Photos & News

Summer camp volunteer pictured smiling with camper. Camper wearing lifejacket smiles and swims up to a partner staff member using a pool noodle.
Photo by: Beyond Memory Photography Campers and camp staff watch friends scale the rockwall while wearing helmets and harnesses.
Photo by: Beyond Memory Photography Camper cheering on friend who is climbing the rockwall.
Photo by: Beyond Memory Photography

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    March 29, 2021

    How has Camp Aranzazu impacted students at The Tuttle School at Briarwood?

    While our staff understands the work we do and the need for our unique form of therapeutic recreation, our families and partners are the people who witness the impact of camp first hand for children and adults with special needs and chronic illnesses. I want to share a piece Cindy Thomas, a teacher at The Tuttle School at Briarwood and long-time camp partner, wrote for our staff to use as a way to show the importance of camp and the changes she’s witnessed in students who spend time at Camp Aranzazu. In a letter to camp president, Virginia Ballard, Cindy writes:

    The special needs students and their teachers of the Tuttle School at Briarwood have been blessed to attend Camp Aranzazu since it opened in 2006. The teachers of the Tuttle School are passionate about taking our students to camp for a number of reasons. The reasons are as numerous and varied as the students we teach. One of them was Thomas, a tall and handsome, non-verbal, autistic young man who enjoyed the climbing wall so much his parents hung a picture of him on it in his bedroom. They told me he smiles every time he sees it.

    Wisdom was another young man, who climbed to the top of the tower on his first visit to camp. He was hesitant to come down the zip line, though. No problem! At camp, everyone does what he or she feels comfortable with: we call it Challenge by Choice. Well, the next year Wisdom came back to camp after mentally preparing himself by watching zip-lining videos. After climbing the wall he came joyfully down the zip line.

    His words were “Mrs. Thomas, I have conquered my fears.” I saw this confidence carry over into every area of his life.

    I could go on and on with stories like these, as well as the many comments that the parents of some of these wonderful kids have had to say about camp, and what it has meant to their children and families:

    Caroline’s mother writes ~ For Caroline it has been gaining independence — socially and emotionally. Plus, she loves being with her friends. It’s like a long sleep over for her, which she really never gets to do at home. She gets to be a typical teenager, which is so important!

    Alayna’s mother writes ~ Camp has been the best thing ever for Alayna and our family. It has allowed her to feel independent and enjoy the fun things that other typical kids get to enjoy. It has given her parents (us) a nice break. Last summer, she had such a blast that she said she wants to go for a longer period this summer. We are so thankful for Camp Aranzazu for offering such a wonderful program for Alayna. She gets to experience things that she has never been able to in the past.

    Noah’s mom says ~ Noah starts asking about going to Camp Aranzazu soon after just finishing! It has been on his calendar for several years because he’s so engaged in and by the friendly, inclusive, active, and for him, magical experience. His enthusiasm for Camp Aranzazu is infectious; like a warm laugh, it engages all of us! Pick-up day is bittersweet because even in the few hours we’re there, we experience the warmth that makes leaving hard. So, we know why he soon starts asking about next year!

    That same thought is echoed by the teachers who go to camp with their students:

    “I have been in camp environments for years, from going to camp as a kid, to being a camp counselor in college, but Camp Aranzazu has completely blown my camp experience out of the water. The staff and counselors are the definition of present. The way they love our students encourages me to love them harder, too. Our week at camp in Rockport is one of the highlights of my entire year. Cheers to you, Camp Aranzazu!”
    Ruth Wilson
    “Camp Aranzazu is like home away from home. Everyone makes you feel like family. After they meet you one time they remember your name and go out of their way to always make you feel special. From the time you arrive until the time you leave you get this warm feeling in your heart that stays a lifetime.”
    Erica Harris
    “There are so many great things to say about Camp Aranzazu. It is an unbelievably beautiful place, with fun to be had at every turn. The activities are unique and inclusive, with something to offer for everyone. As lovely as the setting is, and as exciting as the adventures are, the thing that makes Camp Aranzazu so special is the staff. From the moment we arrive at Camp Aranzazu, my campers know they are in a place where they are loved and celebrated by everyone around them. The staff at Aranzazu have a genuine passion for what they do, and it shows in the way they interact with each camper. Whether it is sitting down at the lunch table to chat about a favorite singer or movie, playing backup dancer in the talent show, or shouting words of encouragement from the bottom of the rock wall, the Aranzazu staff radiates positivity and kindness at all times. Campers leave with a sense of confidence and accomplishment, and also great anticipation for next year---when they can come back again to see their “camp family” at Aranzazu!”
    Jessica Rivas

