Rotary Clubs Join Forces to Assist Camp Able

Campers and counselors came together on Saturday, July 16 for a very special day of fun and camaraderie at Camp Able. 

Sunrise Rotary Club and Noontime Rotary Club members joined forces to provide 38 Camp Able attendees and support staff with a fabulous luncheon on the final day of the 17th Annual Camp Able on Marco Island, as well as an After Party Event at the close of the week’s activities. Nothing was in short supply, and no one left hungry from this year’s event, which was filled with both great food and a multitude of smiling faces. 

“This wonderful event was first introduced to us here on Marco by then-Father Kyle Bennett of the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and ran for a number of years before his return to his original church in Pass Christian in Mississippi,” said Bill Morris, President of the Sunrise Rotary Club. Today, Father Kyle Bennett’s daughter, Callie Benvenutti carries on the proud tradition her father began 17 years ago, which has now spread to four separate states.

Al Diaz, an active Noontime Rotary member and his wife Myrna have been dedicated volunteers since the camp’s inception. “We love the event and are so excited to see all these wonderful youngsters enjoy themselves,” said Myrna Diaz.

On Saturday, the Sunrise Rotary Club sponsored, prepared and fed the campers and staff. At the conclusion of the annual Talent Show, which highlighted the campers’ many talents, the Noontime Rotary Club provided an After Party Event, complete with refreshments and treats. 

Camp Able focuses on campers’ abilities in a positive, inspiring manner. Although many of these children face challenges, camp activities are centered on what they are “able” to do. This is highlighted in the Talent Show and the encouragement they receive from their fellow campers, family members and staff.

The Marco Island event was the third summer gathering of Camp Able attendees in the Southeast. The first took place in Memphis, Tennessee from June 4 -10, and the second in Gulfport, Mississippi from June 27 to July 1. 

Marco Island’s Camp Able ran from July 10 to July 16. The final week-long camp will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana from July 27 to July 31, rounding out a summer of fun for some very special youngsters in four southeastern states.

For more information about Camp Able visit https://www.campable.org.