After the board of directors fired the elders in April, I can't recommend that anyone attend this camp. Many volunteers and staffers won't be returning because of this decision, and despite this, the directors still fail to see the issue at hand. Comments on posted are being censored, and the review function under the camp blessing Facebook page has been taken away. Certain users on social media are also being blocked from voicing their opinions, and can't comment. Camp blessing has changed, and the current leadership is more focused on money than ministry.
The board and executive director, GA, do not get the mission of camp. If you’re able to convince yourself that getting rid of the Elders will save your ministry, you must have the worst judgement known to man. I would never trust my child in the hands of Greg and the current board and you shouldn’t either.
I have two adorable special needs granddaughters. Skyler is twelve and has autism and her little sister, Brook, is seven with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and intellectual disability. Until this summer they had never stayed away from family for even a day, but this summer the went ti Camp Blessing for five days and four nights.
We were terrified to leave tge girls but going to their start up dinner made us relax. The volunteer counsellors were wonderful and showed us around the camp. They managed to get the girls to try the big swing which was tricky given Skyler does not like to try new things. The next day she said it was scary, but she would do it again when they went to summer camp. By the time we left we felt confident the girls would have fun and be safe.
When we met their counsellors they were amazing. They asked about the girls - what to watch for with Brook's seizures, if Sky coukd be touched or not, and we volunteered that Brook is a runner and that Skyler will stop and squat anytime, anywhere to watch a bug.
We left the girls and expected a call to come get them when night fell, but no call came. They swam, rode horses, did the zipline, big swing and canoe. They had a themed party every night and had a ball. They are already planning a return next summer.
This was a wonderful opportunity for them to spread their wings in a safe and loving environment. It is difficukt to find ways to expand their world, but Camp Blessing is clearly one of those places and a true blessing to the special needs community.
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We have two special needs girls who will be spending their first overnight camp at CAMP BLESSING this summer. We are so blessed to have this opportunity fir the girls. The camp is letting the sisters ages 12 and 7 be in the same cabin along with one of their friends. Everyone at CAMP BLESSING has been a blessing for Skyker and Brook.
I have a ten year old with Down syndrome and a typical 18 year old. My boys have been going to Camp Blessing for the last four years and I am never sure you really benefits the most out of this experience.
My 18 year old always comes back so full of God and recognizing what is really important in the world. By serving others with special needs, he feels like Christ is always working through him and learning something about himself through the different teens he is helping.
My 10 year old, well to say that he takes full advantage of the non stop activities that Camp Blessing has to offer, is a mild understatement. He has been able to experience thing that he would never be able to if it were not for Camp Blessing and the wonderful volunteers.
I was nervous sending them the first year, but honestly say that this was the best decision I have ever made on their behalfs!
My kids both served as counselors at Camp Blessing last year. They went to serve others but they were the ones who came away blessed. They were truly transformed in that one week where they learned the true blessing in being the hands and feet of Christ. They developed real, lifelong relationships with their campers and can't wait to go back next year! Thank you Camp Blessing!
My son is diagnosed with a genetic disorder, autism, an intellectual disability, plus a few others. He is high functioning but not enough to be independent. Camp Blessing offers each camper a dedicated buddy who helps translate the world plus they make sure each camper has fun, makes friends, and learns the good news about Jesus Christ. My son is a rock star for a week; the best week of the year for him.
I'm writing to highly recommend Camp Blessing Texas as the very best camp experience for special needs children and adults, as well as an organization that is worthy of your financial gift, time, or talent.
I'm a 'camper Mom' and my son James lives with autism and epilepsy. For the last 18 years I have raised him through divorce, then the death of his father, which caused me to focus completely on my son, other family members, and my work.
In 2006, the first year Camp began, James was one of the original campers. He has been a camper each summer since then and just finished his 11th consecutive camp a few weeks ago in 2016. I know the founders and the directors personally and love and respect them. We are like a family and if you allow your child or adult to experience Camp, I'm sure you will feel the same way. They run the Camp with integrity, extreme FUN, love and acceptance, all the while keeping safety in mind. Over the years I have also become a volunteer myself.
My son's favorite things to do at camp are swimming, horseback riding, arts and crafts, canoeing, archery, fishing, 'messy games,' themed dance nights, and the talent show. There's more too! I am impressed at how Camp is run. There is a hand-picked volunteer that's assigned to each camper and is within arms reach of your camper at all times. This is very rare, as most camps have one counselor to a group of campers. That 'buddy' is constantly with your camper. They form a bond, and we have been blessed to stay in touch with some of James' buddies long after Camp is over.
James talks about Camp all through the year, and it's the only time I can get a few days of vacation. During James' third year at Camp, I had not had a vacation (even one day) in 15 years. During that third year, I decided that he was doing so well at Camp that maybe I could go away for four days. Yes, I was apprehensive at first because I had not ever been away from him, but my older son and I flew to Portland, OR to visit my daughter and son-in-law.
It was an incredible experience to be away on respite and have the assurance that James was having a great time and being watched so lovingly.
