Rockwall, TX (August 4, 2025) – For many families, summer just is not the same without day camp – spending time with friends on the water, participating in outdoors activities, and field trips are all part of a summer well spent. But for families of special needs youth, these camps are virtually non-existent or, those that do exist, are often cost prohibitive.
Enter J.E.R. Chilton YMCA Angel Camp. This special program of the Rockwall YMCA has been serving families for over 20 years.
The Fun
Regular camp activities encourage these young campers to enjoy unique experiences and learn new things all with a sense of fun and adventure.
Whether racing cars at Celebration Station, climbing ropes at Urban Air, striking pens at Shenaniganz, having silly string fights, cooling off with the Rockwall Fire Department, or taking the wheel of the Seawolf mastering her along the waters of Lake Ray Hubbard – all this is part of Angel Camp’s best summer ever!
But because this camp serves a special community much more than fun goes into the program.
The Staff
Staff are chosen not only for their outgoing personalities but also for their caring nature, patience, and dedication. Their training is extensive, which shows in their ability to adapt quickly and keep activities running smoothly, even when rain cancels their annual field trip to go horseback riding.
Through it all they shower their campers with a sense of joy, unconditional love, and individual respect.
Camp Director, Shannon Lefebvre, praises these camp counselors. “I prayed for the right staff and God showed up with Addison, Katie, Yukari, Cassie, Emily, and Esmeralda! Without them Angel Camp would not be as successful – they make it memorable, fun, and exciting for all! I will forever be thankful for this team.”
The Supporters
Everything Angel Camp provides is offered at no cost to the families, a relief since they often bear so much expense already.
Achieving this takes significant financial support. Thankfully, each year, those who care passionately about this program step up – Dodie’s Cajun Diner at The Harbor, Atmos Energy and HomeBank Texas, along with YMCA members, board, staff, and community members.
Their support goes even further than financial, which makes the relationship and program even more powerful.
While at The Harbor on a hot summer afternoon, campers stopped in at Dodie’s to enjoy lunch on their patio and to their delight to be treated to ice cream! Atmos Energy volunteers eagerly and actively joined in camp activities. And HomeBank Texas leadership is always quick to jump in and volunteer at the annual Crawfish Fest fundraiser and wherever else they can serve!
The message to these campers is “you belong, and you matter.”
The Relationships
For camp families financial support is welcome, but the biggest reward comes from seeing doors open for their child. It is Angel Camp that provides opportunities to belong – making friends, sharing experiences, developing social skills – and grow in independence.
To say that Angel Camp changes lives is an understatement.
Each family has a story, and each child has a need, sometimes one in which they cannot express.
Gage, who has attended Angel Camp for 10 years, is one child that not only enjoys camp, but needs it. His mom remarks how she has seen him engage with peers more each year. Adding, “We lost my husband over a year ago and camp has been instrumental in helping him with his grief. It keeps him busy during summer months and lets him focus on having fun like all children should.”
Another mom says, “You cannot imagine what it is like to have your child come home and say, ‘I made a friend’”.
Lefebvre notes that families make connections too. Knowing from her personal experience that their world can be isolating, seeing moms and dads finding a village through Angel Camp, well that is unexpected and heartwarming!
The Future
Always thankful for the support of Rockwall YMCA leadership, Harold Young, and Stacie Renfro, Lefebvre welcomed a total of seventy-five campers this year! And is excited to see more young people discover Angel Camp and the valuable experiences it brings!
Each year, the program looks to incorporate new exciting ideas while retaining favorites like archery, kayaking, swimming, and the annual summer field trips.
But Angel Camp also understands the value of keeping the summer friendships and connections alive scheduling reunion events for October, December, February, and April. A plan to offer holiday mini camps when school is not in session is also in the works.
“As I reflect on this summer, my heart is filled with beautiful memories and so much happiness,” says Lefebvre. “Thank you for the bottom of my heart to our donors, board members, community, and YMCA staff for their love and support making Angel Camp possible.”
For more information about J.E.R. Chilton YMCA Angel Camp visit https://ymcadallas.org/angel-camp
Story by Blue Ribbon News. Photos courtesy of J.E.R. Chilton YMCA.
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