In what has become a summer tradition, Walton Gas employees armed with scoops, freezers packed with creamy, sweet ice cream and sprinkles — you can’t forget those — hit the road headed for Winder. Their destination is Camp Twin Lakes where they dole out frozen treats while making new friends.
“From the day we announce the date of the ice cream party, I start looking forward to it. It’s one of the best days of the year for me,” said Sara Beddington, marketing specialist for Walton Gas.
“It’s one of the best days of the year for me.”
At this year’s party on July 29, the Walton Gas team had the opportunity to get to know teens and young adults involved with ESP (Extra Special People), a nonprofit organization that creates programming for individuals with developmental disabilities. For many of the participants, it was the first time experiencing a week of adventure-filled overnight camping.
The ESP session is one on a packed calendar for the camp’s three campuses in Winder and Rutledge. Each can provide adapted camp programming, specialized facilities and equipment, tailored nutrition services and skilled support staff to provide memorable camping experiences for individuals living with serious illnesses, disabilities and other life challenges.
The annual summertime visit to Winder is simply the cherry on top of a relationship between Walton Gas and Camp Twin Lakes that dates back to 2013. The camp is the longest-running beneficiary of donations from the Champions for Charity giving program. Over the years, Walton Gas and its customers have donated $181,000 to make camp possible for many.
Camp Twin Lakes has participated in
Champions for Charity since 2013.
“It’s a pleasure to make our yearly trip to meet campers and see how our donations are positively impacting the lives of fellow Georgians,” Beddington said.
A place to belong
Ask campers what they enjoy most about their Camp Twin Lakes experience and phrases like “I feel like I belong” and “I feel like I can do anything” are often included in the responses. It’s no wonder since each camp session is designed specifically to meet the special needs of attendees, providing opportunities to build confidence in a safe, supportive environment.
During this year’s ice cream party, the Walton Gas team had the opportunity to get to know teens and young adults involved with ESP (Extra Special People), a program for individuals with developmental disabilities.
The three campsites serve thousands of children and teens during weeklong summer camps. Each session serves a different unique diagnosis or challenge. Children with special healthcare needs and life challenges can participate in classic camp activities, such as zip lines, rock walls and horseback riding, as well as nature programming that includes interactive nature exploration trails, a wheelchair accessible green treehouse, stargazing programs and a 120-acre farm.
During the school year, parents and caregivers can join in on the camping fun. Weekend programs allow campers to reconnect with their peer group. Meanwhile, parents and caregivers have a chance to meet other families facing similar challenges.
Cast your vote
Camp Twin Lakes joins Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities (ARMHC) and Annandale Village as the featured nonprofits in this year’s Champions for Charity.
Walton Gas donates $1,000 for every Bulldog regular season victory
and $5,000 for every post-season win.
Walton Gas donates $1,000 for every Bulldog regular season victory and $5,000 for every post-season win. In addition, new customers can opt to have another $50 donated to one of the three charities. Last season, Walton Gas and its customers combined to donate $39,000 to the three organizations.
Walton Gas customers’ votes will determine how much each nonprofit receives. The voting period opens on Sept. 5 with the first University of Georgia football game.
Go to waltongas.com/uga to vote for Camp Twin Lakes, ARMHC or Annandale Village.