You'll never have to worry about your child's meds and or special diet, as a phenomenal medical and kitchen team have a proven method of making sure all meds are distributed correctly and no forbidden foods are given to your child. Initially, I wasn't sure how that would be handled because sometimes, as a parent, I think that no one can take care of James like I can. After 11 years of Camp, I can assure you that the utmost care is taken with your child's meds and special diets. My son is also Gluten free and casein-free (GFCF) and I am more than pleased at the detailed attention given to this. I'm completely at ease.
After leasing camp facilities for 11 years, we have just purchased a facility and acreage in Brenham and are in a capital campaign to make it into the Camp that the campers and families have come to expect. Next year in 2017 we will have camp there instead of renting facilities, and need everyone's help to achieve this.
Last but not least, Camp Blessing Texas has a yearly Christian theme and staff and volunteers are godly men and women, teens, and young adults that serve willingly with an open heart. When you become a camper family, donor, board member, volunteer, or serve in any other capacity, you'll be doing one of the greatest acts of service for special needs individuals and families that you can imagine.
When your camper comes home with the special photo album and the Camp DVD (from just the week that was attended), you'll experience almost first-hand what it's like to 'be' at Camp.
The Camp Blessing staff all love God and treat your camper like they are the most special individual that God has ever created. That's because— they are.
This is an amazing camp with an amazing vision. This is truly a place of acceptance, love and Christ! My favorite week of the summer every summer!
Camp Blessing is an amazing place. My sons with special needs have been to camp there two years in a row and it is almost impossible to accurately convey in words how amazing this place is. They do everything us parents do aa far as caretaking and not only give the kids an amazing camp experience but give the parents reslite. The counselors are blessed as well. My boys just got home and want to go back.
A little bit of Heaven on Earth.
I have now been involved with Camp Blessing Texas (CBTX) for 9 summers now; 5 years as a SOTK ( Servant of The King) and 4 years on Staff. I can say this camp does not just change the lives of the campers who keep coming back every year; it also makes an impact on the volunteers and the staff. So many people have walked away changed, myself included. Too be honest it is hard to explain or put into words that convey everything that Camp Blessing Texas is to the people who have walked through our gates without experiencing it for yourself.
How do you convey the emotions you experience and see when...
You sit on a horse behind a little boy or girl who is wheelchair bound and gets to ride for the first time.
To ask a camper who has been blind all his life to trust you because he wants to climb a rock walk but gets scared half way up.
To be sitting 40 feet up on a platform talking to a camper and telling them that the zip line wire is so strong that it can hold several elephants without breaking, to ask them if they want to fly.
To go on a adventure to the mysterious island, to be spy kids, to have treasure hunts, and sit in the dirt and dig holes for hours.
To set up a booty bag for the zip line for a camper who has never walked so they can feel how it is to fly, to be free.
To see campers get excited and go all out for our dance parties and talent shows.
Helping a camper shoot a bow and arrow, or fish. (Record is 14 fish, no joke)
To hold a little girl in your arms because she is sobbing uncontrollably, because she doesn't feel loved, and has no friends because all the kids think she is weird. To stroke her hair and tell her repeatedly that you love her so much till she calms down. To wipe away her tears and try to hold back your own because your heart is breaking for hers.
To see campers, counselors, and even staff, cling to a cross and thank God for an amazing week where they were loved and accepted and wish they could stay at camp forever. To lift each other up and pray a blessing on each other.
How do you put all those emotions into words...I could use words like love, joy, broken, restored...etc. Yet, they feel so generic. I guess the best way to put CBTX into words for someone who has never experienced it before would be 'A little bit of Heaven on Earth'.
Right now CBTX has a campaign called 'Build a Blessing' where they are trying to raise the money needed to build their own camp. Can you believe they have been a mobile camp for 10 years now!! Everything I said above and much more has happened on so many different camp sites, were we have had to adapt to their grounds and that can be a little challenging with wheelchairs and other equipment needed by our campers. The good news is God has blessed them with property, now they just need to build.
I have supported Camp Blessing Texas financially, prayerfully, and physically. I hope you will choose to help them build a Blessing so many more campers and volunteers will be able to experience Camp Blessing.
To learn more about Camp Blessing Texas you can visit their site here: http://campblessing.org/
Review from #MyGivingStory
As a parent of two special needs children,I know it is scary to even consider sending your kids that have such a unique and structured scheduled to an overnight camp, let alone a 4 nights camp! It feels like a swimmer jumping into the deep end of the pool for the very first time. Scary - but the plunge needs to be taken. It is an important step that all parents of children with disabilities need to do no matter how reluctant they are to do it. One day, we (the parents) will no longer be around. Away camps help build the independence our children require in order to help fulfill their development into adulthood. Thus, when our family discovered Camp Blessing, through word of mouth of many satisfied clients, we knew we had to try it for our two children. The online registration asked many detailed questions that later our childrens' one on one counselor had access to read to learn every unique detail about our kids prior to them coming to Camp Blessing. The registration process gave me a piece of mind knowing I can list everything from medication requirements to what to avoid such as fear of a loud noise, etc. When camp day finally came, wow was it exciting!!! My girls ran down a tunnel of cheering camp counselors! Other volunteers delivered their luggage to their cabin. My husband and I were then free to speak to one of the four nurses on staff to insure medication was distributed appropriately over the course of 5 days. On day 5, we picked up our two girls. Their faces showed how much fun they had at camp. Their one on one counselor shared so many adventures our girls had at Camp Blessing! The giant swing, ziplining, fishing, canoeing, swimming pool swimtime and singing songs! Fun theme nights --- messy games, dance party, talent show. Praying over the cross in cabin groups and giving praise to our Lord and Savior. Camp Blessing has been THE BEST life experience my girls have ever had. I can honestly say this because they both CRY and do not want to leave on day 5! They both beg to stay longer at Camp Blessing. We have taken our girls on fun vacations like Atlantis and Disneyworld. They have never cried to leave these vacation destinations. They never cry to leave anywhere - a park, a birthday party, a fun waterpark. They ONLY have ever cried to leave Camp Blessing. They both love the counselors, and the Elders (directors) that much. We call Camp Blessing the girls' "Disneyworld." It is their happiest place on Earth. Take the plunge into deep end and put your faith into the love and devotion Camp Blessing bestows upon our children and adults with disabilities. You will not regret it and your loved one will thank you later for it.
