DALLAS/FORT WORTH, TX (October 23, 2017) – Camp Summit’s Board of Directors has announced its 2017 Remarkable Volunteer Award Winners. The annual award is presented each year at the Boots and Bandanas Dinner fundraiser, which is scheduled for November 2, 2017 at Eddie Deen’s Ranch.
Left to Right, Baxter Hines, Josh Coleman, Woody Grossman, Carla Weiland
The 2017 winners are Baxter Hines, Current Board Chair; Josh Coleman, Immediate Past Board Chair; and Woody Grossman, Opening Gates Capital Campaign Chair and Camper Parent. These men were selected in recognition of their joint leadership over the past five years in securing and raising the funds for a new, “forever home” camp location in Paradise, Texas.
After a successful move to the new, 460 acre campus at the end of 2015, the organization completed its first year of service at the new camp in December of 2016, resulting in significant advancements to the accessibility of the facilities, the social and emotional impact of programming, and logistical details. In addition, the new facility has served as a catalyst for:
- New program development;
- An increased number of campers served;
- Improved counselor experiences and training opportunities; and,
- An expanded opportunity for our campers to explore and enjoy nature in an environment where barriers have been eliminated.
As a result, Camp Summit offers an experience that is extremely difficult to duplicate, regardless of resources. The “sleep-away” camping experience is one that cannot be created on family trips or day activities. It is one that is completely unique and one that is available to all through Camp Summit.
The new camp has created a better environment for the campers and the full-time and seasonal staff. In effect, it is a new, modern, spacious, remote, tranquil, stimulating, and safer camp experience. Touring the camp, we see the changes in the physical plant. But what is felt, is that the camp is more peaceful, because there are so many trees and so much space between activity sites. And the design and amount of space (including more climate controlled space) provides for unlimited possibilities.
The new camp also has inspired the staff to improve and add new and interesting activities, including the nature walk and the Allegro Garden featuring outdoor music and art.
The reputation of the camp among potential counselors and staff continues to draw the highest quality team members from across the country and the world. The 2,420 campers served in 2016 represented a wide spectrum of age and disability, and approximately 90% of these campers benefited from financial assistance to attend camp. Camp Summit is honored to serve campers from North Texas, throughout the state and from several neighboring states.
The three honorees include: Baxter Hines, our Board Chairman and an investment manager for NFJ Investment Group, a division of Allianz Global Investors. “Some of the best memories of my life are from the time I spent at summer camp growing up; it is my goal to provide that same experience to people who otherwise couldn’t have that opportunity.” states Mr. Hines. “Through this project and my leadership role I can say that together we have made a huge difference in the lives of many, many campers.” Camp Summit is proud to honor Baxter as a 2017 Remarkable Volunteer.
Josh Coleman, Immediate Past Board Chairman, has spent 30 plus years in the energy business and is currently the Chief Operations Officer at 5. “I love my community and with my interest in camping and the outdoors Camp Summit was a natural fit and provided me with so many opportunities to give back. I am extremely grateful that I could share my talents and skills to help Camp Summit achieve the dream of owning a beautiful camp that will serve individuals with disabilities for many generations to come!” states Josh. Because of Josh’s dedication and tireless efforts Camp Summit has a new “forever camp” to call their own.
Woody Grossman, retired partner and Global Healthcare Chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers, is serving as the Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee. He is also a parent of an adult camper and understands and appreciates the benefits provided by Camp Summit. For the last five years he has dedicated his time and skills to lead the “Dream Team” to develop and find the right solution for a permanent home for the camp. Woody is often heard commenting, “This project and what it means to families is unbelievable! The fact that we now have such a wonderful facility where all campers can come and participate with no barriers is amazing. When I watch the campers and their families come for the first time I am bursting with joy because it truly is so much better than we dreamed it could ever be!” Thanks to Woody and his driving spirit Camp Summit achieved their dream!
Baxter, Josh, and Woody
