Wendy Butler Talks About How Her Family Embraced Camp Life

As a working parent, Wendy Butler was searching for a summer option that would keep her two children engaged without screens. “We’re old-fashioned,” Wendy explains. “Our kids don’t have cell phones, and we really try to limit screen time. We were just trying to find a place where the kids would be entertained and not have screen activity and be out in nature where they can grow and learn, and, of course, it’s faith-based. And so, it was really a win-win for us.” That’s how the Butlers found Ferncliff. Brady, now 14, and Bria, 13, have been attending for seven years, first as day campers, and later Bria became an overnight camper.

Each child has found a special connection with Ferncliff in their own way. Bria, the family extrovert, immediately latched onto the sense of community. “She comes here, and this is her family. She recognizes everyone—Ruth, Jocelyn, Emily,” Wendy says. Bria’s love for Ferncliff has inspired her to share the experience with others, often bringing friends who’ve never been to Ferncliff or are first-time campers. Wendy remembers one instance when Bria brought a friend who was nervous about being away from her family. “By the end of the week, her mom saw the photos and couldn’t believe how much fun her daughter was having. She said it was one of the top five experiences of her life.”

For another friend, attending camp gave her a new sense of independence and confidence, easing her mother’s anxieties about letting her child explore the world. “It really speaks volumes to what Ferncliff offers—not just for the kids but for the parents, too,” Wendy says.

Brady has also had a transformative experience at Ferncliff. Brady is drawn to the outdoor activities at camp, like the shady chute, a 120 ft. enclosed slide “Brady loves the shady chute. That’s like his favorite thing. He also enjoys hiking a lot, so I feel like he could be the leader on the trail as long as everybody could keep up with him,” Wendy said. Though Wendy initially worried about how Brady, who has Autism, would be included, she was impressed by the counselors’ ability to foster acceptance. Wendy recalls one summer when Brady scaled the rock wall as his peers cheered him on. “The smile on his face was priceless.”

“And so, for me, seeing how great these counselors are with these kids, trying to make everybody feel included, kind of fostering each kid’s uniqueness, honestly, It’s like all kids are unique. We’re all God’s blessings. One of the counselors said, ‘Brady’s my favorite kid here’. I mean, to me, that speaks volumes.” 

The Butlers have fully embraced camp life. Bria dreams of becoming a counselor, and Brady could lead the hikes on the trails with his love for the outdoors. From the shady chute and Aquapark to lessons on scripture, Wendy appreciates Ferncliff’s balance of fun and faith.

“​​There’s always a really good learning opportunity whether it’s about Jesus or about what the scripture says with how we treat others or how we all are unique. I just think that every day brings something new whether you’re learning about how to start a fire or some sort of life skill or just looking at a different aspect of something. It’s not just a camp; it’s the total package.”

For the Butler family, Ferncliff is more than a summer camp—it’s a place where the kids can grow and learn, a place to belong, and a place where everyone is included and celebrated.

 

By supporting Ferncliff, you’re creating moments like Brady and Bria’s—opportunities for campers to grow, learn and find a place to belong. Thank you for giving kids a place to be included and celebrated for exactly who they are.  Click here to make a tax-deductible donation.