Camp Blessing is like no other place on earth. God does amazing things in the lives of campers and families through Camp Blessing. I am a youth pastor and I take teenagers every year to help work at Camp Blessing. It is amazing to see the way that God uses teenagers. I highly recommend Camp Blessing to other ministries - it is a life changing week. Being with campers 24x7 for an entire week is amazing. Campers are incredible and we are so fortunate to get to spend the week with them!
Camp Blessing Tx is such a blessing to our family. Our daughter has been attending for 6 years! She absolutely loves it!!! There is nothing like the anticipation of getting ready for camp. What costumes to select for the socials
At night & what part does she play for the talent show. She loves worshipping
Jesus in all the positive activities at camp & adores her chaperone for the week!
The cross carry & Bible stories are done in such a way that everyone has such a positive memory of it forever. All the volunteers have such a loving & gracious heart that I know she will be lovingly nourished all week.
Camp Blessing Tx is a place where our special needs sons & daughters are accepted & loved for who they are! Us Parents know we have been blessed with exceptional individuals & so does Camp Blessing Tx.
My name is Cameron Broyles, I'm 14 and I have cerebral palsy. I just want to say that Camp Blessings is my all time favorite summer camp! I've been to 4 different camps for kids with disabilities and I love this one the most because the focus is on God. It just makes you feel good like your closer to God for the whole week. There are really not a lot of camps to choose from for kids like me, I can't even attend my own church summer camp which is a bummer. I love seeing the same people year after year like Tarzan, Cole and Kitty Purry. I almost didn't get to go this summer because my mom filled out the paperwork too late and Mr. Elder found a spot for me at the last minute so that I could play in a charity power soccer game. I look forward to going every summer...CAMP BLESSING ROCKS!
I can always count on crying at least one time every summer - during the closing program at the end of my son, Luke's, week at Camp Blessing. To see how each one of these special needs adults and children are celebrated, to see the smiles on their faces and the faces of the extraordinary staff and volunteers as the week draws to a close is enough to bring tears to anyone's eyes. Camp Blessing provides an atmosphere of celebration of the uniqueness of each individual camper. The staff and volunteers look at our children through the eyes of God. The staff provide boundless opportunities for active participation regardless of severity of disability and at the end of it all they give each child a photo album and DVD so that they can relive their experiences over and over. My son insists that we look at his DVD or photo album at least weekly! Camp Blessing provides abundant/varied activities, 1-1 camper/buddy match-ups, knowledgeable professional staff , excellent medical care, and an atmosphere of acceptance, love, and understanding. I have ended our family vacation early and traveled 1200 miles to get my son to camp when a spot opened up at the last minute on their waiting list for him - that is how much I value this camp. If you want to see what a picture of true happiness looks like, go to their website and view the pictures of campers posted there - one of them is my son!
We have two boys who volunteer at Camp Blessing. While the camp was created to serve the campers, the volunteers come away with so much more. The leaders are all focused on growing both the campers and volunteers faith in our Lord. God's love is so evident from the moment you arrive. Both of our boys declare that their week at Camp Blessing is the "Best Week of Summer." They love spending time with the campers and are always disappointed when the week is over, as much as the campers. We love Camp Blessing and always encourage anyone with special needs to check it out because it is such a blessing to all who attend!!
Camp Blessing truly lives up to it's name-everything surrounding our camp experience was truly a blessing. From the amazing greeting campers receive upon arrival, to the staff team who not only love campers but also keep them safe, Camp Blessing incarnates the love of God for all. As the parent of a special needs teen, I could leave my son a camp knowing he would be well cared for, loved and celebrated for who he is. From drop off to pick up, I never had a worry because I knew our son would have a great time with all the fun activitiees and most importantly, would leave Camp Blessing knowing the deep and amazing love God has for him.
My son has attended Camp Blessing Texas for 2 years now. I am completely amazed by this camp! When you drive up, and your child gets out of the car, God takes over. Your kid feels it, you feel it, and their buddy feels it too! My son has severe CP and is non-verbal. At times, I think he may feel left out because you have to really work to get him involved with a group...but, not at Camp Blessing TX! I can guarantee you he feels a part of everything. Here's how I know: I have to de-camp him when he gets home. :) It takes about 1 week. As soon as he wakes up upon returning home, he is ready to go. After he eats, he looks at me like, "What's next, Mom?" Then he looks at me, "What are we going to do after that?" This goes on for a few days and just makes my heart smile! Thank you Camp Blessing Texas! The Hill Family
Camp Blessing is a God-send. They have the most amazing staff and directors and volunteers that will cater any person with any special need and make their summer one to never forget. As a parent, it provides my spouse and me a much-needed respite and we always have the utmost faith that our special-needs children are in the best of care while we recharge our batteries. God Bless Camp Blessing!
