dana Fox, Rebecca “Twig” Sheddrick, Mick Fox, Jacob, Ann, Edward Gonzalez , Front row Ethan, Elizabeth Nelson, Niles, Joey McCormick, Liam, and Billy Rodriguez Middle L - Niles and Dylan Middle Rt - Liam Bottom– Elizabeth Nelson and Ethan
Good Volunteers don’t always have the time, but they always have the heart. Thanks! Want to schedule YOUR group to volunteer at CAMP? Contact Sarah Coulombe.
Volunteer Groups cont...
Anthony Cona, Zack Shaffer, Jacob , and Rebecca (Twig) Sheddrick breaking down briar patch.
Zack Shaffer and Dylan Nelson clearing the way to the river.
Dana Fox and Niles on a tree trimming mission.
Billy Rodriguez tackles tricky tree trimming.
Ken Kaiser, Dana Fox, Billy Rodriguez, and Joey McCormick on gate parole.
Dana Fox, Elizabeth Nelson, Ethan, and Niles clear the aquatic center rock beds.
Make William’s Day on the 3rd of May!
A Fairy Tale Beginning Dr. Robert deLemos, fondly known as Dr. D, was a founding member of the CAMP Board of Directors. He served CAMP for 17 years. Upon his death in 1997, his ashes were scattered at the site of the CAMP Chapel. One of the volunteer projects that has been completed recently is the restoration of the CAMP Chapel. The extensive renovation included replacing the entire deck and railings, a fresh coat of paint, tree clearing and landscaping, as well as repairs to the memorial walkway. The project was completed in early December thanks to a labor of love by CAMP staff and some help from a group of USAA volunteers. The first ceremony to take place in the renovated chapel was a fairy tale beginning for a cherished member of the CAMP family. On December 31st, Dr. D’s youngest daughter Hope deLemos, returned to the CAMP Chapel to wed Frank Davis. The couple followed their wedding with a CAMP Star Lighting Ceremony in Dr. D’s memory and for a moment the deLemos family was whole again. CAMP wishes Hope and Frank a life filled with every happiness!
CAMP Honorariums ALAMO HEIGHTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Michael Crocker ANDY AND JULIE ALLEN Paul and Pam Rohlfs IAN ANDERSON Mrs. Janice Reed-Anderson
VINCENT ESQUEDA George and Mary Esqueda
MS. MARGARET MATTHEWS Margi Sauder
TRENT EVANS Dorothy Jean Evans
LOGAN MOODIE Myron and Laura Moodie ROSEMARY PISANI Charles and Veronica Morton
KAMRAN GHARIB Barbara Kidwell
BETTY BECK Mickle and Dana E. Fox
TALI, ARYEH AND RACHEL HARIF Shlomi Harif
SCOTT AND SHANNON BENDLE Larry and Pat Bendle
JAVON WOOD AND BELINDA HERCULE Claire Jackson
DR. BRANDON BRIERY Ms. Marcia Cochran Charlotte Caples Tafaro GIG AND SAMMIE BRIERY Dr. Brandon Briery SUSAN CALDECOTT-JOHNSON Bill Johnson and Susan Caldecott-Johnson DAVID CEJA Larry and Margaret Cannon MS. HOPE deLEMOS Martha deLemos SAMUEL DeROUSSE Seguin and Beulah DeRousse
BETH HOWE Richard and Linda Howe MS. KATHY HOWE AND MR. JOHN LILLY Richard and Linda Howe PRESTON LEE Kyulan Family Foundation ANNA LENNARTSON L. Sherwood Lennartson MS. LILLIANA MANCILLA Ms. Linda M. Segura
MATT AND NATE POWELL Kelly Frankum JEFF REILY Kelly Frankum BETH REYES Ms. Sandra Chapman-Burson KYLE SPRINGER Susan Strasevicz BRANDY AND JOHN WILLIAMS Claire Jackson
YOU matter to us! Have you moved recently? Do you need to update your records? Would you like to speak with someone in the development office? Contact Lauren Weiss (210) 671-6002 lauren.weiss@campcamp.org.
CAMP Memorials M. HILL cont. Rob and Jean Nichols Benjamine Reid E.D. Santarelli
ROBERT A. deLEMOS, M.D. Krupman Family Foundation RYAN HARRIS Mr. David Harris MEGHAN HILL Chuck and Linda Callahan Col. (R) David and Marcia Gifford Rebecca Halstead General (R) J.T and Dr. Toni Hill Mike and Barbie Lynch
IAN HINKLE Sheila Bailey Brenda Bowman Carolyn Boyd Pamela Breedlove Jacqueline Buffington Vicki Emmons Melissa Gallagher Timothy and Sandra Gamblin Terri Grimes Martha Hinnenkamp Naomi Jackson Beth Kellum Janet Kirby Kelly Low Katherine Martin Meghan Meyers
BRIAN LAMONT Gaylon and Christy ODENE McOWEN Ms. Janel Champion TRAVIS STRAND Norman and Nancy Algert RHETT URBAN Paul Urban
Lackland AFB CAMP Executive Offices
Center Point Camp CAMP Facility
Please send all CAMPer & volunteer paperwork or donations here.
Please send mail & faxes here only when your CAMPer, Volunteer, or Staff Member is at CAMP.
Mailing Address:
Mailing Address:
PO Box 27086 San Antonio, TX 78227
PO Box 999 Center Point, TX 78010
Physical Address:
Physical Address:
2525 Ladd Street Lackland AFB, TX 78236
515 Skyline Drive Center Point, TX 78010
Tel: (210) 671-5411 Fax: (210) 671-5225
Tel: (830) 634-2267 Fax: (210) 858-8035
campmail@campcamp.org