LABELLE — Trailways Camps has appointed Roberto Sanchez to its board of directors.

Trailways Camps, Inc. is a non profit organizations whose mission is “Enabling adults with special needs, and those who care for them to grow their social, emotional and spiritual relationships.” Each year 3-5 residential camp sessions (4 days and 3 nights) are provided at Riverside Retreat, 7305 CR 78 in LaBelle. Twenty adults with special needs, along with 50 staff, volunteers, and invited guests gather for the overnight camping experiences.

Sanchez visited the November 2023 camp with his wife. They joined in the family style Thanksgiving Feast, and then enjoyed the evening Talent Show performances. He saw that each day and evening was packed with activities that provide opportunities for fun, creating friendships, and establishing connections as a community of diverse individuals. He also saw that the overnight retreats provide parents and caregivers an opportunity for respite knowing their adult son or daughter will be in a safe, high-quality environment with care provided by trained and joyful people.

Following conversations and reviews Sanchez was appointed to membership on the Board of Directors on Dec. 13, 2023. He will bring knowledge about needs and resources for adults with special needs living in Hendry County to team discussions and decisions. He will also lead and assist the camp team in reaching out in the community to share information about opportunities at Trailways Camps, Inc. and in establishing community partnerships.

Background:

The Miller Family established Trailways Camps in Texas in 2007 following the passing of their son Robert who had a rare, progressive disorder that presented major life challenges. 30 camp sessions were provided there.

The Miller Family moved full time to Sanibel, Florida in 2010 and decided to initiate the camping program in SW Florida. They established a Donor Advised Fund at the SW Florida Community Foundation, DBA Collaboratory, selected a site partner — the Riverside Camp & Retreat in LaBelle,

In October of 2012 the first Trailways Camp in SW Florida became a reality. Camps were operated in partnership with non-profit providers. Following 34 successful Trailways Camps in SW Florida, and the passing of their younger son Benjamin, The Founders have established TRAIL.WAYS Forward... as a mission theme for the next decade. They registered as a non-profit in Florida in 2021, and became an IRS approved 501(c) 3 to lead plans and organize leadership for sustaining the program in the event of their passing. More information is available on the website www.trailwayscamps.org.