Camp Is Our Specialty. Joy Is Our Purpose.

Special Camps is my personal ministry. This organization has not only given me the opportunity to use my spiritual gifts to serve others, but the campers are so loving that they minister to me. It is no surprise that we talk about, and look forward to, the camps all year long!

Jay Byham - Special Camps Volunteer

From the moment I arrived at Special Camps over a decade ago, I felt like I joined a big family! The campers have taught me so much, and have shown me how to cheer others on, how to be a good friend and how to see the best in others. Through fun activities, music, crafts, and chats at mealtime, I have made many friends and always look forward to camp in the summertime.

Allison Hendrix - Special Camps Volunteer

Special Camps has been a part of my life since 1979 and is something I still treasure each year. As a professional educator in the field of special education, it has been a blessing to spend time with campers who teach me as much as I teach them. Many of my former students have been involved in the special camp experience as campers beginning as children through adulthood. I personally enjoyed summer camp growing up, and I love being able to share camping with people of all ages and abilities. I cannot imagine my life without Special Camps.

Sherry Sublett - Special Camps Volunteer

"Every year my aunt, Cathy, looks forward to Adult Special Camp at Camp Sumatanga. She can't wait to see her old friends, some of them she's known for over 40 years, and make new ones. When I drop her off she is always welcomed with open arms, love and excitement. Cathy enjoys the arts & crafts and activities, but I think what she loves most is just feeling accepted and part of something. Camp has meant so much to her over the years...something to look forward to. We thank every worker and volunteer that has dedicated their time to making it such a special place for so many adults with disabilities. You make a difference in their lives!"

Wendy Lawless - Camper Cathy Wiley's Guardian

Special Camps is a place where you can truly be yourself. You receive unconditional love regardless who or what you are. My camp family has changed my life all for the better. We are so excited for camp each year, and I am always counting the days down to be reunited with all of my camp family.

Darlene Spruill - Special Camps Adult Camp Director

The best part of Special Camps is hearing about campers looking forward all year long to their time at camp. So many campers have been coming for years and as a rookie myself, it's inspiring to hear stories and traditions from so many years past. As soon as I was introduced to Special Camps, I knew it would capture my heart. I was fortunate enough to hear about the blessings that Special Camps had brought to counselors and wanted to be a part of building on memories for years to come. Special Camps captivated me by reminding me just how simple it is to bring a tremendous amount of joy and happiness to others. I hope to continue to spread Special Camps blessings and encourage others to make the biggest difference in the life of the sweetest people.

Maggie Mason - Special Camps Board Member

I really enjoy spending time with my friends and counselors during Special Camps. Some of my favorite parts of camp are breakfast, swimming, hiking, arts and crafts, and archery. Everyone was really nice and I had a great time. I hope we get to have camp again soon and I really hope we can have a slip and slide.

Jordan Marsh - Camper

I don’t remember a time before Special Camps was “home” to me. My parents, Larry and Margaret Stephens, first introduced me in 1985, when I was 2 years old. Because of their involvement and dedication, our family participated in Summer and Fall Special Camps every year. It was just what we did. When I was 13, I got to stay the whole week as a babysitter for another “camp baby” whose parents were volunteers. Beginning at age 14, I was a counselor for 5 years, and then a group leader for 7 years. In 2009, I became a Director, and trained under Barbara Euler, who had been the first Adult Special Camps Director. When Special Camps became a nonprofit, I served as the first Board President. I stepped down as both Board President and Director when I became Operations Director in 2020. Having grown up at Special Camps, many campers, counselors, and their families became an extension of my own family. Special Camps is more than a location. It is a group of volunteers, campers, and families who come together to appreciate, love, and encourage one another in our joys and struggles, not just at camp, but throughout the year. We welcome both new and seasoned volunteers and campers each year to be part of an experience that, by God’s grace, always surpasses our expectations. It is an example of God’s love and grace in action for which I am incredibly grateful. From my earliest memory, I have been a part of Special Camps, and Special Camps has been a part of me.

Joy Davis - Special Camps Operations Director 2019