CAMP Matters, 4th Quarter, 2015

Children’s Association for Maximum Potential 4th Quarter, 2015

THANKSGIVING Savoring the Season

Respite Club Calendar Thanksgiving

Respite Club Applications Family Weekend

Respite Calendar

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YOU Make CAMP Possible

3

Memories Reflected

5

Thank YOU for Making Wishes Come True

7

Why Respite?

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Health Care Volunteer

CAMP Board of Directors

CAMP Advisory

President Mike Zerda Vice President Kyle Garetson Secretary Dr. Toni Hill Treasurer Jean Magargee

Committee Julianne Bass Josh Gerstner Elena Guajardo Dr. Janessa Manning Dr. Fred McCurdy Jim Pennekamp Richard A. Ramirez Dr. Madeleine Reichert Chuck Smith Fred Swaney Dr. Phyllis Thompson Vanessa Vance

Julie Allen Dana Fox Jamie Fox Keith Holloway Kenneth McConnell Dr. Alycia Maurer Dr. Azreena Thomas

Savoring the Season

Staff Directory

Once Upon a Gala Happy Endings and YOU

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CAMP Tributes

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Executive Director Susan Osborne CAMP CFC #25279

#225

Thanksgiving Savoring the Season

Mark Your Calendar

Dear CAMP Friends, Every year it seems that the season for Thanksgiving gets shorter and shorter. We rush from the hijinks of Halloween straight into the Giving Season. But this year I want to slow down, savor Thanksgiving, and share gratitude.

So, this issue of CAMP Matters is all about YOU, the faithful CAMP Supporter. Thank YOU for the many things YOU do to make CAMP a magical place and for the giving the gifts of YOUR time, talent, and treasure.

Support CAMP when YOU Shop!

YOU make CAMP happen and we couldn’t be more grateful!

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 @

Memories Reflected in th Cole loves CAMP! He enjoys the activities and joy found doing them in a completely stress free environment.

as far as he could. Satisfied that the lock was taken care of, he returned to the business of opening the gate.

“He especially loves his counselor, Dawn,” said Cole’s dad, Health Care Volunteer & Top Doc, Dr. Dan. “When he sees anything that reminds him of CAMP he gets a big smile on his face.”

But Cole’s counselor was one step ahead of him. Cole’s dad recalls, “The goats didn’t escape that day, but they were ready!”

The goats are his favorite. One morning, they were bleating for their breakfast so Cole went over to see them. His dad and counselor watched from a safe distance to give Cole a moment of independence.

Because of CAMP, I understand a little deeper….

Camp CAMP has helped me remember that all children are individuals who shouldn’t be defined by a medical condition and that they’re part of a family with parents who also need to be recognized as individuals.

I try very hard to reflect this in my encounters with patients in clinic and hospital settings and I teach the residents I train to recognize the family and their needs, too.

I wish they could all come to CAMP! ~Dr. Dan - Health Care Volunteer~

“He started fiddling with the lock and to our surprise he pulled the thing off,” said Dr. Dan. At that point Cole’s counselor sprang into action, “No Cole, we can’t do that,” she said.

Not to be undone, Cole took evasive measures. He scurried to a grassy area behind the goat pen and tossed the lock

As the father of a child with Down Syndrome, Dr. Dan recognizes, “Parents who have a child with special healthcare needs just want someone who understands them, someone who’s been through what they are experiencing.”

He also recognizes the need for encouragement. “It gives me hope for Cole, when I see other children with

he Eyes of Cole and Dr. Dan According to Dr. Dan, “The life lessons learned in one week at CAMP are more valuable than any lecture in any classroom any where.”

Dr. Dan is grateful for everyone who works together to make a CAMP magical place for Cole. “Every time we’ve been there, he seems to come away with a bit more confidence and his mind full of priceless memories. The kind he can’t put into words but that are felt in his heart and reflected in his eyes.”

Down Syndrome who are a little bit older, who can speak and read and still have that positive loving attitude.”

When asked to share his favorite CAMP memory, Dr. Dan gets a little misty. He recounts the day that Cole leaped between himself and a water pistol shooting CAMPer. “Cole came running up, faced the CAMPer, threw his arms wide in protection, and pushed me back saying ’NO!’ I’ll never forget the moment when my little boy showed such a powerful display of unconditional love for me.”

