Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Memmel.
Hi Tony, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born with one hand and taught myself to play guitar professionally. Over the years, my primary work has been as a touring artist and speaker. In addition to traditional concerts in established venues, I’ve brought my programs to schools, churches, and hospitals around the world (23 countries and 47 states).
In 2019, I was first introduced to Camp Blessing, just outside of Houston, in Brenham, TX. I came to serve as a worship leader and to help anywhere I could. Camp Blessing is a residential Christian summer camp offering love, acceptance and fun to children and young adults with special needs and their siblings. The core belief is that campers, regardless of ability level, should have all of the fun summer camp has to offer.
After serving at camp again in 2021, I was offered a permanent role on staff. I serve on site all summer, and as I tour in the offseason, I get to share about all of the amazing work happening at Camp Blessing in Brenham, TX with audiences around the world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a long, long road, but I’m grateful for the path I’ve traveled. It’s taught me a great deal. Learning to play guitar with one hand took me eight years of trial and error. In addition to learning chords, scales, picking, and strumming, I also had to design and develop an adaptive cast that fits on the end of my arm. I construct it out of Gorilla Tape each time I play.
One of my favorite parts about serving at Camp Blessing is sharing this story with campers and staff alike. Each day, I get the chance to try to be a reminder of what is possible in life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Camp Blessing Texas?
My role at Camp Blessing is two-fold: I lead music at a nightly service for our guests, and I get to be our Chief Storyteller, sharing about all that we do with the world.
From the moment our campers arrive, they are known. Pump-up music plays as they’re dropped off and met with a cheer line of all of their new friends. The entire week is about sharing the gospel, enjoying the outdoors, disconnecting from technology, and just having a total blast. We swim, we zip on ziplines, we ride horses, we sing, we have a carnival, it’s as awesome a place as you can imagine.
From our website: “Everything at Camp Blessing is customized to make camp accessible, from our specially trained staff, facility and activities, to our menus and clinic. We are designed and prepared to meet the varying needs of campers diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities who may also use wheelchairs, walkers or crutches. All they have to do is show up and be treated like rock stars. Our goal is for campers to be engulfed by God’s love and to have the time of their lives!”
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I try to read a book a week, take in podcasts, and constantly be growing. Leaders are readers!
– The Ramsey Show – changed my family’s life and my business. Daily wisdom and tried-and-true financial guidance.
– Anything by Francis Chan.
– “Art of Impossible” by Steven Kotler – Explores the neuroscience and behavior surrounding flow and focus. Super-helpful for developing good, productive routines and habits.
Contact Info:
- Email: tony@campblessing.org
- Website: www.campblessing.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/camp_blessing_texas
- Facebook: facebook.com/campblessingtexas
