Thunderbirds originally granted Civitan in 2004 to construct an activity field at Camp Civitan located in Williams, Arizona.
PHOENIX (February 27, 2018) – Thunderbirds Charities has awarded Civitan Foundation, Inc. $80,000 to renovate the sports and recreation field at Camp Civitan in Williams, Arizona. The Thunderbirds Charities originally built the multi-plex field with a grant in 2004.
In 1968, the vision to create a summer experience of adventure for individuals who are often forgotten or shielded from the same adventures many families take for granted was started. Today, the 15-acre wheelchair accessible Camp Civitan is one of the largest year-round camps of its kind in the nation and spawned additional programs and services for the developmentally disabled.
“Thanks to this generous grant from the Thunderbirds, nearly 1,000 children and adults with special needs have a safe and accessible state-of-the-art multi-plex field for games, activities, and peer socialization.” said Dawn Trapp, CEO of Civitan Foundation, Inc.
Thunderbirds Charities is a non-profit organization formed in 1986 to distribute monies raised through the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament. The organization’s giving is directed toward organizations based or with a significant presence in Arizona to help improve the quality of life in our communities. In 2004, Thunderbirds Charities, supported and built the original multi-plex sports and recreation complex at the camp, this dedicated field has provided not only great fun, but recreation, competition, and physical activity to over 13,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“We use the field year-round for camp events and activities,” said Camp Director, Rob Adams. “The field, along with our miniature golf course, hiking trails and outdoor stage, allows us to provide outdoor programming that builds relationships and team-building.”
Programs offer camp participants a variety of enriching and fun experiences that promote positive self-esteem and expression, teamwork, socialization, and healthy activities. They include adaptive educational and physical activities, community field trips, arts and crafts, nutrition classes, gross and fine motor skill training, and peer socialization.
The Civitan Foundation, a non-profit 501 c (3) headquartered in Phoenix, grew from the experiences of Camp Civitan and is now a leading voice in Arizona in providing unmatched, innovative services to individuals with special needs. Serving nearly 1,200 children and adults with disabilities throughout Arizona, Civitan expanded programming to encompass educational and vocational activities. This expansion was designed to meet the direct needs of families and their loved ones.
In addition to Camp Civitan, the Foundation now includes other locations and services to provide job and life-skill training for members to grow independently, socialize with peers and practice self-sufficiency.
Civitan Foundation Press Contact:
Bo Larsen
Office – 602-953-2944 | Cell – 602-349-6749 | Email – blarsen@campcivitan.org
About Civitan Foundation, Inc.
Civitan Foundation, Inc., serving more than 1,200 individuals and families, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to provide our community an accessible, safe and affordable environment while delivering superior life experiences to enhance the quality of life to individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages. Founded in 1968, Civitan is committed to leading Arizona in the provision of unmatched, innovative services to individuals with special needs, becoming the foremost visionary and resource for this valuable community. Civitan’s flagship programs include Camp Civitan, a residential camp experience in Williams, Arizona, and the Civitan Foundation Village, a multi-disciplinary day program and vocational training and employment center with opportunities in digital multimedia productions, visual and performing arts, a culinary institute, and sports and health programs. Civitan also offers respite and recreation programs (RSP), home and community based services (HCBS), and food and nutrition programs. Learn more at www.civitanfoundationaz.com.
About Thunderbirds Charities
Thunderbirds Charities is a non-profit organization formed in 1986 to distribute monies raised through the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament. The Thunderbirds Charities Board consists of 15 board members from varying professional backgrounds. The mission of Thunderbirds Charities is to assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in our communities. The organization’s giving is directed toward organizations based or with a significant presence in Arizona. For more information on Thunderbirds Charities or the Waste Management Phoenix Open, visit www.wmphoenixopen.com or call the Thunderbirds office at (602) 870-0163.