The Magic of Camp Hawkins

Volunteers from all walks of life gather at Camp Hawkins, united by a mission to serve. Scott, a seasoned special education teacher, leads a group of volunteers from First Baptist Church in Waynesboro and Botsford Baptist Church. For Scott and his team, Camp Hawkins is more than a place to serve; it’s a mission rooted in Christ’s love. “The most amazing thing is seeing the positive love shown to these kids,” Scott shares. “The counselors are incredible, and they really embody Christ’s love. That’s what brings us back every year.”

Sandy, a retired speech pathologist, echoes Scott’s sentiments. Moved by the impact of Camp Hawkins, she has been bringing in more volunteers each year. “Seeing the kids treated like every other child is precious. This experience has been amazing,” she shares, misty-eyed. Sandy remembers how one counselor, initially apprehensive about working with children with special needs, found her true calling at Camp Hawkins. “She loved every second of it and is now considering changing her major to special education. The love and acceptance here are life changing.”

The camp’s inclusivity resonates with new volunteers like Haley, who was invited by Sandy to join the team. “The purpose of this camp is to make the kids feel important and valued,” Haley explains. “It’s special to have a place where these kids receive the support needed to fully participate in fun activities that other kids their age participate in. Seeing their joy and how God works through these moments is amazing.”

The joy and laughter extend beyond the campers, as volunteers like Amber share in the fun. “Doing arts and crafts is especially fun, and the kids are so proud when they see they can do things other kids do,” Amber says. Whether it’s tie-dying shirts or leading other activities, the volunteers create moments of joy and confidence for the children.

For camp leaders like Allison Hellenstein, who has been with Camp Hawkins since 2013, the experience is equally transformative. Allison’s journey with the camp began during college, where she joined as a counselor through the Send Me Now missionary program. “I met my husband here, and each summer we look forward to spending time with the campers. We pretty much get paid to have fun with them,” Allison says with a smile. Her favorite part of camp? The Saturday night Talent Show, where campers proudly showcase their unique talents. “It’s a privilege to be part of creating a platform for our campers to share their gifts and life lessons with us.”

The heart of Camp Hawkins is captured by Program Specialist, Rachel Laubrich, who emphasizes the camp’s core mission: “We want every camper to leave here understanding they are loved and valued by us and, most importantly, by Christ.” With a one-to-one camper-to-counselor ratio, every child receives personalized care and attention, ensuring they feel like they have a best friend for the week.

The impact of Camp Hawkins extends beyond the campgrounds, reaching into the lives of families. Rachel shares stories of transformation, like Max, a camper with autism and a traumatic brain injury. “Max used to scratch himself and say, ‘Max is hateful,’ a phrase he had internalized from his past. But after camp, his mom noticed a change. Instead of saying that phrase, he started singing camp songs like ‘Jesus Loves Me.’ That’s why we do this — to share the love of Jesus with our campers and watch Him transform their lives.”

Another camper, Elaine, who had a traumatic brain injury, couldn’t walk or stand when she first attended camp. By the end of the week, with help, Elaine stood proudly on the stage at the camp’s Talent Show. The following year she worked hard during physical therapy and with determination, she walked across that same stage, a moment of triumph that brought the entire camp to their feet in celebration. “Camp Hawkins is about creating opportunities for kids that they otherwise wouldn’t have,” Rachel shares proudly.

The Talent Show is a highlight of camp week, where campers are celebrated for their talents, and the entire community comes together to cheer them on. “It’s the greatest show where you will laugh your head off and then cry,” Rachel says. “It’s a night when our campers get to shine.”

But the impact of Camp Hawkins doesn’t stop with the campers. Volunteers like Scott, Sandy, Amber, and Haley all describe their experiences at Camp Hawkins as life changing. The camp creates a ripple effect of love, service, and transformation that spreads through the community, inspiring more people to get involved.

Rachel emphasizes the importance of volunteers in making Camp Hawkins possible. “The more volunteers we have, the more spaces are available for our campers,” she says. “Whether you’re a camp counselor, nurse, or part of a church volunteer team, there’s a place for you at Camp Hawkins.” With each new volunteer, more children are given the opportunity to experience the love and joy that Camp Hawkins offers.

Camp Hawkins is a place where children with special needs are cherished and empowered. It’s a place where volunteers find purpose, and families experience the joy of watching their children thrive. As Scott said, “Last year, when we left, we knew we had been bitten by the Camp Hawkins bug.”

Are you ready to catch the bug? Join the Camp Hawkins family and experience the profound impact you can make on these incredible children and their families. Volunteers and donations keep this camp thriving, so why not take the leap?

Visit georgiachildren.org or contact Rachel Laubrich at rlaubrich@gbchfm.org to learn how you can get involved and be a part of this extraordinary mission.