Camp Aldersgate*

Through educational and recreational opportunities in an outdoor camp environment, Camp Aldersgate “enriches the lives” of children with medical, physical or developmental disabilities and those of their families, according to its mission.

And the community seems to agree. Camp Aldersgate is primarily funded by gifts, which account for 81 percent of its revenue. In 2007, the nonprofit’s revenue climbed 56 percent to $2.8 million compared with $1.8 million the previous year. It receives only 2 percent of its funding from the government and 7 percent from fees for services.

Aldersgate is the only facility in Arkansas that provides weekend respite services to families of children with disabilities and recreational and educational summer programs for the children.

The 120-acre camp about 5 miles outside the Little Rock city limits, one of the few urban camps in the United States that spans such a swath of land, is large and growing. Aldersgate is constructing seven new cabins, a health care center and a swimming pool. The nonprofit also will be expanding its facility rental plan for use by organizations for corporate retreats.

Aldersgate Executive Director Sarah Wacaster said the rental will help offset program costs. And the expansion isn’t confined to facilities. Aldersgate has augmented its program offerings for 2008, including camps for children dependent on ventilator technology, teens with diabetes and grieving children and their families.

But Camp Aldersgate benefits more than children with disabilities and their families; it also is one of the largest training grounds for youth volunteers in the state. It provides hands-on experience that is invaluable to students entering medical or therapeutic professions.

“We look forward to our continuation of service for children and youth with disabilities and medical conditions throughout the state and for senior adults in our community,” Wacaster said.

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