Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzette Steward.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Suzette. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My first experience with a special needs camp was at Camp for All in 2002 while I was working with The Arc of Greater Houston as a Camp Counselor. Within seconds of being there, I fell in love. Camp for All provides children with disabilities something they rarely get to experience–the opportunities to be just like their peers. To play and have fun without being judged, treated differently, or left behind. The energy at Camp for All is palpable- and I was hooked!
After a week at Camp for All, I realized that it can be life-changing and that’s because it was for me. Camp for All ignited my passion to work with children with disabilities in a recreational setting which ultimately led to my decision to graduate from BYU- Idaho in Recreational Leadership.
After college, I worked as an intern with the Arc of Greater Houston. There I got to see many different programs being offered for people with disabilities. I was able to lead day camps and week-long vacation trips around Texas. My favorite part of the internship was being apart of the planning of Camp Champions and that is where my life ultimately changed. The summer passed and I attend Region 4 where I received my alternate teaching certificate and began working as a Special Education teacher in KISD. It was then that I recognized a need for summer programs in the Katy area. After a lot of planning and preparation, I took a leap of faith and started Camp Journey.
Being able to offer fun and exciting programs for people with disabilities has been so gratifying. I get to see children and adults life change every summer. I see friendships grow and maintain throughout the year as they discuss the lasting memories and fun times made at camp. I get to see kids who struggle with socialization talk and come out of their shells more and more each day. I get to see my volunteer’s hearts soften as they learn more and more from the campers. But my favorite part of camp is when people start to see my campers as individuals with a name, a face and most of all a personality that is irresistible. Camp Journey is my family and has been a dream come true.
Has it been a smooth road?
Yes, it has mainly been a smooth road. The only struggles we mainly face is not enough funding to help those who cannot afford our services as well as we cannot grow fast enough to keep up with the demand.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Camp Journey, Everyday Opportunities & Our Journey – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We provide an adult day program for those with special needs who have already graduated. This program provides services that support our clients as they maintain academic skills, build employment and living skills, improve social skills, participate in community service projects, partake in leisure activities, and enjoy spending time with peers.
We also have an After School Care (ASC) program for children and adults, ages 10 to 22. Parents are comforted in knowing that their children are receiving quality care and activities. After School Program strives to teach and enrich participants’ self-help and social skills in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.
Then in the summer, we have camp serving people of all ages with disabilities. Overnight vacation trips, day camps & recreational swimming are the summer staple. Camp Journey also offers vacation camps throughout the year during winter and spring break. Camp Journey sponsors holiday parties, dances, and fun for everyone!
We LOVE volunteers! Our volunteers help throughout the year with all our activities. We hope to give children and adults with special needs an opportunity to have a full life of friends and daily activities.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Houston is a great place to explore and enjoy all the different aspects of our multicultural society.
But the traffic we could do without!
Contact Info:
- Address: 5242 East 3rd St.
Katy, TX 77493 - Website: www.journeyadventures.org
- Phone: 832-913-6286
- Email: everydayopportunities@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journey_summer_adventures/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/campjourney2008/
- Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/everydayopportunities/
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