    Needless to say, missing in-person camp due to Covid-19 was heartbreaking for us all. Students, teachers, and parents alike are thrilled for our group to go back (with many precautions in place) in the summer of 2021! The difference Camp Aranzazu has made in so many lives is immeasurable, and can only be expressed in the joy that it has brought to all of us.

    Sincerely,

    Cindy Thomas

    Like Cindy said, we are THRILLED to welcome back the students and teachers from the Tuttle School at Briarwood this summer after having to cancel last year’s in-person summer camping season!

    To our Camp SOAR friends — we’ll see you all soon!

    The Tuttle School at Briarwood is a school for children with intellectual disabilities. You can learn more about The Tuttle School here.

     

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    In Other News

    Camp Aranzazu Aerial Dining Hall

    Monday, March 15, 2021

    We are starting this blog to, hopefully, give you a better insight into what happens every day at Camp Aranzazu and share even more stories about our campers and camp staff. I hope you can join in on the fun and learn more about Camp Aranzazu from the comfort of your own home!

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    Three Camp Aranzazu activity leaders transporting supplies in golf cart.
Photo by: Beyond Memory Photography

    Monday, March 15, 2021

    Every year, our programming team seeks 20 college aged individuals with varying skill sets to work as Activity Leaders from mid-May to mid-August. If you’re wondering whether or not you might be a good fit for the position or wanting to learn more about the role, just keep reading!

    read more

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    Thank you for choosing Camp Aranzazu!

    Rockport Adventure Day Camp

    St. Mary's Hall - San Antonio

    The Bag Ladies - Rockport

    Women in the Wild - Rockport

    Thank you for choosing Camp Aranzazu!

    Community partners are nonprofit organizations that choose to host programs at Camp Aranzazu.

    ACE Afterschool Program for Aransas County Independent School District

    Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce

    Cristo Rey Jesuit - Houston

    DFW Dance Hub - Dallas/Fort Worth

    Fulton Learning Center Birding Team – Rockport

    Girl Scouts of Victoria

    Keystone School – San Antonio

    Onxy Engineering – Corpus Christi

    Portland Chamber of Commerce

    Regents School of Austin

    Rockport Adventure Day Camp

    Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce

    Sacred Heart Catholic Church - Rockport

    Sparkling City Chorus – Corpus Christi

    St. Paul’s UMC Houston

    The Student Conservation Association - Various

    St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center & Chapel - Kingsville

    Texas Ornithological Society - Various

    Texas Parks and Wildlife - Various

    Women: It Begins with Us - Houston

    Yorktown Baptist Church - Corpus Christi

    Financials

    Camp Aranzazu is extremely grateful for all the support given to our organization and is committed to cultivating trust with our campers, partners, sponsors, donors, board, and volunteers.

    Audited Financial Statements

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    We are committed to fulfilling our mission and maintaining the trust of our friends, donors, partners, campers, and families.

    Camp Aranzazu is proud to have a four star rating from Charity Navigator, which evaluates the financial health, accountability & transparency of non-profit organizations. Four stars is their highest rating.

    Charity Navigator 4-star Logo
    For another year, Charity Navigator has awarded Camp Aranazazu with a 4-star to demonstrate our commitment to transparency and trust we have with our supporters.

