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Camp Corral is committed to providing a high-quality camp experience for children of wounded, ill, or fallen military heroes. This summer, representatives from House of Raeford Farms FLOCK had the opportunity to visit two of the camps to see the operations first hand.
Shona Mims and Kelly Galloway from House of Raeford’s Filet of Chicken operation in Forest Park, Georgia volunteered one Sunday at Camp Corral’s camper check-in held at Camp Southern Ground in Fayetteville, Georgia. It was a rewarding experience for both of them.
L-R: Shona Mims and Kelly Galloway – Filet of Chicken
“The camp is beautiful with wonderful amenities for these children,” Shona shared. “The kids were excited to be there and looking forward to a fun-filled week!” Kelly added, “The counselors, camp director, and Camp Corral staff were awesome to work with! As one who grew up in a military family, I could really relate to the challenges these kids face.”
In early August, Tom Teachey and Dave Witter from FLOCK’s board of directors traveled to Camp Weaver, a 20-year old operation in Greensboro, North Carolina. They spent the morning with campers enjoying the many recreational and learning opportunities available.
“The staff was exceptional, focused on meeting the expectations and safety of the children entrusted to their care,” said Teachey. “The campers seemed engaged and enjoying the opportunity to just be kids.” When asked about the camp’s ability to handle any emotional issues that might arise, a manager pointed out that their staff includes a behavioral specialist for that purpose. “Overall, we saw the chance for children to grow and perhaps even heal from the reality of their everyday life,” Teachey concluded.
In order to be eligible to participate as a Camp Corral host camp, a potential host site must commit to certain program requirements, be ACA Accredited, be able to provide over-night camping, provide their own staffing, and be able to dedicate an “exclusive” session to Camp Corral. In 2023, Camp Corral hosted 19 week-long camping sessions at 18 locations from coast to coast.
“Our partnership with Camp Corral has taught us some important lessons about the life of a military family,” Witter offered. “The transition from military to civilian life under normal circumstances can be difficult. However, there is even more stress when a family experiences the loss or injury of a loved one. As a compassionate company and nonprofit organization, House of Raeford and FLOCK are grateful to have this opportunity to give back.”
Front – Serenity Bartlett (Camper); Back (L-R) – Tom Teachey & Dave Witter (FLOCK) & Sarah Seaman (Camp Corral)