By Jessica Rush, Camp for All
Melody Braun-Wilds, a longtime member of Christ the King Lutheran Church, knows first hand the challenges faced by people with special needs and their families. Melody’s son Landon has mitochondrial myopathy with tubular aggregate, an extremely rare genetic disorder that affects the central nervous system, causing developmental delay of motor skills, severe muscle weakness, and a host of other symptoms, disorders, and complications.
At just 18 months of age, Landon’s prognosis was dismal, and doctors told Melody that her son would not live long. Thankfully, they were wrong. At the ripe old age of 17, Landon, the only person in the U.S. known to be living with this type of condition, continues to defy statistics. To Melody and her husband, Charles, Landon is a miracle, and the couple honors their miracle in a very special way.
In 1996, Melody heard about Camp For All, a unique camp that was being built near Houston for children and adults with special needs. One of Landon’s physicians, Robert Zeller, M.D., a neurologist at Texas Children’s Hospital, co-founded the camp. Its mission was to enrich the lives of people with disabilities and chronic illnesses by providing quality camping experiences in a barrier-free environment. The camp was to be built in Washington County, near Brenham, and would work in direct partnership with Houston’s medical and special needs organizations.
Melody was elated to learn that Landon, who spent much of his infancy and early childhood in the hospital, might actually be able to attend camp. She felt compelled to help launch the project, so she joined the cause and became a founding member of the camp’s original volunteer group, The Camp For All Friends.
As a volunteer during the early days of Camp For All, Melody helped with a variety of events and fundraising projects. She recalls the enthusiasm and sense of accomplishment she and her fellow volunteers felt when the camp opened in the summer of 1998. That feeling was magnified when Landon attended his first camping session there.
Today, Landon continues to attend Camp For All each spring as part of du Baloon Rouge, a camping group for children and teens with Tourette syndrome (TS). TS is a neurobe-havioral movement disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics, and for Landon, TS is a complication of his primary disease. Melody and Charles also attend and serve as volunteer counselors with the TS group. Additionally, Melody remains a member of Camp For All Friends, and Charles is a member of the camp’s board of directors.
“The camp experience is becoming more and more beneficial to Landon as he grows older,” said Melody. “It’s all about overcoming obstacles, never giving up hope, and realizing that you aren’t alone in your struggles. At 17, the last thing a kid wants is to feel alone or feel different. At Camp For All, Landon is just like everyone else, and that means so much to him.”
Charles agrees, “Camp For All is good for the mind, body, and soul. Kids, regardless of their disability, can be themselves without fear of stares, teasing, or rejection. They take part in activities they would not otherwise have an opportunity to do. Before long, you notice a change in attitude, confidence, and self-esteem. It’s amazing to watch.”
Each year, the camp serves more than 55 different special needs groups, offering a wide range of traditional camp activities in a fully accessible setting. With more than 100,000 square feet of state-of-the-art facilities, as well as numerous activity areas spread over 206 acres, Camp For All offers canoeing and kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, biking, archery, arts and crafts, team sports, a ROPES challenge course, and much more. As a nonprofit organization that does not rely on government or United Way Funding, Camp For All needs the help and support of devoted volunteers like Melody and Charles.
“I believe that God leads us to people and places and puts us just where He needs us,” Melody says. “I’m grateful that I was led to Camp For All and for what it has meant to me and my family. I’m also happy that I can give something back through volunteerism. It’s a blessing to be able to help.”
Volunteerism at Camp For All can come in many forms, and there are opportunities for people of all ages, interests, and talents. Projects are available both at the camp, located in Burton, and in Houston, where the camp maintains its administrative office.
“Our volunteers are our most precious resources, and Melody has remained committed to Camp For All for many years,” said Vicki LaRue, Camp For All president and CEO. “She is an outspoken advocate and a wonderful friend. We cherish her involvement and are pleased to count her, Charles, and Landon among our most dedicated volunteers.
To learn more about Camp For All, visit www.campforall.org or call 713-686-5666.