Camp Phoenix expands programs at new facility

MARBLE FALLS — A nonprofit agency helping children in need got some good news recently when an anonymous donor gave them a new building.

Beginning this month, Camp Phoenix will expand weekday outreach programs at their new facility, located at 1007 Ave. F. 

The building, now known as The Phoenix Center, was provided through “the remarkable generosity of an anonymous donor with a great love for children,” said Sarah Garrett, founder and executive director.

The gift is a boon to the nonprofit, Garrett added. 

“Our intent is to provide these programs free of cost, and we collaborate with all local organizations that promote the well-being of children,” she said. “We had four great summer sessions this year, and now we are offering more classes than in the past. What we want to do is empower kids in a non-competitive way to positively impact their self-esteem.”

The Phoenix Center building once housed Sana Vida Studio & Clinic, but the wellness center has moved to 507 E. RR 1431.

Camp Phoenix got started in the Highland Lakes in July 2007 to serve the physical and emotional needs of children and their families. 

Garrett worked with children in similar programs in Houston where she lived until two years ago. She says the best part of her work with the families at Camp Phoenix is the opportunity to bring unique and innovative programs to the area.

Camp Phoenix will offer five outreach programs running on a weekly basis. There are two yoga classes, one Nia dance class which integrates classical dance with the martial arts and two expressive art classes.

“What’s great about the expressive art classes is that it is so much different from regular art classes where they just learn the basics,” Garrett said. “There is a therapeutic component to expressive art that makes it different. It’s a place where children can express themselves with no right or wrong aspect. Not all children express themselves verbally and talking isn’t always developmentally appropriate.”

Garrett said children often express themselves best through play or art. She studied art as an undergraduate and later went on to study social work and art therapy.

“We’re also excited about our yoga program as it provides a balance of mind and body and teaches relaxation and stress management. Larger cities have done this for years,” she said.

The teachers at Camp Phoenix are all volunteers and receive no reimbursement for teaching. In addition to Garrett, classes are taught by five volunteers from the University of Texas College of Social Work master’s program and Marble Falls Elementary School first-grade teacher Katy Brickey.

Operational costs are covered by funding provided by private donations and a grant received from the Legacy Fund.

Garrett says counselors are looking forward to their fall camp sessions and fall camp retreat for the body, mind and spirit the weekend of Oct. 25 at Enchanted Rock State Park. 

According to a Web site, the center’s programs will be available free of cost to area nonprofits that serve children in need, including The Boys & Girls Club of the Highland Lakes, The Highland Lakes Family Crisis Center, Court Appointed Special Advocates of the Highland Lakes and The Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center.

To provide a donation or for more information, contact the center at (830) 613-7230 or visit the Web site at www.supportcampphoenix.org.