 Dear Camp Tatiyee Supporters, Families, and Community, As we find ourselves in the midst of February, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of excitement and anticipation for the summer season that lies just a few months ahead. There's something truly magical about the prospect of reuniting with all of your wonderful faces once again, and I eagerly look forward to the joy and laughter that awaits us at camp. But before we dive headfirst into the hustle and bustle of summer, there's an important deadline on the horizon that I want to make sure you're aware of. As you may know, the deadline for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit is quickly approaching, and now is the perfect time to make a donation that will not only benefit Camp Tatiyee but also provide you with a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your Arizona state taxes. Your support is what makes it possible for us to continue offering life-changing summer camp experiences to children across Arizona, free of charge. Whether it's archery, cooking, arts and crafts, or any other program, your generosity ensures that every camper has the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow in a supportive and inclusive environment. In this month's newsletter, you'll find a heartwarming story about Emory, a camper whose life has been transformed by her experiences at Camp Tatiyee. Emory's journey is a testament to the profound impact that our programs can have on the lives of children with special needs, and I encourage you to take a moment to read her story and see the difference that your support makes. Finally, I want to share an exciting opportunity for those of you who are over the age of 70½ and looking for a meaningful way to give back during your retirement. The Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) allows you to donate directly from your taxable IRA to Camp Tatiyee, potentially providing you with tax advantages while supporting our mission. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to Camp Tatiyee and the children we serve. Your generosity truly makes a difference, and I am deeply grateful for your ongoing support. Yours in camping, Pam Swanson Executive Director emory's mother shares what camp tatiyee means to her and her daughter In 2009, I gave birth to my incredible daughter Emory who was diagnosed with Bilateral Schizencephaly and cerebral palsy. She has a left arm that refuses to cooperate and a left leg that is shorter than her right leg. She is sassy as the day is long, but so charming and lovable that you forgive it almost instantly. She started going to Camp Tatiyee right after her eighth birthday and never plans on stopping. My daughter, this pint-sized sassafras, had spent most of her time in places where she was the only child with a disability. She was okay, but struggled to connect with her peers as much. But now? She has now found her own community. Other kids like Emory who she can laugh and play with. They encourage each other, comfort each other, and play tricks on each other.  They're allowed to just be whole kids at Camp Tatiyee - not "the kid with the wheelchair." Emory get’s to have a much more meaningful identity at camp, where she is fully seen and heard. She's not "Emory - the girl with the hot pink wheelchair," she’s Emory”the girl who giggles way too much at everything.” And she does giggle too much, that’s a fact. Before Camp Tatiyee, Emory noticed other people in wheelchairs but never really got close. Now she notices them, says hi, greets them with a fist bump, and is quick to show off her powerchair tricks (she does a mean donut, let me tell ya)!  Camp Tatiyee is changing lives every summer - counselors and campers alike. They are giving children and adults a sense of self, a sense of pride, and for those who have never had it, a sense of community. But truly, they gifted me much more than that. They gifted me the beauty of watching my daughter discover exactly who she is in this world and who her people are. You can't put a price on that, and I think the only word for it is love. Camp Tatiyee is love. learn about camp tatiyee's dormitories At Camp Tatiyee, our dormitories are more than just buildings with beds. They're the heart and soul of the camp experience, designed to create an environment where meaningful connections are forged, personal boundaries are pushed, and unforgettable memories are made. Campers stepping into our dormitories are greeted with laughter, the telling of stories, and the excited energy of staff and peers. These shared living spaces are where most campers make their closest friends and connections, fostering meaningful relationships that extend beyond the summer months.  It's also an opportunity for campers to step outside their comfort zone, embrace new experiences, and grow as an individual. Many attendees at Camp Tatiyee live with family and don't have many opportunities to experience different forms of living arrangements. Camp allows these individuals to safely navigate shared spaces, learn how to respect others' needs, and develop important life skills such as cooperation, compromise, and effective communication. But it's not just about the living spaces themselves - it's about what happens within them. Picture late-night conversations that last until the stars fade away, impromptu dance parties that fill the halls with laughter and joy, and so much more. Camp Tatiyee’s dormitories are a backdrop for unforgettable memories, where bonds are strengthened, and camp spirit thrives. qualified charitable distributions Are over the age of 70½ years old and looking for a common-sense way to give back during your retirement? We have a wonderful opportunity for you: the Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). By making a QCD, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of children like Emory while potentially enjoying tax advantages. A Qualified Charitable Distribution allows individuals who meet the age requirement to donate up to $100,000 directly from their taxable IRA to a charity like Camp Tatiyee. By choosing a QCD, you can fulfill your philanthropic goals while potentially avoiding higher income tax brackets and preventing phaseouts of other tax deductions. Your kind donation will directly benefit programs and services for children like Emory, creating life-changing summer camp experiences for special needs youth. Your generosity enables Camp Tatiyee to provide accessible programming, high quality personal care, and a safe environment that fosters personal growth, friendship, and joy. For more information, please reach out to [email protected] or call 480-202-7062. To initiate a Qualified Charitable Distribution and support Camp Tatiyee, you should still consult with your financial advisor or IRA custodian to ensure compliance with the requirements. Thank you for considering a Qualified Charitable Distribution and for your unwavering commitment to our mission. Your support through this program will create transformative experiences and empower special needs children across Arizona. a special thanks to bhhs legacy foundation We extend our deepest appreciation to the BHHS Legacy Foundation for their invaluable support and forward-thinking grants that have significantly enhanced Camp Tatiyee's ability to serve our special needs community.
One of the remarkable investments made by the BHHS Legacy Foundation was the funding of our new dormitory, Aspen, completed in 2019. This state-of-the-art facility provided a much needed expansion in staff housing, allowing Camp Tatiyee to hire up to 16 additional staff members. This would increase the camp’s service capacity by nearly 20% at full staffing levels. In addition to the new dormitory, the BHHS Legacy Foundation has continued their commitment to improving Camp Tatiyee by funding an effort to replace the roofs across all camp buildings. This initiative ensures that our facilities remain in optimal condition, creating a safe environment for our campers and staff. The BHHS Legacy Foundation's forward-thinking grants have had a transformative effect on Camp Tatiyee. Their visionary approach to funding critical investments reflects their deep understanding of our mission and their efforts to ensure Camp Tatiyee is here for future generations of special needs campers. Comments are closed.
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