Spring 2019 Newsletter

Children’s Association for Maximum Potential Spring 2019 Superhero Thanks Page 1

Magical Summer Page 2

New Director Page 3

Wish List Page 3

Tribe Names Page4-5

Construction Update Page 6-7

CAMP after 40 Years Page 8-9

40th Birthday Gear Page 9

Tributes Page 10-11

CAMPFest Page 12

Thanks for being a CAMP Superhero!

CAMP put the call out for superheroes and you responded! We are so grateful for the love our community has showed for CAMP through the Big Give.

With your support, we raised an amazing $56,455.

Thank you for ensuring children and adults from South Texas will have the opportunity to experience what it means to live life without being defined by their disability. You are our Superheroes and we can’t thank you enough!

Welcome to a Magical Summer!

Sometimes it is hard to believe that CAMP started 40 years ago with a little boy’s dream to ride a horse like his hero, John Wayne. Through the visionary leadership of his physician, Dr. Chris Plauche Johnson, and her colleagues Dr. Fred McCurdy and Dr. Robert DeLemos, that little boy’s dream became a reality.

In the intervening 40 years since, countless magical moments have brought even more dreams to life…  dreams of thousands of Campers accomplishing something new for the first time  dreams of Camper parents witnessing growth and greater independence in their children while also being granted the opportunity to relax and catch their own breath  dreams of CAMP counselors and health care volunteers finding inspiration and carving their paths in the world to help make it better for our Campers, their families, and everyone.

The magic of CAMP is amplified by the love, dedication, spirit, and friendship that each member of the CAMP Family brings to share with one another. In the Summer of 2019 we are enchanted as we celebrate CAMP’s 40 Years of Magic!

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Welcome New Director: Laura Nickel Laura Nickel is super excited to join the CAMP team as our new CAMP Director! She earned her bachelor degree at Texas A&M University (whoop!). Laura also received her master of science in physical therapy at Texas Woman’s University and is a licensed physical therapist.

Prior to coming to CAMP she worked as a director of programs and facilities at a retreat center for children with special needs in Texas, and the director of summer and respite programs at a camp for individuals with behavioral nuances in Ohio. Laura loves being outside and is grateful for a job where she gets to plan and execute awesome programs for the people that come to CAMP!

Spring

We can’t do it without you! https://smile.amazon.com/registry/ wishlist/1CCRONTAQJED3/ ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_mt__wl

J J J J

Activity Balls (Latex-Free) Musical Instruments Swimming Toys & Accessories Life Jackets (Adults & Kids)

J J J J

Tablets & Cases (Medication Admin) Tents & Sleeping Pads (Sioux Tribe) Activity Ropes Archery Foam Targets

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A Season of Change Many changes have been happening at CAMP over the past several months. We have retired some outdated buildings, making way for new structures designed to better meet the needs of our campers and our CAMP Family.

We have said farewell to some long-time staff members and hello to some new members of the CAMP Family who are ready to help see CAMP into its next chapter.

During this season of change we have listened to our CAMP Family, as well as to trends in the summer camp industry as reported by the American Camp Association (which accredits CAMP). At CAMP we have long nurtured a vision centered around dignity and respect for all. Our reflections have led us to realize it is time for us to retire the usage of Native American tribe names at Camp CAMP. (Continued on page 5)

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(Continued from page 4)

We understand that 40 years of history and tradition can create memories and emotions that make any change challenging. We also know that CAMP has long been a leader locally, regionally, nationally, and even internationally in taking a stand in advocating for dignity and respect for individuals who are often marginalized or overlooked altogether.

Considering all of this, going forward we will keep our Tribe structure and colors, choosing to identify our “mascots” with animals native to Texas, and still maintaining our “CAMPS” acronym for the Tribes.

