EASTOVER, SC - Since opening its doors, Camp Cole has served more 1,800 campers with illnesses, disabilities, and life challenges. Entering its second year, the Camp STARS program, which specifically serves military children (ages 6-21) who have illnesses, disabilities, and life challenges, kicked-off its "Operation Shine-A-Light" event with support from the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs and others in the military community.
On July 17, SCDVA, along with active-duty soldiers from Fort Jackson and the Silver Foxes retiree group from McEntire were able to provide the children who attended Camp STARS with the opportunity to be troops for a day. The campers participated in “Operation Shine-A-Light” which included marching, MRE (Meal Ready-To-Eat) sampling, and plenty of Physical Training activities.
Camp STARS is a weeklong overnight camp experience for military children who participate.
Through a combination of traditional indoor and outdoor camp activities, like swimming, outdoor games, and arts and crafts, Camp STARS campers get to make new friends who have similar life experiences, step outside of their comfort zones, and grow in confidence.
SCDVA's Military Affairs Coordinator Jason Fowler expressed his excitement for having a program like Camp STARS available to military families not only in the Midlands, but across South Carolina.
“I had a blast spending time with our Military Kids and their brothers and sisters attending Camp Stars with them! Working with the staff and counselors from Camp Cole to create “Operation Shine-A-Light”, and then having outstanding Soldier and Civilian volunteers from the Army out at Fort Jackson, as well as other community partners is such a testament to how the Palmetto state loves and supports military children," he said. "I hope, in my role at SCDVA as Military Affairs Coordinator to get the word out even further next year. I believe we had just about every branch of service represented this. Camp Cole is such a bright gemstone right here in the Midlands and Camp Stars shows just how bright they can shine! I hope to get the word out even further to our military families around the state for next year!"
Camp Cole's Administrative Coordinator Lisa McCaffrey expressed gratitude to the volunteers from SCDVA and the military community, hoping that their support is continued as Camp Cole grows its relationship with military families in the state.
"Camp STARS is a growing partnership between Camp Cole and the children of our state’s military community. These kids, including those with physical or intellectual challenges, sacrifice alongside their servicemembers parents as they endure frequent moves, deployments, new schools, and new friends. We had great support from SCDVA, Silver Foxes (retired Swamp Fox Veterans), Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and some amazing NCO’s from Fort Jackson. We are already looking forward to next year and continuing our partnership with the military community throughout the year."
SCDVA's Director of Government Affairs Edward Bell mentions how this year's event was a great example of how the military and local community can come together to support and empower military children and continue to have a positive impact on those involved.
"As a former military father of four boys; this investment between our Department, Fort Jackson and the Camp Cole Staff was a game changer. Being able to support military children with certain life challenges was absolutely rewarding. The entire volunteer team did an amazing job, and their presence made a huge difference participating and supporting military children all across the state of South Carolina."
To learn more about Camp Cole visit HERE.