Camp Soaring Eagle Events Planned
Sedona-based Camp Soaring Eagle Foundation announced today that Sedona resident Jennifer W. Perry has been promoted to the position of executive director. Past CEO Max James has now shifted his focus to long-term de- velopment for the foundation. James re- mains actively involved as the chairman of the Board of Directors. Jennifer Perry has been the director of public relations and marketing for the past two years and will manage the foundation operations from the Sedona office located at 6586 State Hwy 179 in the Village of Oak Creek.
“Jennifer Perry is extremely dedicated to the mission of Camp Soaring Eagle,” said James, “and over the past two years, she has repeatedly demonstrated her strong leadership and organizational skills. I am confident that Jennifer will do a superb job in leading Camp Soaring Eagle to new heights.”
Former Facilities Director Juan Morales has been promoted to the director of op- erations. Morales is ideally suited for this position, with many years of experience as an operations manager. He served in the U.S. Army for 25 years, retiring in 1997 as the Command Sergeant Major of the First Brigade, First Infantry Division and was the director of facilities at Camp Boggy Creek, a member of the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps. Morales will be responsible for managing the daily operations, including administration and camper programs.
In 2010, Camp Soaring Eagle will provide camping experiences to over 350 children and families struggling with critical illnesses via three different program offerings: Camper Weekends, Family Re- treats and Flying with Camp Soaring Eagle Travel Program.
Six illness-specific Camper Weekends are scheduled in the Verde Valley begin- ning this spring. Thanks to the generosity of Garry Shuster, children with serious illnesses attend the Jack Pot Ranch in Camp Verde, which was built specifi- cally to serve children. Each weekend, 20 campers will spend two days and two nights making new friends and building their self-esteem. Activities will include fishing, boating, field games, arts and crafts, wildlife programs and more.
A five-day Family Retreat is being made possible thanks to the extraordinary gen- erosity of the Olson family of Sedona. The Olsons are graciously closing the doors to their business, the Briar Patch Inn, on Oak Creek during the busy summer season specifically to host a Camp Soaring Eagle Family Retreat. Families who are strug- gling with childhood illness will have the opportunity to step away from their daily struggles for five days and four nights and enjoy quality family time in a magnificent setting. The Family Retreats also provide an important forum where families can share their challenges and successes with others in similar situations. Each day, the families will enjoy camp programming in the morning and will have the afternoons to explore all that Sedona has to offer through planned activities and free time.
In addition to the local programs, Camp Soaring Eagle will once again conduct its camp travel program: “Flying with Camp Soaring Eagle.” This program gives camp- ers the opportunity to truly spread their wings and meet kids like themselves from around the world who face the same chal- lenges they do. This year, two trips are planned and 25 children with either: can-
cer, hemophilia, sickle cell, aplastic ane- mia, HIV or metabolic syndrome will travel to the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, CT from June 9 – 15. On July 7 – 11, another group of children with asthma will travel to one of the finest medically- based camps in the country, The Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville, KY.
The Camp Soaring Eagle Foundation is dedicated to delivering the healing power of laughter to as many children as possible. If you are interested in get- ting involved, the camp is looking for volunteers for the camper weekends, medical volunteers, chefs, artists, archery instructors, lifeguards and other program specialists. Like last year, individuals and organizations can get involved by spon- soring a camper or a program. For more information on the 2010 Camp Soaring Eagle Programs, contact Juan Morales at 702-218-7034 or jmorales@campsoar- ingeagle.org. FBN
