THE FOUNDERS’ MESSAGE
“Courage to Care”
We have made a long term, personal commitment to supporting adults with special needs and their caregivers. To act on our commitment we have made a long-term commitment to developing Trailways Camp as a nonprofit corporation, led and staffed by individuals willing to make the same commitment. Together we are developing a multiyear strategic plan to guide outreach, collaborative relationships, and program growth. We know the need and we are investing in the future.
We have asked you to walk with us in your hearts, with your talents and gifts, with your service, and with your financial resources. Campers pay only a $40 registration fee. Voluntary donations are requested. Inclusive overnight experiences providing overnight respite for caregivers have a financial cost.
Will you consider how you might be able to help with costs for camper scholarships, added camp sessions, reunion events, experiences for those on the long waiting lists to return?
Give here on the website or send your contribution to Trailways Camps, Inc., c/o Sharon or Jerry Miller, 3502 Harbor Ct., Ft. Myers, Florida 33908
Happy Trails,
Sharon & Jerry Miller, Founders
Guess Who is coming to Camp in 2025!
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 outreach to our community.
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 provides further assistance for those who are not able to sit atop a horse. Mini Horse Entertainment is provided through Naples Therapeutic Riding Center. Pony hand painting experiences top off the fun. We are so grateful for this very special donation that will benefits all Trailways Campers.
Benjamin G. Miller “Joyful Spirit” Academy
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 has been presented by the Founders to Julie Lyle, Janee Combee, and Glen Stilley. Anna B., Niki Dondero, Allison Occhionero and Eric Voorheis. Each was officially inducted into the Benjamin G. Miller “Joyful Spirit” Academy at the 2024 Camper Reunion event. Thank you to each one for the opportunity to celebrate you!