Texas Flood Volunteers come to the rescue to reopen a Summer Camp
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By Staff Reporter
In a heartwarming tale of community spirit and generosity, volunteers from Texas rallied together to assist in reopening Camp CAMP after devastating floods on July 4th. The summer camp, located on the Guadalupe River, caters to young people and adults with disabilities, offering them a unique and cherished experience. The floods had left the camp in ruins, prompting concerns that the campers would miss out on their much-anticipated summer activities.
Cord Shiflet, a dedicated father from Austin, took the lead in orchestrating the cleanup efforts at Camp CAMP. With a history of providing disaster relief, Shiflet wasted no time in mobilising over 300 volunteers to help clear the debris and wreckage from the campsite. Through their combined efforts, the volunteers managed to restore the 55-acre property just in time for the camp’s scheduled reopening on July 14th.
The impact of the floods was felt across the Texas Hill Country, with Kerr County bearing the brunt of the destruction. Shiflet, deeply moved by the scenes of devastation, felt compelled to offer his assistance. His call for help on social media quickly gained traction, with volunteers arriving equipped with tools and machinery to aid in the cleanup. The outpouring of support was overwhelming, with volunteers working tirelessly to ensure the camp could reopen its doors.
Camp CAMP’s chief administrative officer, Sarah Coulombe, expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support. She highlighted the immense cost and effort that would have been required to clear the debris without the volunteers’ assistance. Thanks to Shiflet and his team, the camp was able to overcome the challenges posed by the floods and resume its vital services to the community.
The devastating impact of the floods was felt far and wide, with Camp CAMP emerging as a beacon of hope amidst the tragedy. The camp’s location on a hill saved its structures from destruction, but the riverfront area suffered significant damage. For the campers, the Guadalupe River plays a central role in their experience, providing a space for swimming and canoeing under supervision.
The reopening of Camp CAMP brought immense joy and relief to families like Erika Mulsow’s, whose son Teddy is a camper at the facility. Teddy, who is medically fragile and severely handicapped, relies on the camp for specialized care and support. For families like the Mulsows, Camp CAMP is a lifeline, offering a unique and invaluable experience for their loved ones.
As Camp CAMP welcomed back its campers, the spirit of resilience and community solidarity shone through. Despite facing setbacks due to a storm, the camp remained determined to resume its operations and provide a safe and enriching environment for its campers. The actions of Cord Shiflet and the dedicated volunteers serve as a testament to the power of compassion and unity in overcoming adversity.
In conclusion, the story of the Texas Flood Volunteers coming together to help reopen Camp CAMP serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and resilience of communities in the face of adversity. Through their collective efforts, they were able to restore a beloved summer camp to its former glory, bringing hope and joy to all those who benefit from its services.