September 23, 2021
Announcing Camp Aranzazu's New President: Kurt Podeszwa
Rockport, Texas---Camp Aranzazu is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with special needs and chronic illnesses by providing unique camping, environmental education, and retreat experiences. The Camp has served more than 28,000 campers and their support staff since opening its doors in 2006. Camp Aranzazu’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Kurt Podeszwa as the Camp’s third president effective September 27, 2021. Kurt comes to Camp Aranzazu from Camp For All in Burton, Texas, where he served for 16 years as the camp director. He is well known and highly regarded in the national camping community, and he has a unique background in serving youth and adults with special needs.
With more than 25 years’ experience in nonprofit executive administration, Kurt has worked with camping, recreation, and outdoor education programs throughout the country. His camping career began as he worked to develop programs for inner-city youth and progressed until 2000 when he discovered his passion of providing camping opportunities to special populations.
Kurt shares his expertise in team leadership and program management at conferences around the country and camping publications including the ACA’s Camping Magazine and Camp Business Magazine. He has served on the American Camp Association (ACA) National Board, and currently serves as a member of the ACA’s National Standards Commission. In addition to his work as a camp director, Kurt launched Journey Consulting in 2006 to further share his knowledge of leadership, team management, and programming.
With his extensive background in fostering relationships with partner organizations and dedication to empathetic leadership, Kurt is the perfect fit for the Camp’s programs and staff. The Camp’s board is excited to work with him in continuing to expand on Camp Aranzazu’s growth and successes.
Kurt will succeed Virginia Ballard as Camp President. Virginia transitioned from the executive role earlier this year to become the Executive Director of the Camp Aranzazu Foundation, where she is leading the Camp Aranzazu Resiliency Fund Campaign. The board cannot thank Virginia enough for her dedication, creativity, and determination during the past six years.
Kurt’s first official day of work will be September 27, 2021. Please join the Board of Directors in welcoming Kurt to the Camp Aranzazu team. For friends and supporters in the Rockport community, you can meet Kurt at Aranza-Boo on Saturday, October 30, 2021.
You can find a printed copy of our press release here. If you have any questions, please contact Bianca at bianca@camparanzazu.org.
