The South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs joined Camp Cole this month to support military families through the Camp STARS program.
Camp STARS is a weeklong overnight camp for military children through Camp Cole, located at 1571 Crossing Creek Road in Eastover, South Carolina.
The Camp STARS program, which specifically serves military children ages 6 to 21 who have illnesses, disabilities and life challenges, had its "Operation Shine-A-Light" event with support from the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs and others in the military community.
The SCDVA, along with active-duty soldiers from Fort Jackson and the Silver Foxes retiree group from McEntire, were able to provide the children who attended Camp STARS with the opportunity to be troops for a day.
The “Operation Shine-A-Light” included marching, MRE (Meal Ready-To-Eat) sampling and many physical training activities.
Camp Stars also allows kids to partake in a combination of traditional indoor and outdoor camp activities, like swimming, outdoor games and arts and crafts. Campers get to make new friends who have similar life experiences, step outside of their comfort zones and grow in confidence.
The SCDVA's Military Affairs Coordinator Jason Fowler spent time at the camp and expressed his excitement for having a program like Camp STARS available to military families not only in the Midlands, but across South Carolina.
“Working with the staff and counselors from Camp Cole to create ‘Operation Shine-A-Light’, and then having outstanding soldier and civilian volunteers from the Army out at Fort Jackson, as well as other community partners is such a testament to how the state loves and supports military children," he said. "Camp Cole is such a bright gemstone right here in the Midlands and Camp Stars shows just how bright they can shine. I hope to get the word out even further to our military families around the state for next year."
The SCDVA's Director of Government Affairs Edward Bell said this year's event was a great example of how the military and local community can come together to support and empower military children and continue to have a positive impact on those involved.
"As a former military father of four boys, this investment between our department, Fort Jackson and the Camp Cole staff was a game changer,” he said. “Being able to support military children with certain life challenges was absolutely rewarding. The entire volunteer team did an amazing job, and their presence made a huge difference in participating and supporting military children all across the state of South Carolina."
Since opening its doors in 2021, Camp Cole has served more than 1,800 campers with illnesses, disabilities, and life challenges. It provides a safe place with unique experiences for individuals who might not typically be able to attend camp.
Along with Camp STARS, the nonprofit camp also holds two other camps that serve different populations of children. Camp Impact serves kids who have experienced or are currently experiencing homelessness or are from low-income families. Cole’s Kids Camp serves kids who are interested in learning more about how to serve their community.
To learn more about Camp Cole and its programs available, click here .
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