So, with no further ado, here are CAMP’s new Tribes beginning with Summer 2019:

Coyote (prior Cherokee)

Armadillo

Mustang

Puma

Scorpion

(prior Apache)

(prior Mohawk)

(prior Pawnee)

(prior Sioux)

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As many of you know, CAMP started a major capital construction project in August 2018 to build a new Health Care Center, Boys Camper Cabin, and an Arts & Crafts Center. Our expectation was that the project would be completed by early May and we would have a ribbon cutting just in time for Summer Camp.

As it is in real life, there are always bumps in the road that lead to delays or detours - and that is the case with our construction project.

Due to situations out of our control, such as the rainiest fall season on record that caused significant delays during the site and underground utility phase, construction will not be fully completed by May. The CAMP Leadership team and Board have worked diligently to ensure CAMP will continue with its summer camping season – as we have done for the last 40 years.

Buildings that are near completion, but are unable to be occupied, will be locked while they are not in use and no work will be done when camper and volunteers are on site. The new Health Care Center is the building most lagging behind schedule and we have decided that construction on it will continue through summer. The new Health Care Center will be securely fenced off from the rest of camp and construction crews will use an alternate entrance to and from the building. As done in schools while construction is ongoing – construction personnel will go through a background check prior to being allowed Health Care Center

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Arts & Crafts Pavilion

onsite. All construction personnel will check in and display an ID badge identifying them as part of the construction team and will have no access to campers or volunteers. We will also install cameras around the site to ensure no one enters the construction zone. Our general contractor is Krueger Construction Company. They have been in business for over 50 years, and have built over a dozen schools (as well as hospitals and churches). We have reviewed safety and security procedures with them to insure camper and volunteer safety.

For this summer, the Health care center will operate in another building we have established. We will be able to meet the needs of our campers from that location. While we understand this is not the ideal situation, we know that we can keep the project moving forward while giving our campers what we have for the last 40 years – a safe camping environment where they are not defined by their disability, but celebrated for their abilities. The safety of our campers, volunteers, and all others onsite is our utmost priority!

We are planning a ribbon cutting on October 19th, in conjunction with our annual CAMPfest. I hope you will be able to join us in the celebration. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call (210) 671-5411 or email susan.osborne@campcamp.org.

Sincerely,

Susan Osborne Chief Executive Officer

Boys Camper Cabin

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FAQs: Why CAMP is still important after 40 years!

“The more things change, the more they stay the same.”

– Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr

With so many changes at CAMP and in the community these days, we’ve been getting lots of questions about the impact of these current events on CAMP. Here are answers to some of those burning questions.

Q: We’ve heard construction isn’t finished yet at Camp CAMP. Are we still going to be able to have Summer Camp this year?

A: YES! A letter will go out to all our campers and volunteers letting them know what to expect and outlining the steps we will take to ensure the safety for all.

Q: We’ve heard that Morgan’s Wonderland is building a camp.

Is that going to compete with Camp CAMP? Will Camp CAMP still continue?

A: For 40 years CAMP has provided programs and services, and will continue to do so. CAMP has waiting lists for most of its programs, and there are more needs for programs like CAMP. Mr. Hartman was first inspired to pursue this venture because of the positive experiences Morgan has had at Camp CAMP and he invited CAMP staff to help him with the planning for his new facility. Morgan’s Camp will operate under a different model than Camp CAMP while still serving the special needs population. CAMP plans to be around for at least another 40 years! (continued on page 9)

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(continued from page 8)

Q: We’ve heard that CAMP is no longer going to be funded as a United Way partner agency. Is CAMP going to have to discontinue any of its programs or scale back on the number of Campers it serves?

A: At least for right now, the answer is “no.” We will work hard to make sure the answer continues to be “no,” but in being realistic, for organizations like CAMP, funding is a critical piece in helping us deliver our mission. Thankfully, CAMP has been strategic and careful about its budgeting, spending, and saving, and we know that at least in the short-term we will be able to continue offering the same level of safe, fun, quality programs we are known for. Going forward we will have to identify new sources of funding if we are to maintain or grow our programs, but we are already starting to work on that.