Dr. Dan’s goal while he is at CAMP is to keep everyone healthy so they don’t miss any part of the CAMP experience.

“I see the impact CAMP has on CAMPers and their families.

CAMP also is a wonderful growth experience for the many Volunteers. It’s very fulfilling for me to support their efforts.”

Click here to learn how YOU can Strengthen and Inspire individuals with special needs - and those who care for them through Recreation, Respite, and Education.

Thank YOU for Making Wishes Come True!

We have been blown away this year by the generosity of CAMP Wish List donors.

“When it comes to the Wish List,” said Assistant CAMP Director Alex Sego, “I like to think of donors as the cool aunts and uncles of CAMP.” The CAMP budget runs just like your average family budget. There are

lots of great learning toys and other things we would love to buy because they would enhance CAMP programs but, due to budget constraints, we can’t.

My favorite part are the notes included with gifts, from a CAMPer family or staff alumni expressing fond memories and the difference CAMP has made in their lives.”

“That’s where the cool aunts and uncles come in,” said Sego. “Each time a Wish List gift is delivered, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning!

Thank YOU for giving Wish List Donations. Your gifts support the program, and remind all of us of why we do what we do!

Why Respite?

Parenting is a challenging job for all parents, but even more so for parents whose kids have special needs.

The added challenges and caregiving responsibilities faced by parents who care for individuals with special needs can lead to higher levels of stress, which has been known to cause health issues.

Caregivers often report feeling so behind in the things they need to accomplish that they don’t believe they can stop to take a break.

But self-care is important!

Think about it this way. In an emergency, airlines always advise passengers to first put on their own oxygen mask before

assisting other passengers.

It is easy to understand why – if you become incapacitated due to lack of oxygen you won’t be able to take care of yourself or anyone else.

Caregiving works much in the same way.

The reality is that when caregivers take advantage of opportunities for rest and renewal, it ultimately

helps them caregivers.

be

better

Written by Brandon G. Briery, Ph.D. Chief Program Officer CAMP gratefully acknowledges the many volunteers and donors who make respite programs possible for families of individuals with special needs!

The 7th Annual Starry Night CAMP Once upon a time, in the kingdom of CAMP, the Executive Council decreed that The 7th Annual Starry Night CAMP Gala would be held to honor Carroll and Patty Schubert for their great deeds to strengthen and inspire individuals with special needs.

Invitations were dispatched and CAMP friends journeyed from far and wide to celebrate and make merry!

Honorees Carroll and Patty Schubert

Alumni Andrew Wickersham, Shelby Vigil, Sam Reese, Emily Nichols, & Carley Brauer

Assistant CAMP Director Alex Sego and CAMPer/Greeter Allison Hoch

Valero Volunteers, Stefanie Diebler, Karen Muehlbauer, Megan Duge, Anel De Leon, and Kay Bartlett

Emcee Steve Spriester & Executive Director Susan Osborne (pictured, Kurt Wilkinson)

Honorees Carroll and Patty Schubert talk about what makes CAMP great.

P Gala: Once Upon a Happy Ending!

The kingdom of CAMP rejoiced at the great generosity of their friends. Those who gathered gave gifts totaling $201,260 to support individuals with special needs in their quests to reach their Maximum Potential.

Thank YOU for being part of this happy ending! Click here to view more photos.

Claire and Peter Wickersham and Dr. Brandon Briery, Ph. D.

Dr. Jessica Murphy and former CAMP Director Hope deLemos

Dr. Madeleine Reichert-Zachery and Board President Mike Zerda

Honoree Carroll Schubert with Board Secretary Dr. Toni Hill

CAMPer Parents Andy and Julie Allen with son Collins share the CAMP love.

Carroll Schubert and Guest Auctioneer Tom “T-Bone� Bounds host Fund the Fun

CAMP Memorials

CHRISTY BROWN Ron and Phebe Brown MS. BETTE GRIFFIN Raymond Judd Ms. Mary Swearingen Charles Thompson Claudia True Carolyn and John Turney MEGHAN HILL Ron and Alicia Thomas

CAMP Honorariums

CARROLL AND PATTY SCHUBERT Marise McDermott

YOU matter to us! Have you moved?

Do you need to update your records?

Would you like to speak with someone in the development office?

Contact us any time, we’re happy to help.

Contact Nancy Gerson (210) 671-7955 or email nancy.gerson@campcamp.org.

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