• Article Photo.
  • Article Photo. Craig Stadtmueller, CEO Camp Courageous
    Craig Stadtmueller, CEO Camp Courageous

Craig Stadtmueller, the CEO of Camp Courageous, a year-round recreational and respite care facility, spoke to the local Vinton Kiwanis Club last week. Stadtmueller is very familiar with the Kiwanis organization and its efforts across the state and reflected on his positive experiences with the organization.

Camp Courageous has been part of his life since a young age. He shared his personal experience with the camp as his sister was a camper there and his family had benefited over the years from the organization.

He said that about a year ago, his friend Charlie Becker, one of his friends in the organization, and who also lived in the same town, had called. He said it was a call that had "that feel" about it. He suspected that there was really more to the call than what was being said. His friend invited him to stop over, and so he went. He said Becker began with, "Camp is not my life." With that, Stadtmueller said he knew the con was on! Becker has spent the last 45 years immersed in the camp and all it stands for. Becker, he said, has been a walking historian of the organization. Becker explained that because it's a new era and time, he felt that Stadtmueller could better lead the organization.

Fast forward a year later, following meetings with the board and seeking its direction, Stadtmueller is excited to be in the leadership role where he serves now. The organization has a regular spot on WMT radio, which they use to keep the community informed and educate on the happenings of Camp Courageous.

The camp receives no government funding but relies soley on donations of the community. He said the round-up program that Fareway does in the first two weeks of June covers their food expenses for the entire year (so lend a hand there!).  The camp officially began in 1973 with only 40 acres of donated land, labor, materials, and five buildings. In its first year, they served 211 campers. Today it covers 400 acres and has over 35 buildings on the campus, with another project in the works. Annually, they now serve 10,000 individuals.

Standtmueller emphasized that all of this is a result of individual partnerships. He said it feels like the camp has become more like a college campus rather than just a camp. Whatever your skills, gifts or abilities are, he said there's always a need for it at the camp.  "There's something there for everyone, " he said. There's never a problem plugging in people who would like to lend a hand. 

He shared the video below with the group which gave excellent insight into what the camp is all about. Take a few minutes to watch. Camp Courageous. 

The camp provides medical assistance to campers while they are on site to make sure medications are taken and to assist with any other medical needs that arise. The camp is uniquely designed to help with those special needs thanks to their on-site medical facilities. These camp also makes sure to cater to the dietary needs of campers.

Anywhere from one to 5 campers are assigned to each camp counselor, depending on the individual needs of those camper. Campers range in ages - all the way up to 105 - so it's not just for kids!

The camp provides both challenge and opportunity for campers to experience things that they might not be able to at home. Stadtmueller said that "Camp Courageous lives in the gap between what is possible and what is accessible. We want to present challenge and opportunity for our campers. We don't water events down or lower the bar, but we build a path so that they experience genuine achievement...and that's what builds that confidence and courage, independence and joy...and that doesn't stay at the camp, that goes home with the camper." He explained that these experiences change their perspective so that when they go home, they feel more confident.

Stadtmueller shared a new Cabin Campaign they are working on. He said historically, they've used a dorm setting with 10-12 campers per room. However, he said there is a need for other types of accommodations that prevent a dorm setting. The camp is fundraising for what he calls a 23-room hotel. Each room has two Murphy-style beds that can be lowered or raised. The design makes it possible for each room to house one or two persons per room, for example, a camper and family member or caregiver. The latter situation helps the camper to adjust to the site with the comfort of their own space and family member or caregiver. It also allows the caregiver to explore what is available so that they feel comfortable allowing the camp to care for their person. With the construction of the new building, it will increase the capacity of the camp, by almost 50%.

Lastly, he talked about how other populations that they haven't been able to be serve. He said that veterans have been in the hearts and minds of Camp Courageous but they really haven't had a way to serve them. He hopes that with this new construction, it will open the possibility to serve this population. This facility will give the camp more possibilities. 

Oh, and Charlie Becker, he didn't retire. Camp is still in his blood. Becker is now overseeing this new building project. 

Visit the Camp Courageous website HERE