40th Anniversary Shirts CAMP is thrilled to offer a special 40th anniversary edition shirts that will only be printed this year in honor of our birthday! Coming in May, you’ll be able to use the link below to purchase shirts for your family members.

bit.ly/40thGear Page 9

Tributes are from December 1 through March 31 Will Alexander

by Mrs. Rosemary Alexander Andy and Julie Allen

by Mr. Paul Rohlfs Kathryn Avenell

by Ms. Susan Avenell Scott Bendle

by Mrs. Pat Bendle Brandon Briery

by Ms. Barbara Bennett Ben and Michelle Elble

by Ms. Constance Behrman Vincent Esqueda

by Mr. George Esqueda Trent Evans

by Linda Cooper

by Ms. Dorothy Jean Evans Eleno Flores

by Ms. Jennifer Davis Bradley Nicolas Gammage

by Ms. Alison Blass

by Ms. Mary Ann Wingo Nancy Gerson

by Ms. Beth Keough Michael Hawkins

by Slattery Perkins Ramirez P.C. Michael Hawkins

by The SPR Family Charitable Giving Fund Belinda and Nerva Hercule

by Ms. Claire Jackson Kenny Hudnall

by David Parker Susan Osborne

by Ms. Kimberly Hinze

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Matthew Petrosky

by Mrs. Karrie Kimbrell Matt Powell

by Ms. Claire Jackson Nathan Powell

by Ms. Claire Jackson Andrew, Emily and Kate Richardson

by Mr. Richard Howe Karen Ridout

by Ms. Andie McClendon Claire Tan

by Lu Wang Jerry Terry

by Johnnie Brooks

by Mr. Eugene Potente Zachary Thurmond

by Ms. Cathy De La Garza

by Mrs. Dawn Thurmond Conrad, Garrett and Liz Tullis

by Mrs. Natalie Matthews

by Mr. Graham Matthews

by Matthews Family Foundation Lauren Weiss

by Mrs. Emily Bragan Abigail White

by Ms. Joanna Linden Brandy and John Williams

by Ms. Claire Jackson The Willoughby Family

by Mrs. Cindy Pennell Jevon Wood

by Ms. Claire Jackson

Tributes are from December 1 through March 31 David Kyle Anguish

by John Anguish Sooner Bell

by Lynette Hinojosa

by Ms. Annette LeRose

by Brittney Mekler Ellen Drenth

by Ms. Dana Tharp Ryan Harris

by Mr. David Harris Meghan Hill

by Mr. Cordis Colburn

by Ms. Lleanna Brinsmade Ian Hinkle

by Mrs. Sabrina Hinkle

by Ms. Martha Hinnenkamp Cody Holmes

by Ms. Karla Rode Lawrence

by Ms. Kathy Mullen Clayton Howard

by Mr. Paul Howard

by Laurie Howard

by Mr. Don Langford

by Ms. Amanda Moore

Brian Lamont

by Mr. Gaylon Lamont April Leese

by Mrs. Pat Bendle

by Mr. David Leese Jay "Cowboy" Lemire

by Mr. Bruce Lemire Dr. Robert de Lemos

by Mr. Donald Null Harriet Morton

by Dr. Charles Morton, MD Marian Levy Rosenthal

by Mrs. Jill Rosenthal Travis Strandby

By Ms. Kristen Ann Algert Rhett Urban

by Community Fdn. of the TX Hill Country

by Mr. Paul Urban

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Saturday, October 19 Fun for the whole family!

Register for Free at bit.ly/CAMPfest before October 12

E

CAMP’s 40th Birthday!

E

Family Resource Fair

E

New Building

E

Games and Activities

Celebration E

Open House and Tours of CAMP

for all ages E

Come dressed in your Halloween Costume!

Children’s Association for Maximum Potential PO Box 27086 | San Antonio, Texas 78227 (210) 671-5411 | www.campcamp.org