Why Camp Blessing Exists
Camp Blessing exists to provide help and hope to people of all abilities through Christ-centered camp experiences.
We are an award-winning Christian summer camp ministry designed for children and young adults with special needs (physical/developmental/intellectual disabilities) to experience a week-long residential, barrier-free camp surrounding them with love, acceptance, and fun. Since 2006, more than 6,300 campers and volunteers have experienced this life-changing ministry.
Our Campers
Our campers are treated like rock stars! Individuals ages 7 and up with a primary diagnosis of a physical, developmental, or intellectual disability are invited to join us as campers. Each summer, we offer sessions for ages 7-24, and selective sessions for 25+. In addition, camper siblings ages 8-13 are invited to join the fun during our Sibling Weeks. Siblings ages 14+ have the opportunity to serve at camp as volunteers.
We are one of the few camp ministries in the country offering all of the traditional summer camp activities customized for full participation for all levels of ability, including wheelchair, crutch, walker users, and medically fragile campers. Camp Blessing is focused on showing the encompassing love of Christ to those who often experience exclusion, ridicule, and self-esteem-damaging treatment by peers. All our campers are treated with dignity and respect. Campers are thrilled to participate in the barrier-free gamut of activities including: horseback riding, archery, canoeing, fishing, swimming, ropes course, zip line, crafts, variety shows, sports, water games, and more. Many of our campers return annually calling it the best week of their year.
Our Volunteers
Camp Blessing utilizes a committed force of volunteers who donate time and money for the opportunity to serve. Volunteers are trained and supervised by an experienced, paid staff. This allows for a 1:1 camper-to-counselor ratio ensuring enjoyment for campers, comfort for parents, and a unique mission opportunity for volunteers. Volunteer exit surveys track a 97% satisfaction rating and many return year after year.
Our Camp
For 10 years, Camp Blessing subsisted by renting and retrofitting several campgrounds on the outskirts of Houston and throughout East Texas each summer. This method created issues regarding site availability, capacity, waste, and identity, and revealed the demand and need for a permanent home.
In order to develop a long-term home, Camp Blessing purchased a beautiful 158-acre retreat facility outside of Brenham, Texas in 2016 and raised funds to re-develop the property. Our new camp home opened in the summer of 2017 and has been built with accessibility in mind. It offers amazing new cabins, renovated meeting spaces, and accessible outdoor recreation amenities. Camp Blessing now has the capability to host programming year-round, as well as host outside groups for retreats and other special events.
Your Support
The Camp Blessing team graciously appreciates and depends on your volunteerism, monetary support, and in-kind gifts. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about God’s growing ministry. We hope you come to visit us here in the heart of beautiful bluebonnet country. Call or email us to get involved or schedule a visit!