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    Host Committee

    Dee Dee & Steve Robinson, Chairs 

    Jennifer & Fields Alexander

    Elizabeth & Daryl Allen

    Kim & John Bonner

    Dee & Jeff Boswell

    James Brolan

    Stephanie & Ernie D. Cockrell

    Ned Crady

    Don Fernbach

    Tom Fish

    Katherine & Bobby Hatcher

    Bill Hightower

    Leigh & Jack Kins

    Tracie & Terrell Palmer

    Katherine & Brian Parsley

    Al Pratka

    Tim Reilly

    Steve Rothbauer

    Ward Sheffield

    Culver Stedman

    Patia Strickland

    Reagan Swinbank

    Prissy & John Watson

    Julie Williams

    Host Committee

    Shannon and Jon Turner, Co-Chair

    Blake and Perry Finger, Co-Chair

    Heather & Harry Affleck

    Betsy & Wally Baker 

    Sage & Rowe Blount

    Mills & Tres Buchek

    Sarah & Will Caruth

    Mary & Hunter Conger

    Liz & Chris Dewar

    Caroleene & Bobby Dobson

    Jolie & Meade Flavin

    Tifini Furst & Paul Golibart

    Katherine & Matt Gainey

    Shannon Gunn & Chris Hosner

    Allegra & Hunter Hawkins

    Trish & Clint Hennessey

    Gretchen & David Herrmann

    Brendan Herrmann

    Sally & Roger Hill III

    Camille & Clark Mandigo

    Nicole & Rob McClane

    Muffin Moorman 

    Kristan & Tom Northington

    Courtney & Chip Percy

    Katherine & John Smelko

    Chaney & Tripp Stuart 

    Jeanne & Kelvin Tatum

    Ashley & Rad Weaver

    Jodi & Michael Wood

    Christen & George Wommack

    Zazu Host Committee

    Traci McLester Arellano

    Darrell Atkins

    Frank Bay

    Robin and Jeff Floyd

    Cindy and Larry Forney

    Holly and Tom Forney

    Melissa and Charles Hall

    Gloria Hicks

    Chip Jenkins

    Robert Kelley

    Scott Meares

    Chris and David Nesloney

    Bob Shockney

    Britni and William Key

    Bob Shockney

    Ashley Rhodes Smith

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    Thank you for choosing Camp Aranzazu!

    Camping partners are nonprofit organizations serving special populations. Camp Aranzazu underwrites up to two-thirds of the cost of camp for these partners.

    36th Judicial District Juvenile Probation Dept. - Sinton

    American Cancer Society - Corpus Christi

    American Diabetes Association - Dallas

    Autism Community Network - San Antonio

    Aspire Accessories - Houston

    Brownson Home - Victoria

    Be An Angel - San Antonio

    Camp Shield - Houston

    Driscoll Children's Hospital - Corpus Christi

    Driscoll Health Plan - Corpus Christi and Laredo

    Epilepsy Foundation of Central and South TX - San Antonio/Austin

    Hope for Three - Houston

    Keystone School - San Antonio

    Mission Road Ministries - San Antonio

    Muscular Dystrophy Association - Dallas

    Periwinkle Foundation - Houston

    Respite Care of San Antonio

    Richmond State Supported Living Center

    Texas Children's Hospital - Houston

    The Tuttle School at Briarwood - Houston

    The Vine School - Victoria

    The Vine School Bridge Program - Victoria

    The Vine School Foundations Program - Victoria

    Victoria Independent School District Special Education


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    Volunteer

    Below are a list of volunteer opportunities at Camp Aranzazu. We will continue to update and add additional volunteer opportunities as they become available. Thank you for your interest!


    Special Events Support

    Camp Aranzazu holds several fundraising events throughout the year in Houston, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Rockport. Volunteers are always needed to help make each event successful!

    In Fall 2023, our special events include:

    • Bells & Shells in San Antonio - November 15-16, 2023
    • Holiday Bells & Shells in Houston - December 5, 2023

    If you are interested volunteering at one of our special events, please email our development and communications project manager, Bianca, for more information on upcoming events.