Camp Blessing is amazing! Our son has been a camper since the second year camp was offered. He has multiple disabilities. We know he will have a great time while he is at camp participating in activities he doesn't have the opportunity to enjoy any place else. The wonderful staff and volunteers give him the best care while he's there. It is the only time during the year my husband and I can spend several days with each other. Our daughter has also loved camp. She has gone for 4 years as a sibling and can't wait until she's old enough to be a Barn Stormer. It's a wonderful experience!
Both of my children have attended Camp Blessing and have benefited tremendously from their experience. My daughter attended as a camper and is counting the days until next summer. Although she has significant global development delays, she was able to ride horses, climb a rock wall and feel like a star in the camp talent show. The camp always has a trained medical professional to help with her medical needs.
My fourteen year old son attended as a volunteer; he cleaned cabins and bathrooms, served meals and played with the campers during their activities. He can't wait to go back next summer as well. I have seen such growth and compassion in the way he interacts with his younger sister since his week at Camp Blessing. It has made him a more tolerant, understanding, and kind young man.
Camp Blessing is an incredibly remarkable place for everyone who attends.
I was very reluctant sending my 7 year old son with Down syndrome to an overnight camp but I am glad I did because I was emotionally and spiritually touched by how he was taken care of and loved by all the staff. The directors, staff, volunteers, and his buddy were amazing not just with my son but with all kids and their parents. I highly recommend Camp Blessing!
CAMP BLESSING is an amazing place!!! The children are made to feel very accepted and they all have an awesome time!!! The love and attention that the people at this camp give to each child is overwhelming!!!
Camp Blessing is the place where I see Jesus most in our world. Every year I serve, I am amazed at the time and effort the staff puts in to make sure each summer of camp is a great experience for families. There is NO place that compares to CBTX and I consider myself very privileged to be a part of their mission during my summers.
My daughter Marissa who is special needs has been attending Camp Blessing for about 5 years. This camp has given her the opportunity to be more independent and to do so many things that other "typical" children can do. She absolutely LOVES Camp Blessing and looks forward to it every year. She Loves praising Jesus and being able to do so, so openly at Camp. The Staff and volunteers are so caring and genuine. I am so Happy that we found Camp Blessing. Marissa will be a lifelong camper.
Camp Blessing lives up to its name! I have three kids, a niece, and a sister-in-law who have served and continue to serve at Camp Blessing every summer. The first time my oldest daughter asked me if she could have money to serve at Camp Blessing as a Barnstormer I asked her what she would be doing. She said she would be cleaning toilets and doing dishes and changing sheets and what ever they needed. I thought "and you have to pay to do that"? That summer when she came home from camp she was pumped up to serve at home and with a good attitude. When I saw her singing and doing dishes and taking other serving opportunities with joy, then I realized that the service she gives at Camp Blessing was just as much for her as it was for the campers. She was blessed by serving at Camp Blessing so much that she became a blessing to all of us at home! She loved it so much that my other kids couldn't wait to become of age to volunteer as well. And then some of our extended family also went this summer to see what was so fun. The blessings that the special needs campers experience from being served well doesn't just stop with them.... Camp Blessing keeps blessing and blessing!!
I had the opportunity to be on Staff at Camp Blessing this summer and it was truly the most incredible experience I have ever had. The directors, staff, and volunteers are all so hardworking, loving, and have such an incredible passion for the Lord. The campers bring so much joy to everyone around them are are loved unconditionally by everyone at camp. It is impossible to leave Camp Blessing without being forever changed.
After attending a summer session at Camp Blessing, my son cannot stop talking about what a great week he had. In fact he talks about Camp Blessing year round, and looks forward to next summer. Camp Blessing has truly been a blessing for our family. The entire staff is awesome and amaze me every year! Extremely caring, organized and well trained. They routinely provide special diets and are very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
This past summer was the first time I volunteered at Camp Blessing, and it changed my life! The amazing staff and directors are extremely approachable, they have such strong rooted faith, and they care so much about every camper. The abundant support at CBTX set Camp Blessing apart from other camps. I had not worked extensively with children with special needs before(Anyone can be a volunteer, they have a great training program for the volunteers before the campers arrive!) but I never felt alone or lost during my time at Camp Blessing. On a personal level, Camp Blessing opened my eyes to a passion that I did not know I had. I am truly grateful for my time at Camp Blessing and I highly recommend this organization!
I have been an adult volunteer at Camp Blessing a couple of times. It is the BEST! It is amazing to see special needs kids do things that they or anyone else never thought they could. I also love seeing the youth volunteers grow up and really change during their time at Camp Blessing. Camp Blessing is an amazing place, has great leadership and is highly recommended for both campers and volunteers. If you go once you will most certainly keep going back!
