This story originally appeared in the 2025 SOAR365 Annual Report. Click here to view a digital version of the report.
SOAR365 Summer Camp gives families peace of mind—and campers unforgettable joy.
When Ann heard about SOAR365’s Summer Camp for kids and adults with disabilities, she was excited.
Her son, Phil, loves to be outside – visiting parks with his caregiver, Dala; jumping on his trampoline; or spending time with his family’s goats, chickens and dogs.
She knew he’d enjoy all the outdoor fun at Summer Camp – but she was also worried. Like many of our campers, Phil has both developmental disabilities and medical conditions – and he had never been to an overnight camp before.
“I really wanted him to have the experience – and I wanted us to have the experience of the respite – but I was really nervous about it,” she adds. “Phil requires a pretty intense level of care.”
Tricia Puryear, VP of Human Services, offered to give Ann and Phil a personal tour of our Camp Baker location. She took the time to hear Ann’s concerns, provide honest answers to her questions, and help ease her mind.
“Tricia is just so wonderful – so warm and welcoming. I felt understood by her,” says Ann. Tricia also made sure to personally greet Ann and Phil when he arrived for Summer Camp. “She made me feel really supported and comfortable,” Ann says.
Still, it took some time to relax. “That first night, my husband and I were waiting for a call; second night, we were waiting for a call; third night, we were waiting for a call,” says Ann, with a laugh. “Finally, we settled in and decided he must be having a good week!”
When she arrived to pick Phil up, she could see it was true. “A couple of counselors were able to communicate really well with Phil. That meant the world to me that these folks who had never met him before could see past his challenges and connect with him, be silly and have fun.”
Phil’s favorite activities were swimming and exploring Camp Baker on an accessible Utility Task Vehicle (UTV). His fellow campers and counselors loved to encourage him by chanting his name. It lit Phil up. “Phil has a great sense of humor. He’s very expressive and has a big personality,” says Ann.
“I was so happy with the experience. A parent can tell when people who work with their child are actually enjoying the work and feeling connected to them,” explains Ann. “The staff at SOAR365’s Summer Camp really care. They are diligent with their work and go above and beyond to make sure campers are safe and parents are informed. It was just a wonderful experience.”
To learn more about SOAR365’s Summer Camp at Camp Baker, click here. And to keep up to date on all things SOAR365, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
