THE FOUNDERS’ MESSAGE
“Courage to Care”
The 2025 Trailways Camp, “I Am Special” Camper Reunion was a joy-filled Decade Celebration with 300 campers, caregivers, volunteers, and community guests present. There was so much to celebrate: 4 successful camps despite the weather related challenges; a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who led and supported from the heart, adapting as needed to assure health, safety, and quality; our First Annual Charities Golf Fundraiser and Artistic Abilities Auction made possible by sponsors willing to launch new outreach to the community; selection as a United Way Lee, Hendry and Glades Partner agency effective January 2025 enabled the addition of part time operations and outreach staff support; and the launch of a Volunteer Command Center for camp sessions made it possible to identify the hours of volunteer service Trailways Camp contributes back to the community. On April 1, after three successful seasons as Camp Director, Jamie Senkeleski was appointed Executive Director of Trailways Camp.
The 25/26 year is beginning with a list of new applicants, and a long list of campers waiting to return –and the waiting time is averaging 6 years given current capacity. More camp sessions are needed.
Grampy’s Charities is launching a $50 K Match campaign in partnership with Trailways Camp for the purpose of adding more camp sessions. The Campaign dates are May 26- July 14. Every dollar donated by those who support Trailways Camp during this campaign will be matched by Grampy’s Charities up to $50,000!!!
Please join this campaign to add more camp sessions. Your gift during this campaign time can be made by credit card on the Trailways Camp Give Page, or by check made out to Trailways Camps, Inc, % Sharon or Jerry Miller, 3502 Harbor Ct., Ft. Myers, Florida 33908 will raise an equal dollar contributed by Grampy’s Charities.
Thank you for considering participation in this generous campaign challenge! Your gift can made a major contribution toward providing more adults with special needs with camping experiences, and more of the their caregivers with overnight respite.
We wish you Happy Trails,
Sharon & Jerry Miller, Founders
Guess Who Is Coming to the “I AM SPECIAL”?
Thank you Grampy’s Charities for your continued encouragement and support for Trailways Campers. Jim and Jonatha Castle are supporters of families and those providing caregiving support for adults with special needs. Visit https://www.grampys.org to read more about this amazing team leading an amazing
Did you know that we have a You Tube Channel? If you subscribe you will always be able to be aware of any new video’s from the Camps or “I AM SPECIAL” events. Just go to You Tube, the handle is @trailwayscamps
EVENT & CAMP HAPPENINGS–Sharing our gifts and talents
Are you ready for our horse experiences?
Thank you Chapel by the Sea for providing a grant to renew and upgrade horse experiences for all campers who come while maintaining care standards for the animals who serve us. New safety helmets in several sizes for those who are without medical restrictions to mount a horse and have a led horse experience. A new Mounting Block. For those who are not able to sit atop a horse, we have Mini Horse Entertainment through Naples Therapeutic Riding Center, and pony hand painting experiences. We are so grateful for this very special donation that will benefits all Trailways Campers.
Benjamin G. Miller “Joyful Spirit Award”
A tradition that is part of each Trailways Camp Session is the Awards Assembly at which campers themselves are recognized for the gifts they bring, the achievements reached, and the most remarkable character reflections visible during the gathering. This tradition is carried forward to the Annual “I AM SPECIAL” Camper Reunion & Birth Day event. There are four Founders Awards—one of which has been The Birth Day Closest to that of Benjamin Miller. Upon thoughtful and spiritual reflection we made the decision to release this award, and to establish a new award going forward.
Benjamin lived each day as a joyful spirit. Disappointments or frustrations on a day never carried forward to another day. He loved His Lord and loved each person created by Him. Loving others, serving others, participating in relationships with others were at the core of who he was. This new award recognizes these exceptional characteristics in a participating camper. The new award was presented by the Founders to Julie Lyle on October 15, to Janee Combee on October 21, and Glen Stilley on November 18. Thank you to each one for the opportunity to celebrate you! We now have an Academy of “Joyful Spirits”