My kids have volunteered at Camp Blessing for the past 4 summers. Each time they've served, they have come away as blessed and enriched as the campers. It is a wonderful camp! Camp Blessing is so unique in what it provides - a "regular" camp experience for special kids. And it provides unique opportunities for kids to serve. My kids have learned so much from camp -- how to work with all kinds of people, how to serve, how to be loving and patient and kind, and to be grateful every day. We are so thankful for Camp Blessing! It is indeed a great nonprofit!
Camp Blessing is a fantastic ministry. I know some of the Board Members and I'm very familiar with the camp Directors - absolutely awesome people. Rest assured, this is a fiscally responsible organization, but far more important, their hearts reflect that of true servants. They desire to serve, bless and show Jesus, to the campers, as well as to the parents of campers. Camp Blessing is amazing!
Camp Blessing has changed my life! Sharing the Love and Joy of Jesus with every staff member, camper and volunteer is a blessing. There is nothing greater than giving an adventurous camp experience to our loved ones with special needs. Camp Blessing allows each and every person to feel unconditionally loved and accepted. Can't wait for next summer!
I was first a volunteer and then had the utmost privilege of joining the staff family at Camp Blessing. The very grounds of this place are inhabited by the Holy Spirit--it is a place of full acceptance of the perfection God has placed in His precious children. Staff members and volunteers come with ready hearts to serve and love and in return realize that the amount of beauty and joy that has been lavished on them by campers was beyond their wildest thought. The directors purely aim to please their Creator and find that the celebration of special campers and seeing the worship that these campers offer is a subtle glimpse of the heavenly Kingdom we will one day delight in together.
Camp Blessing Texas is a wonderful place to serve. I have recommended many of my friends to come and be apart of what is happening. Every summer kids come to serve and leave changed themselves. I would rate this a five on the people, program, and love they have for volunteers and campers alike.
My daughter has been a camper at Camp Blessing for the last two years. It has been an amazing experience for both her and our family. She LOVES camp and her counselors. It is such a great feeling to drop your child (with special needs) off at camp and know that she will be LOVED and cared for while enjoying a "real" camp experience. WE LOVE CAMP BLESSING!!!!!
I have worked at camp Blessing the last 3 summers and I have been forever changed! The directors do an amazing job at having prayer filled vision for everything. The Lord is the ultimate foundation for camp blessing and everyone that attended camp; camper, volunteer or staff leaves with a better understanding of how big our God is. The purpose of camp is to allow camper to feel loved, accepted, valued maybe for the first time in their lives. Camp blessing is an amazing ministry with an incredible vision and I would love if everyone could experience it because it will truly change your life!
Our son is one of the original 17 campers from when Camp Blessing began in 2006, and has attended every year. I could list tons of things he loves about camp, but I think I can best summarize how awesome Camp Blessing is with this one fact:
Last summer, his Best Buddies club at school planned a trip to Disney World for a week. Due to our finances, we were not able to send him to both Disney World and Camp Blessing, and so we asked him to choose. Without hesitating, he picked Camp Blessing.
Maybe there is a NEW "Happiest Place On Earth".... :-)
I am a parent of a child who attends Camp Blessing. My daughter has cerebral palsy and struggles with depression. She does not like being different and cannot understand why she has cerebral palsy. Camp Blessing is a place where all differences are embraced and all children are accepted. Camp Blessing gives her hope through the love of Jesus Christ as seen in all of the people working at the camp. She is accepted, valued and loved just as she is. She gets to feel special and enjoy all the activities. She is not limited because of her disability. Thanks Camp Blessing!
I have attended Camp Blessing for the last 5 years. I love the food, the cabins, the counselors and all the activities. I especially love hanging out with friends and getting a break from my family!
This organization is an inspiration to all. Our daughter Aly volunteered to be a counselor for her required service hours for high school. Following the wonderful experience at Camp Blessing she has volunteered for the past 2 summers and will do so again this summer. She has a great ability and desire to spend time with children with Downs Syndrome. This camp has blessed her with that opportunity as she searches on how she can continue working in this area in her adult life after college. She has made some wonderful friendships with counselors, and more importantly with campers where she continues to spend time with them - taking them to movies, or the mall to shop or just hang out with them. What a life changing experience, thank you Camp Blessing for all you do!
For the past three summers, I have volunteered as a nurse at Camp Blessing. I have also accompanied 30 nursing students to work in the clinic and serve as camp counselors for campers. The students and I have been touched by many interactions with the campers and staff at Camp Blessing. It is amazing how the campers receive individualized care with a counselor for each camper. My students and I have grown professionally and personally by volunteering at this wonderful camp.
As far as the camper's experience, I think that can best be reflected by a prayer that I overheard from one camper: "Dear Lord, please let the year go by really fast so I can come back to Camp Blessing!"
Natalie Bachynsky, MSN, RN, CNE
Our Daughter Erin attended Camp Blessing this summer for the first time and she really enjoyed it. We were a little apprehensive at first but the Elder's and all the entire staff at Camp Blessing were wonderful and made us feel very comfortable about leaving our special needs daughter at camp for the first time. We were very impressed with this organization. We really feel blessed to have found this camp and plan on sending Erin every year, as well as get involved with them in any way we can. they are a God send for families with special need children. Erin had a wonderful time and has not stopped talking about it, and has asked to watch the video many times since her return.
