Camp Blue Skies: #SpotlightOnCLT Autism Awareness
Today's highlight for #SpotlightOnCLT Autism Awareness is all about Camp Blue Skies. This camp specializes in programs for adults with disabilities. Programs like this can be life changing not only for the adult in the program, but for the caregivers who give so much, and for the volunteers who have the honor of participating at Camp Blue Skies.
What would you like for the community to know about the challenges your organization is trying to solve?
Adults with developmental disabilities often face challenges and a lack of resources when it comes to recreation, life skills education, and socialization. Camp Blue Skies provides opportunities for all three at our camps in the Carolinas and Georgia.
What is your organization's role in the community?
Camp Blue Skies offers a traditinal overnight camp experience to adults with devlopmental disabilities. Our sessions provide much-needed respite for parents and caregivers.
We love impact stories, could you share some?
Our volunteers tell us our camps are life-changing for them. "It's the best week of my life, every year" — volunteer Daniel Wood. Also, one of our volunteers (Casey Carver) changed careers after volunteering with us for a few years. Another said: "I'm not sure who gets more out of camp, me or the campers. I always leave with a heart full of love and loads of energy."
About the image pictured above: Brent Sesler (in the photo) is the inspiration behind Camp Blue Skies. His father, Dick Sesler, started the camps after Brent turned 21. Dick realized the shortage of social, recreational and educational opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. Brent has Williams syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.
Contact: Crystal Dempsey
crystal@campblueskies.org
SHARE Charlotte Nonprofit Profile: Camp Blue Skies