    Maintenance of Facilities and Grounds

    Whether you are an individual looking to assist with landscaping or a company looking to make a big impact on our facilities, we can always use help more maintaining our beautiful 105-acre camp.

    If you are interested in this type of on-location volunteer opportunity supporting our 3-person facilities team, please email our facilities director, Mandy, for more information.


    Partner Camp Volunteer Opportunities

    Are you looking for ways to work directly with the children and adults with special needs and chronic illnesses that we serve? Check out our camping partners who are looking for volunteers for the coming camping season! 

    Camp Aspire

    Aspire Accessories

    Contact

    Denise Hazen
    (713) 461-7200
    hazendenise@yahoo.com
    https://aspireaccessories.com/

    Camp ROCK'N

    Driscoll Children's Hospital

    Contact

    Yesenia Neil
    Yesenia.Neil@dchstx.org
    http://www.driscollchildrens.org/

    Camp TLC & Camp Little Golden Warriors

    Driscoll Children's Hospital

    Contact

    Shannon B. Broughton
    Shannon.Broughton@dchstx.org
    http://www.driscollchildrens.org/

    Activity Leader Summer 2019 Job Opportunity​​

    Every year, Camp Aranzazu hires roughly 20 college aged individuals with varying skill sets to work as Activity Leaders from mid-May to mid-August. Activity Leaders have the fun and impactful job of enriching the lives of our campers with special needs through unique camping, environmental studies and retreat experiences.

    Activity Leaders facilitate a variety of activities including, but not limited to arts and crafts, archery, high and low challenge courses, sports and games, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, fishing, sailing, swimming, nature sessions and more!

    Benefits of this paid position include room and board and the potential to satisfy fieldwork and internship requirements in various fields of study. The buttons below include the additional documentation you will need to apply for the Activity Leader position. Email your completed application, resume and two unique and completed reference forms to our Camp Director, Amelia Haslam, and prepare for the summer camp experience of a lifetime!

    If you have any questions, contact our Camp Director, Amelia Haslam, at ahaslam@camparanzazu.org.

    Job Description Application Reference Form


    Part-Time Receptionist

    Are you looking for a part-time job opportunity that allows you to be surrounded by nature in a supportive work environment? Camp Aranzazu currently has an opening for a part-time receptionist position on our staff. This opportunity will allow you to support our mission of enriching the lives of children and adults with special needs and chronic illnesses. To learn more about the position, click the job description below. 

    The Receptionist is responsible for overseeing functions related to the front office. The Receptionist also assists with special projects and provides some administrative support for all staff. If you are interested in the position and have any questions, please contact Lillian Anfosso, our Finance and Administative Director at lanfosso@camparanzazu.org. 

    Job Description


    Sailing Supervisor

    Imagine a position that allows you to work with campers each day and have a beautiful view of Copano Bay along the Texas Gulf Coast.

    Camp Aranzazu seeks someone with strong sailing experience to supervise our summer sailing program from mid-May through August 2019. The Sailing Supervisor will ensure that Camp Aranzazu provides a safe environment for children with special medical, physical, emotional, social or financial needs to experience sailing. Camp sessions include day camp sessions, as well as residential sessions that last from one to six nights. If you have any questions, contact our Camp Director, Amelia Haslam, at ahaslam@camparanzazu.org.

    Make sure to check out the job description below. To apply, email your resume to Amelia Haslam. 


    Job Description


    Summer Art Instructor

    Do you have a passion for providing fine arts education and working with a committed staff of people dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with special needs and chronic illnesses?

    Camp Aranzazu seeks someone with art teaching experience to supervise our summer fine arts program from mid-May through mid-August 2019. The Art Instructor will ensure that Camp Aranzazu provides an intentional, expressive, and safe environment for children with special medical, physical, emotional, and/or social needs to create and experience fine arts. Camp session include day camp sessions, as well as residential sessions that last from one to six nights. If you have any questions, contact our Camp Director, Amelia Haslam, at ahaslam@camparanzazu.org.

    Make sure to check out the job description below. To apply, email your resume to Amelia Haslam. 

    Job Description