We have had the privilege of getting to attend Camp Blessing for the last two summers. I can't say enough about this wonderful experience. I knew from the moment we arrived that my son would be loved and cared for by his own team Kody. His older brother joined him this summer for sibling camp and when I asked him what he thought about it he said it changed his life. It is a rewarding experience for my children and for me too. It is a wonderful feeling to know that they are having a great time and growing closer to The Lord with the amazing ministry of each volunteer. I encourage parents with children that have special needs to let them have the chance to experience Camp Blessing.
Camp blessing is the greatest camp for our daughter who has CP. They treat her as a NORMAL person who God created as special. The directors and counselors and everyone at the camp has a unique way of loving your child and allowing the parents and other family members to get away and not have to worry about our special kids. I cant begin to even try to say how much love and care our child feels while at this camp! She loves it and so do we. I give the camp the highest grade possible and totally recommend it to everyone.
Camp Blessing has been a tremendous blessing for our family since it opened several years ago. My son, James, who has multiple disabilities, attended the first year of camp and has gone each year since its beginning. James loves camp and can't wait to go. The counselors who care for him are outstanding and the staff and leaders do an awesome job of meeting the needs of the campers and providing many fun activities for the campers to participate in. James' favorite is the zip-line! Compassion and loving acceptance are the standard for Camp Blessing. The whole staff strives to give the campers a memorable and one-of-a-kind experience and parents are able to leave with the assurance that their son or daughter is in good hands. Camp Blessing is a wonderful experience!
I have worked at Camp Blessing for 4 summers and I absolutely love it! This camp is so different and anyone that walks through the gates can agree. I have grown as a person at this camp and I have learned to really put others before myself. We as staff have to build relationships in a short period of time and with God's help we can. Camp Blessing a piece of Heaven on Earth and I am truly blessed to have had an opportunity to experience it.
Worked here as a as counselor (one on one) with a child. The first year it opened back when it was Camp Barnabas, TX. Love what they do and stand for. It is life changing for volunteers, children and their parents. I wish i could to it again but the position I am in life right now just have not had a chance! Maybe someday again. Everyone is truly welcome :) God Bless, Megan
Camp Blessing is amazing! It is such a life changing event. This year was my first year to volunteer here and I served for the three most amazing weeks ever! I was a counselor twice and a barn barnstormer once. The love and acceptance from everyone is so inspiring! From the moment I got out of the car I could feel the love of God here. It was so amazing to serve along side with so many other selfless, loving and accepting volunteers and staff! I can't wait to return! 7 more months!
Camp Blessing is my favorite place on Earth. It is the only place I have come to find where everyone truly is welcomed and served without expecting anything in return. This camp is aptly named because it truly a blessing for everyone involved, not just campers. I volunteered at Camp Blessing in 2011 and was on stuff this past summer (2012). My life was forever changed. Job opportunities have been exposed to me that I never would have even thought about before. I have met so many wonderful people that all share my love for the Lord and for serving. The list of all the amazing things you can experience because of camp is unending. There is no "camp high," because you cannot leave camp the same as you came in. Once you arrive at camp, you change, and it's for good. My life is so much sweeter because of my experiences at camp. Watching people with disabilities and people without disabilities come together and be loved and treated equally, that is rare in today's society. Camp Blessing has truly mastered something beautiful. I recommend it to everyone I know. My boyfriend was wary in his walk with the Lord, but through seeing my faith and lessons I learned from camp, he has been renewed. Where once he questioned, he now accepts. Where once he faltered, he now triumphs. It is all because of Camp Blessing. No matter where you are in life, Camp Blessing can help you.
I have volunteered at Camp Blessing for 5 years as a volunteer and this past summer was on staff. I can personally say that Camp Blessing Texas has had a life changing effect on my life and has even opened doors for career options I would have never known about. The people involved in CBTX care so much about the people they serve that they go above and beyond to make sure they can do all the activities and parties at camp. CBTX is a place of love and acceptance that is just an amazing place to be and experience.
Camp Blessing is a life changing camp geared towards beautiful children with special needs. I have volunteered at this camp twice, once this summer (2012) and the summer before (2011). Both time I had an amazing, life changing experience and developed a close relationship with a camper. We got to do so many fun things together like zip lining and rock climbing and fishing and so much more! But what makes this camp stand out is the love of Christ shown to all who attend it. The volunteers come thinking they'll change a camper's life when really their own lives are changed. I would recommend camp blessing to any and everyone! It is an outstanding camp with amazing leaders who love the Lord and those campers!
Our special needs child was fortunate enough to be able to attend Camp Blessing Texas last year. He had a great time and was well taken care of. Camp Blessing is great, because they are one of the few Summer camps out there that would take a camper with the level of disability that our son has, so for that we are greatful! We hope our camper will be able to go back next year! We only hope that Camp Blessing will continue to recieve additional support so that they can expand their efforts in the years to come!
Camp Blessing is truly a blessing to everyone involved! Our daughter loves her days at camp each summer because from the moment she arrives she is welcomed with cheers, hugs and acceptance. All of the staff and counselors are amazing! They give of themselves to meet the personal needs of each individual child with whatever special needs the child may have. It is always so reassuring to see how our daughter's counselor seeks to care for her needs as we would at home. These amazing people love these kiddos with the Lord's love, and we are so thankful each summer for the impact it has on our entire family.
