Opening Gates Campaign
"Camp Sweet Camp"
WE DID IT! Camp Summit exceeds $13.6 million goal – completing the Opening Gates Capital Campaign!
“This campaign was a transformational project, allowing us to purchase, renovate and develop
a Forever Home for our campers, giving them a place, they can call their own,”
states Woody Grossman, Campaign Chair. “For me, the campaign trail was a wonderful journey.
I talked with so many dedicated supporters and new friends of Camp Summit who truly have a
big heart for our campers and believe in our mission.”
Thank you for taking this journey with us!
The “Opening Gates” project began as a way to secure the future of Camp Summit through the
development of our new “forever home” on 460 acers in Paradise, Texas. The project included the
acquisition, renovation and move to our new camp location.
In addition to providing a natural setting that is accessible, rural and picturesque, it offered a place for Camp Summit to create barrier-free experiences for people with disabilities in our community. The move to Paradise provided a 25% increase in our bed capacity and gives Camp Summit the space and ownership to develop future programs with plenty of space to grow.
The Trail to Paradise
“I’m proud of all those who worked to make sure that our campers have the high-quality facilities that our campers deserve, now and for the future,” said Woody Grossman, capital campaign chair. “Thousands of children and adults with disabilities will experience the fun and confidence-building of camp – horseback riding, swimming, adapted ropes course, archery – while their caregivers have an all-important respite for years to come. As someone with a personal connection to this community, I know just how impactful this is.”
The campaign began shortly before we closed on the purchase of the 460-acre Garrett Creek Ranch in Paradise, Texas in February 2014, with the generous assistance of Leslie and Howard Schultz.
“In six short years, we’ve inspired donors to contribute more funds than have ever been raised in the history of the organization,” said Mitch Bramlett, board chair. “We’re grateful to each and every donor; their generosity made this happen.”
In addition to creating accessible cabins and bathroom facilities, the dining hall was renovated so that the whole camp can enjoy meals together. A swimming pool with beach entrance was added, along with specialized ramps that enable the staff to help campers on and off horses. An adaptive ropes course gives all campers the chance to participate, and a variety of sports are available as well.
“The new camp with seven cabins that sleep 14 campers plus staff represents a 25% increase in capacity, and that’s allowed us to expand our services so we can offer even more individuals with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy nature at camp,” said Carla Weiland, CEO, Camp Summit. “But most important of all, our campers love it.”
The new facilities are barrier-free, and campers can enjoy exploring and picking out their favorite places - like the aquatic area with pool and splash pads, or the endless paths and trails in the nature area, or the recreation center where our big dance is held weekly.
Campaign Highlights:
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The “Opening Gates” Campaign began in 2013.
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Our camp successfully moved from Argyle, to Paradise, in December 2015.
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Sessions began in the new location in March 2016.
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Renovations that were critical to our move and operations were completed first.
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The remaining projects to finish out new program areas, such as the Adapted Ropes Challenge Course were completed in 2018.
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At a celebration on October 24th 2019, it was announced that Camp Summit successfully completed the capital campaign, exceeding its goal of raising $13.6 million.
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Camp Summit paid off the property note, well ahead of schedule, in November 2019.
Camp Summit is very proud of our camper families, community, and donors who helped sustain the momentum to raise the needed funds and successfully complete this project! But even more importantly, we are so very pleased to have created a place that campers can call their own! To quote one of our campers, the program areas are “super fun and incredible!”
Thank you for taking this journey with us!
