About Us...
Welcome to the Gator Wilderness Camp School. Thank you for taking the time to acquaint yourself about our mission and ministry in south central Florida. If you are ever in the area please do not hesitate to give us a call to stop by for a visit and tour of our campus, visitors are always welcome. Before you are familiarized with the uniqueness of the camp program let us begin with several myths about what camp is not.
MYTH #1:
The Gator Wilderness Camp School resembles the show “Survivor” with the exotic locations, movie stars, and survival of the strong and popular?
FALSE
This myth could not be further from the truth. At the Gator Boys Camp we actively partner with families and boys to formulate an individualized treatment plan with the goal of attaining long term success of the camper in his return to home. While at camp the campers live in a comfortable yet simple campsite setting planned, built, and maintained by the group. At camp each group eats 3 healthy and nutrious meals daily. Our food is always found at the chuckwagon or chucktent not foraged or caught in the surrounding woods and wetlands. Lastly, and most importantly the equal value of each camper is championed at all times.
MYTH #2
The Gator Wilderness Camp School incorporates the structure of a military boot camp into our program model?
FALSE
Once again this myth could not be further from the truth. At Gator Boys Camp we teach the benefits of discipline and structure in one’s life are many. However, the context for this belief at camp are rooted in practical life skills and the opportunity to “build relationships with authority” not to “break them down” with the campers we are serving. All camp structures are specifically designed to build relationship between campers and staff, not alienate them.
Gator Wilderness Camp School is located in the North East corner of Charlotte County Florida approximately 22 miles east of Punta Gorda and 16 miles south of Arcadia. Our campus includes 254 acres of pristine south central Florida woodlands, a 12 acre lake and numerous natural wetlands we gladly share with many interesting and diverse plant and animal species. Daily occurrences on our property include the plaintive call of a sand hill crane, armadillos foraging, deer grazing peacefully, and the cry of an osprey in search of a fish dinner.
The Gator Boys Camp was founded in 1995 with the specific mission statement of “serving struggling boys and their families”. Operation of the camp began in 2006 when the first boys were enrolled in the program.
Gator Boys Camp is a licensed member of the Florida Association of Christian Child Caring Agencies (FACCA). Members of this association are required by the state of Florida to meet specified and detailed child care criteria including yearly reviews. Gator Boys Camp is recognized as a private school by the Charlotte County School District. For more information on a detailed Scope and Sequence comparison of the camp program to Florida Education Standards please contact the camp.
At camp we understand that problems are part of life. We also realize that learning to “talk out” problems whether large or small can be extremely difficult. It is our goal that every camper entrusted to our program learns to identify and talk about problems in his own life and through the encouragement of camp staff finds the strength to “tackle” these problems with a spirit of honesty and courage.
It is also our expectation that each camper encourage and assist his peers in solving their problem. At camp we call this-“Helping yourself-Helping others”. Our qualified and trained group counselors who live with the group 24 hours/daily assist the group and campers in solving daily problems and “talking out” past problems that may have occurred prior to admission. These deep problems often result in pain and a wide range of negative feelings that have caused the camper to lock into a cycle of “turmoil and confusion”.
As each camper learns to talk about these painful problems in a constructive manner guided by camp staff this cycle of turmoil and confusion replaced by appropriate behavior resulting in great personal progress on behalf of the boy.
"Help Yourself...Help Others."
Gator Wilderness Camp School
Receives 2009 Best of Punta Gorda Award
U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement
WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- Gator Wilderness Camp School has been selected for the 2009 Best of Punta Gorda Award in the Rehabilitation Services category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).
The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.
About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)
U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association
CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@us-ca.org
URL: http://www.us-ca.org
RE-OPENED SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
Letter from Board President,
Glen Byler
“All your sons will be taught by the LORD,
And great will be your children’s peace. Isaiah 54:13
The words of scripture written above help to define the Board of Director’s vision for Gator Camp Wilderness School in the 21st century. As a Board, we chose to close the school from November, 2008 through August, 2009.
This decision was a difficult one to make; but we believe it was the right choice at that time. However; the vision of God’s work in the lives of pre-adolescent and adolescent boys at Gator Camp continues, and with that resolution, we are excited about the school re-opening under new leadership.
Gator Camp Wilderness School is preparing to re-open under the direction of Gregg Kanagy, Director, and Mark Martin, Program Director. These two leaders have together more than 30 years experience in working with boys in several settings. As a Board, we are grateful the Lord for His faithfulness and provision for boys and their families at Gator Camp Wilderness School.