This is the second year that our daughter has attended Camp Blessing, and it has been the highlight of her year both times! Our daughter is functionally quadriplegic and non-verbal, and there are many fun activities that she is excluded from because of her disabilities. What an amazing blessing to have a place where she can be so valued and included in every activity, and where the love of Christ is so clearly proclaimed and demonstrated! Camp Blessing has an amazing staff who love and care for the children as if they were their own. They also bless the parents by giving us a true break from the daily responsibilities of caring for a Special Needs child. I thank the Lord for Camp Blessing and would recommend them to anyone with a special child like ours!
I have been going to Camp Blessing for 4 years and every time I go I am blown away by the selflessness found in every volunteer and staff member. The directors of the camp are so willing to be there for you and they cater to the campers needs to a tee.
Working at Camp Blessing changed my life. Every week there grew me as a man. My greatest joy has been in serving there. I cannot wait to go back and be involved with loving this amazing campers!
Cannot even begin to express our love for Camp Blessing. My kids have served here for three summers. We have altered vacation plans to make sure that they are there...per their request!! This is always the most important part of their year. I am thankful for the opportunity that Camp Blessing has given my kids to grow in Christ and serve other precious children! We love you guy!!!!
I have volunteered at Camp Blessing for the past 3 summers. It is a place near and dear to my heart. The first year God called me to serve I made excuses for reasons I couldn't go... distance since I live in Tennessee, single parent to 3 children, financial expense...but for every door I tried to close, He opened an answer. His plan was awesome - I witnessed first hand unconditional love from some of the most giving, honorable, Christian young adults I have ever met. I went thinking I was going to give so much, but in reality I was the one who was blessed - by the counselors and by the campers. Camp Blessing is a family serving children who happen to have special needs. It was the most wonderful experience of my life. I am returning to volunteer again this summer and feel so fortunate that my 15 year old son is joining me as a junior counselor.
This will be our third year attending Camp Blessing. I have been so pleased and impressed with the staff and the facility. From the moment you arrive you can feel the love and the excitement that the volunteers have for the campers. It's a contagious joy. The fear of "can you manage my child?" is replaced with "your child is welcome here" They say "thank you for sharing your child with us, he is a blessing." The activities are well planned. They have flexibility to meet individual abilities and likes. The counselors are from all over the country and they are hand picked, amazing and excellent young adults. I especially appreciate that they have guys matched with the boy campers. I have been to other camps where my son has a female counselor and that presents challenges. The camp is also affordable, however, you can't put a price on respite. And it's comforting to know that if necessary I can get to the camp quickly because it's so close to home. I hope to be able to volunteer at Camp Blessing myself and give back to this ministry that has blessed so many.
My son who is non-verbal and autistic has attended two summers in a row. Words cannot express the experience he had and if that weren't enough we now have life long friends that we will love and cherish forever. Spencer's typical day consists of intensive one on one therapy 9-4 and the evenings are generally confind to our home as it can be challenging to take him out in public. Camp B allowed him to explore and do things that are not otherwise possible for a kid that is as profoundly affected as he is.
As a parent his time gave us some much needed respite. We were able to go on date nights again!! Finding childcare for a disabled child is a real challenge and overnight care is unheard of. It was so refreshing for us to have a few nights where we could just "chill". When he returned home we were well rested and ready to take those challenges back on with a song in our hearts.
Additionally my older son who is not disabled was able to attend camp alongside his brother and other kids just like him who live with a sibling with a disability every day. His awareness and acceptance for his brother (and people with disabilities in general) was so dramatically changed!! Many times parents put their kids in counseling to help them cope with a disabled sibling...i feel like there is no amount of counseling that could have done what camp did for our son!!
Camp Blessing is truly amazing!!!
My nephew volunteered as a counselor this past summer and had a great time with all of the kids. This camp is truly a blessing to not only the campers, but also the volunteers who help everything run smoothly.
What an extra-ordinary facility that helps nourish growth and love.
My granddaughter is visually impaired. Her family heard about Camp Blessing from her school advisor. She attended Camp Blessing for the first time last summer (2010). What a grand experience she had. She loved every miinute of the activities. What an ideal counselor to camp attendee ratio. For her to feel safe, loved, and blessed all at the same time is monumental! Thank Camp Blessing!
I have two boys with Mental Retardation and they will both be attending Camp Blessing for the first time this summer. I have had the pleasure of speaking with the director and his wife and I believe that my boys are not only going to enjoy themselves thoroughly, but also be spiritually uplifted and gain a closer relationship to Christ. The registration process was thorough and I am comfortable in knowing that they know my boys and their needs before they will arrive. The camp offers a wide variety of activities that my kids don't get to do during their regular schedule. I am very excited for my boys and can't wait to get their feedback this summer!!
Our son has attended Camp Blessing 2 years in a row. Our family's lives has tremendously changed experiencing him going to camp. The staff is awesome. The love of God that is shown to everyone that comes to camp is phenomenal. The staff makes each and every camper feel so special from the time they arrive until departure time. They love on you and there is a sense of peace when leaving your love ones in the care of the staff. The campers get to experience more than they could ever imagine. Camp Blessing makes camp to a love one with a disability feel like they have no challenges - they can conquer the world. I love these people and all they do for our love ones.
