may 2024 newsletter

Dear Camp Tatiyee Supporters, Families, and Community,

As the days grow warmer and the scent of adventure fills the air, I'm thrilled to announce that camp is just around the corner! In just a few weeks, our campgrounds will once again come alive with the laughter, friendships, and boundless energy of our campers.

But wait, there's still time to join us on this incredible journey! Registration is open until early June, so if you haven't secured your spot yet, now is the perfect time to do so. Whether you're a returning camper or joining us for the first time, we can't wait to welcome you with open arms and create memories that will last a lifetime

​In this month's newsletter, we're excited to introduce you to Noah, one of our cherished campers whose infectious laughter and sense of humor light up our campgrounds. Join us as we dive into his heartwarming journey and discover how Camp Tatiyee has empowered him to grow and thrive.

We're also thrilled to shine a spotlight on our exhilarating cooking program, where campers embark on a culinary adventure and learn valuable life skills while creating delicious meals together. Plus, don't miss our partner highlight featuring Piper Trust and an exciting opportunity to participate in our Donor Survey.

So mark your calendars, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable summer at Camp Tatiyee. Together, let's make memories, forge lifelong friendships, and create a summer filled with joy, laughter, and endless possibilities.

With excitement and anticipation,

Pam Swanson
Executive Director

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noah's summer camp experience

​Noah absolutely loves camp, and some of his favorite experiences have been sitting with his counselors in nature while they play the guitar. It’s a simple thing, when you consider all the exciting things Camp Tatiyee has to offer. But it’s still his favorite. 

Having an opportunity to slow down from his busy days at home, seeing specialist after specialist, is a relief. Noah can just spend some time relaxing with friends while being himself. And while he may be quiet, Noah is well known for his sense of humor. He can get his entire dorm laughing in just a few minutes.

The staff at camp call this the “Noah Effect,” as soon as he starts laughing everyone knows a good joke is on its way. His energy and his laugh are just contagious to everyone around him. When you get a chance to spend a few hours with Noah, most people feel pretty lucky. 

Without a place like Camp Tatiyee, Noah might not have the same chances to meet peers and participate in exciting programs like go-kart racing, science, and more. At camp, Noah gets a full week away from home to discover his own identity and independence. It’s a transformative experience that gives him a chance to grow as a person.

Camp Tatiyee has made a huge impression on Noah’s life, empowering him to make friends and learn new things. He looks forward to the 2024 summer and hopes to make even more friends this summer! 

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learning to cook at camp tatiyee

Are you ready to don your aprons, whip up delicious treats, and embark on a culinary adventure at Camp Tatiyee's cooking program? As our campers dive into the world of cooking, they'll get to experience the satisfaction of independently creating their own food and savoring the results with their peers! From baking cookies, to making steak, or even whipping up a curry, our staff help campers create the dish of their choice (usually cookies!).

Our cooking program is also about the joy of sharing meals with others. Campers work alongside one another, building camaraderie and creating lasting memories as you laugh, stir, and savor together. They share feedback, taste one anothers creations, and learn how to be a better cook. The kitchen becomes a place of true connection, where friendships are forged over shared experiences and a mutual love for good food.

​Lastly, cooking is a practical exercise in an important life skill. Camp Tatiyee believes that learning to cook is an essential part of becoming an independent and self-sufficient adult. Through our program, campers gain valuable knowledge in meal preparation, cooking techniques, and food safety. These skills will serve campers well beyond the campgrounds, empowering them to navigate the kitchen with confidence.

To our campers: Cook with passion, savor with delight, and let your culinary creations be a testament to your incredible talents!

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thank you virginia g.piper charitable trust

​At Camp Tatiyee, we are immensely grateful for the support of our partners who share our vision of empowering special needs youth and creating life-changing summer camp experiences. Today, we shine a spotlight on the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, whose recent generosity has played a pivotal role in preparing our camp to serve at full capacity this year.

Thanks to the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust's support, we were able to complete crucial renovations that have significantly enhanced our camp facilities. One of the most notable improvements has been the renovation of our dormitory roofs, ensuring that our campers and staff have safe and comfortable living spaces. Additionally, the installation of air conditioning in all the dormitories has provided much-needed relief during the hot summer months, creating a more comfortable environment for everyone at camp.

​The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust has also made it possible for a large number of campers to attend Camp Tatiyee in 2024. This generous funding has allowed us to expand our capacity and welcome more campers than ever before. After operating at reduced capacity due to the pandemic, this support has been instrumental in helping us return to full operation and continue our mission of serving special needs youth across Arizona.

As we prepare to open our doors to campers once again, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust for their unwavering commitment to our camp and the special needs community. Their support has not only transformed our facilities but also transformed the lives of countless campers who will experience the joy and magic of Camp Tatiyee this summer. We are truly grateful for their partnership and dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.

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take our survey before the summer!

​We need your valuable input! Your voice matters to us, and we want to ensure that your generosity and support are acknowledged and understood. We invite you to take a few minutes to complete our Donor Survey, a critical tool that helps us gain insights into why our amazing supporters choose to donate.

Rest assured, the survey is designed to be quick and easy, taking only a few minutes of your time. Your candid responses will provide us with invaluable information to enhance our understanding of why people donate and how we can improve our engagement with our supporters.

Thank you for taking the time to complete the Donor Survey. Your participation empowers us to continually improve and ensure that Camp Tatiyee aligns with the expectations and values of our supporters.

yes, I want to take the survey