Camp Aranzazu is buzzing with volunteer opportunities and “Smore” fun

Camp Aranzazu is buzzing with volunteer opportunities and “Smore” fun!

(Rockport, Texas – January 2010) There is a buzz going on at Camp Aranzazu! It is all about volunteers! Since the camp officially opened in 2006, hundreds of volunteers have graced the premises helping with remarkable tasks. Those volunteers will be honored at a “Smore Gathering” from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 10th out at Camp Aranzazu.
Volunteers have assisted the camp in so many ways. It is now time for the Camp to show a little “camper style” appreciation. Volunteers have helped the camp by being an activity leader, ropes course assistant, assistant with food services, assistant with maintenance and landscaping, office work, quilting, knitting, woodworking or event sewing blankets! Volunteers have also helped with artist demonstrations, being a magician, musician and storytelling.
“The outpouring of help and support for the Camp has been amazing,” states Executive Director Tammie Shelton. “It all starts at the top as we have an all volunteer Board of Directors, and filters through every aspect of camp from facilities and office assistance to camp counselors” explains Shelton.
Camp Aranzazu (pronounced Ah ran' zah zoo) is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with chronic illnesses and disabilities by providing unique camping, environmental studies, and retreat experiences to groups with special needs. This year-round, barrier-free facility features paved walkways to assist wheelchair travel as well as a medical facility for campers requiring daily medications. Camp Aranzazu welcomes organizations that sponsor camps for children and young adults ages 5-21 with conditions such as cancer, muscular dystrophy, asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, head and spinal cord injuries, heart defects, and cerebral palsy to name a few. Adult special needs groups are also included during the non-summer months.
Camp Aranzazu houses up to 74 campers and staff and includes a dining and gathering hall, 4 camper cabins, medical center, ropes course, multi-purpose building, sanctuary, pool and nature lodge.
The camp is located on FM 1781 six miles from downtown Rockport, Texas, on Copano Bay. The camp comprises 86 acres, 25 of which are on the waterfront with wetlands, and 61 acres are elevated and wooded, capturing gently blowing Gulf breezes.
Strategically located just 30 miles from Corpus Christi, the camp can serve all types of children from as far north as Houston, extending west to San Antonio and south to the southernmost tip of the state, while keeping campers close to a major medical facility, Driscoll Children’s Hospital.
For more information about Camp Aranzazu, go to www.camparanzazu.org or call 727-0800.