Looking Ahead with the “Courage to Care”
Dear Friends,
As we begin the 2026–2027 season, our hearts are full. We think often of our sons, Robert and Benjamin, whose joy inspired Trailways Camp, and of the hundreds of campers, families, volunteers, and friends whose “Courage to Care” carries that joy forward today. With our Board’s new 2026–2028 Strategic Plan as our guide, we are looking ahead with hope and with a clear sense of purpose.
This year, we’re expanding in exciting new ways to reach more campers and families than ever before:
- Day Camping Experiences, launched in September on Sanibel, with plans to host more at various locations in Lee County.
- Return Camper Camp welcomes back campers who have been on the waiting list to return.
- The Trailways Camps Podcast offers a new source of caregiver support and community resources.
Our first priority will always be the health, safety, and well-being of every camper. As Trailways Camp grows, we are committed to keeping the same high standards of care and quality that families have trusted for so many years.
We also know that too many adults with special needs have limited opportunities for fun with friends and a sense of community. That’s why we’re working to bring more camping opportunities to rural and underserved areas, where services are exceptionally scarce and the need is great.
For the more than 500 campers waiting to return, we hear you, and we’re working to shorten the wait. Thanks to generous friends like Grampy’s Charities, our February 2027 camp is dedicated to returning campers.
This year, we will also take time to listen and learn. By evaluating the long-term impact of camp on families, we can better understand what matters most and keep improving the experience for campers and caregivers alike.
And because caregivers deserve support every day, not just during camp, we’re growing online resources and community information, including our new podcast, to help families find encouragement and connection year-round.
None of this happens without you. Thank you for your “Courage to Care” through your prayers, your time, and your generosity. Together, we will keep creating “A Place Where You Are Something Special.”
Happy Trails!
Sharon & Jerry Miller, Founders
