STEPHEN J WAMPLER FOUNDATION INC
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Mission Statement
The Stephen J. Wampler Foundation's mission is to "provide life-changing outdoor experiences to children with physical disabilities".
About This Cause
Stephen Wampler was born with Cerebral Palsy and has used a wheelchair for his entire life. At the age of 9, his parents pushed him to attend a summer camp in Lake Tahoe, where little did he know; his life's work and passion would be determined. After aging out of camp at the age of 18, Steve went on to earn his degree in Environmental Engineering at UC Davis. Shortly after, he moved to Coronado, CA where he met and married the love of his life, Elizabeth Wampler. They have two children who are both in college. The Foundation incorporated in October 2001, becoming a fully recognized tax-exempt non-profit 501(c) 3 organization in March of 2003. In 2004, Camp Wamp was established and welcomed 24 campers. We have grown over the past 18 years and have sponsored over 1,250 children. The programs at our facility (Camp Wamp) in the High Sierras near Lake Tahoe focus on outdoor education and helping kids with physical disabilities feel comfortable in a wilderness setting. During the 6-day long program, the kids learn to fish, build shelters, identify flora and fauna, do arts and crafts, sleep under the stars, and learn survival skills. Each day there is a set STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) curriculum offering a variety of different activities. These activities are wrapped in fun and team challenges. We have a 1:1 counselor to camper ratio as well as medical, lifeguard, and support staff. We typically operate Camp Wamp for six 1-week sessions each summer, beginning the first Sunday after the 4th of July. At the conclusion of the week-long program, the kids come away with increased self-confidence, new skills, a love of the outdoors, and a set of positive memories and experiences that help propel them to greater engagement and purpose in their lives. The kids seem to enjoy a new kind of certainty and self-reliance. A core principle of our organization is diversity and inclusion. We serve campers aged 8 to 18. We have campers and staff from all races, religions, gender associations, and physical abilities. Our service population includes children and young adults with varying physical disabilities including, but not limited to, Cerebral Palsy, Spina bifida, Poliomyelitis, Stroke, Acquired Brain and Spinal Injuries, Muscular dystrophies, Arthritis, Development Coordination Disorder, Blindness, Deafness, Amputations, and Speaking Difficulty. Each session encompasses 4 main programs: 1) Wilderness Survival- During weekly session each camper sleeps under the stars using only a cot and their sleeping bag. This helps them understand what type of sleeping bag, clothes, and animal proofing needed to survive outside for a week. Campers also participate in a one-night camp out each week where they have to come up with a menu and prepare meals over an open fire. 2) Aquatics- our program features swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. 3) Environmental Education- This program happens naturally as part of the camp experience. They are taught "leave no trace" ethics helping them understand human's impact on nature. Kids will also learn to traverse varying terrains such as beach, forest, and mountains. We have 5 standard outcomes we aim for: 4) Teamwork, Self- education, Social-skill development, Problem solving, and Goal setting. We emphasize Adventure, Optimism, Self- Reliance, and Ambition. Our campers leave the experience feeling included, empowered, and having learned skills that enhance what they believe they CAN achieve. For many, for the first time in their lives, they believe that they can go on to achieve a happy, included, and productive life. A partial list of outcomes of the programs the foundation offers are as follows: * Opening the world of environmental awareness * Creating a deeper appreciation of the natural surroundings * Encouraging higher education * Increasing overall physical leisure, and social capabilities * Developing physical competencies * Developing compensating skills and confidence * Developing outdoor experiences and skills * Fostering emotional, social, and physical independence * Developing a sense of personal worth and self-acceptance * Realizing that there are clear opportunities for a normal life Our campers learn to adapt and overcome any obstacles they may face as part of the camp experience. We have a goal of empowering, encouraging, and supporting each camper through their learning process. There is something about a wilderness experience for the kids of Camp Wamp that puts them on a unique path. We think it is a combination of their disability blended with their life experiences, blended with the great outdoors. We see a developmental boost that is unique for youngsters with disabilities in the wilderness. The kids get to enjoy new confidence and courage, resulting in greater morale and self-reliance. As counselors and staff, it is a deep pleasure to witness this, observe as kids find peers who become friends, and watch discoveries come to life. The weekly tuition cost is $3,500 per camper. Raising a child with a disability is typically very expensive. No child has ever been turned away for inability to pay. We fundraise all year long and strive to provide scholarships for each and every camper so their families are relieved of the financial burden. We have the capacity to serve 120 campers over the summer season. We seek funding through corporate grants, foundations, and individual donors. A majority of our capital comes from corporate and private foundation grants. We are fortunate to have some incredible sponsors such as the San Francisco 49ers, Chevron, Chipotle, Swinerton Renewable Energy, ESET, and several generous family foundations and individual donors. We are incredibly grateful for all contributions, large and small. Conclusion-- The Stephen J. Wampler Foundation is committed to building and strengthening the offering of its unique environmental educational programs targeted to kids and young adults with physical disabilities.