Thank you
I have a nephew with autism that has attended Camp Blessing and loves it. His brother also goes to camp with him and has met friends that have siblings with disabilities. I think this is so important so that he can share with friends that have the same family dynamic. This experience has been so good for both of them. The counselors are so caring.
I have a grandson Spencer who is nine years old and is autistic. Camp blessing this past summer was a teriffic experience. He enjoyed doing things outdoors like other kids get to experience and what was really cool was his twelve year old brother went and the programs for siblings of special needs kids was great. They both had a great time and it also gave there parents a week to themselves to regenerate and think about there special mission in life raising a special needs child.
This will be Nicole's 5th year to attend Camp Blessing (Camp Barnabus) Texas. We want to thank the campers, volunteers and leaders for the most wonderful camping experience ever. Nicole looks forward to this camp because she "can do" all activities and has a blast. God has truly Blessed Texas. Love, The Larson Family.
My son, Quentin, is 13 years old and diagnosed with moderate autism; he talks sometimes but has a severe language disorder. We are very concerned that most people will not understand his requests, his like and dislikes or his somewhat unusual behaviors. For this reason, Q (Quentin) had not spent the night anywhere except with us (his parents and 2 siblings). However, Q is getting older and desires social experiences so when his opportunity came up last summer to attend, I didn't even think about it. I responded, Yes!, sign him up. The next few weeks were difficult though. I had a hard time imagining his staying away from home. I was so very frightened for him, and perhaps myself. Raising Quentin is very hard work, but I had a difficult time letting go. Well, the day came to drop him off and I was nervous; but when I saw the love, enthusiasm, and excitement of the volunteers, my nervousness was calmed. Q happily jumped out of the car....without hesitation! Q has a 6th sense, and I read when he is not comfortable. This was NOT the case. Q was excited and ready for us to leave. The love of God was all throughout the facility and grounds. It felt wonderful there and, as a parent, I knew we were doing the right thing. The second half of this story was the day we returned to pick Q up. I unabashedly cried. Nonstop. I cried so, that I couldn't speak (and that's rare). I tried to say thank you to the volunteers, but I could only weep. I appreciate this opportunity to say what I couldn't say on the day of the Family Program. It was so beautiful. I cried for all of the love and wonderful work of the volunteers. They even provided a picture book show the events during the camp and this is paramount when your child cannot communicate! This program is truly God's work. I had never seen anything like it. I not only cried for the experience provided to our son, but for what Camp Blessing provides for all the youth that attend. A young teen girl, who did not walk, wanted to praise God; so one of the volunteers picked her up and jogged around the facility. She was SO Happy! One young teen volunteer followed us back to our car as we left, she was tearful that her time to volunteer had ended; she was returning home. Isn't that just beautiful? There was not one or two beautiful young people volunteering....it was a whole entire building full of wonderful Christian, God-loving, God-serving people (youth and adults) with hearts bigger than Texas! All of the children with disabilities were smiling, joyous or just present (in there own way). There was NO stigma, no pain, no shame, just love. My son is returning this summer and we are asking family members to help us afford the opportunity. Even though Bro. Elder said to pay what we can, I am asking everyone we know to chip in. My teen daughter is also hoping to volunteer in order to give back to the organization (she volunteers locally as well). I tell others about the program when I have the opportunity. It was the first time our family operated without Quentin at home. We have a very close knit family of 5; but it is good for everyone to have space sometimes I think. I recommend Camp Blessing to families with children of any disability. The volunteers and leaders are truly a blessing to our youngsters. What I learned from this experience is that Q needed it and we needed it too. Thank you, Camp Blessing, and may God continue to bless you to bless others! You have our support and our undying gratitude.
My daughter is 11 yrs old and has Down syndrome. She attended CBTX last year for the 1st time and has been talking about it ever since. She had a blast, made lots of friends and felt special going off to camp. The experience was wonderful for her and it allowed me to have some much needed respite. CBTX took such good care of her and allowed her to build childhood memories she will never forget. Camp Blessing is a blessing for our special kids.
My daughter was the 21st person in the world diagnosed with Smith-Magenis Syndrome. Most people do not understand my daughter and her disability which causes much isolation and a lack of people who are in our lives. In steps Camp Blessing... my daughter is not only accepted, but loved and valued for who she is. She talks about camp all year and lives for the day she will step into a world where she is valued. Every year when I go pick her up and get a small dose of what she experience mt heart cries with gratitude for this wonderful Camp which truley is Camp BLESSING!!!! I just wish the rest of the world could be like Camp Blessing. That would be a place I would love to live.
This camp is an amazing place. My son has attended the camp in the past and will be attending again this year. He had so much fun and it was a great experience for him.
This camp has been a huge blessing to our family and many others. My wife and I volunteered here for the past four summers. The founders have huge hearts for serving children with special needs and showing them the love God has for them as well as His truths. The staff and volunteers experience growth in their own spiritual walk by laying down and serving. We call it "being the hands and feet of Christ" I have 5 children, two having special needs.
Review from Guidestar