Superheroes spotted in Rockwall!

Rockwall, TX (August 12, 2024) – J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall was the recent location of a special superhero camp. The heroes were part of Angel Camp, designed for children with intellectual disabilities.

Angel Camp is a place where everyone can have the kinds of childhood experiences that all children, and their parents, dream of. Campers ages 5 to 18 are welcome, which is unique because very often special needs teens are left out of similar camp programs. However, at Angel Camp they are not only welcomed but embraced and encouraged to participate.

Camp Director Shannon Lefebvre is also a mother to a child with special needs, so she understands how priceless these experiences are. The Rockwall based camp has served many superheroes over the past ten years but, in her second year as Camp Director, Lefebvre was excited to see the program grow.

“We had an amazing summer at Angel Camp,” says Lefebvre. “We served 88 campers and of that 46 were new to camp and 42 were return campers. We doubled our numbers and had many new campers.”

This summer’s superhero theme inspired fun, new experiences – in archery, ropes courses, horseback riding, sailing, swimming, crafts, and much more! For some, this was their first time to be involved in so many different activities, which adds an educational element to the experience too. But at its heart, Angel Camp is about inclusion, encouragement, and unforgettable experiences.

For Elysia Seiter’s son, Matthew, Angel Camp gives him the opportunity to make friends when he might not have that opportunity elsewhere. “Angel Camp provides a safe space for them to be themselves,” says Elysia.

The Joanis family agrees. Wesson and JW are returning campers because “They love Angel Camp where they have the opportunity to play and be free, participating in activities with other like-minded children,” says Sarah Joanis. “They love the outdoor activities and the Jungle Trek, fishing, and canoeing. As a parent it is a special thing when your child eagerly wakes up in the morning wanting to go to camp to see their friends. And at the end of the day all they can talk about what they did with their friends.”

For the end-of-summer celebration, the Rockwall YMCA hosted a Superhero themed celebration. However, the passion for the program nor the fun ends with the summer. Lefebvre and Angel Camp staff plan monthly events throughout the year beginning in September, so these heroes get a chance to continue the relationships and friendships made.

“Our campers make new friends, learn new things, and the smiles on their face say it all,” says Stacie Renfro, J.E.R. Chilton YMCA Associate Executive Director. “I am grateful to our community for their support and for caring about this program.”

Angel Camp is fully funded by individual and corporate donors so there is no cost to the families. The program could not exist without support from the Rockwall community. Local organizations, Amica, Atmos, Dodie’s Cajun Diner, IGT, KE Andrews and HomeBank Texas together donated $30,000 to this program alone!

“The long-term financial impact to special needs families can be significant,” says Lefebvre. “So having the opportunity to reduce that burden for a program like ours cannot be overstated. Thank you to everyone who helped make Angel Camp possible!”