By Lisa Ebersole*

For one unforgettable week in late June, Jefferson United Methodist Church (Northern Waters District) was transformed into a place where every child could experience the joy of summer camp. Camp No Limits, a day camp designed specifically for children ages 5 to 12 with disabilities, welcomed campers for a week filled with friendship, fun, creativity, and unconditional acceptance.

The camp, a collaborative effort between United Methodist churches from Jefferson, Colebrook, Windsor, Andover, Conneaut, and Ashtabula, demonstrated what can happen when congregations unite around a shared vision of serving their community.

I was blessed to serve as Camp director and grateful for the partnership of Jefferson UMC Pastor Jeremy Roseberry, who recognized the need for a summer camp experience designed specifically for children with disabilities. While many traditional camps are not equipped to meet the unique needs of these children, Camp No Limits created a welcoming environment where every camper could participate, explore, and simply enjoy being a kid.

Throughout the week, campers enjoyed classic summer camp activities, including an opening campfire celebration, energetic camp songs, arts and crafts, and hands-on nature activities. Jefferson UMC also created two dedicated sensory rooms, providing calming, supportive spaces where campers could relax and recharge whenever needed.

The camp was made possible by approximately 25 volunteers from participating churches and the local community, whose dedication and compassion ensured every child received individualized attention and encouragement.

Volunteer Judy Kampf reflected on her experience, saying, “While Camp No Limits presented some challenges for me and other volunteers, the rewards were well worth it!”

For Pastor Roseberry, the week was both inspiring and deeply meaningful. “Getting the chance to spend a week with these amazing kids – kids who are sadly often overlooked – was one of the highest points of my ministry up to this point,” he said.

Roseberry continued, “The excited looks on these kids’ faces when they came each day, and hearing the feedback and appreciation from their parents is something I won’t soon forget. We showed God’s love in a unique way to some special individuals, and that is what the Church should be. And this is only the beginning. Our biggest hope and promise is that this camp will be a springboard for more special needs ministry at Jefferson UMC, and we can’t wait to begin planning for next year! Thanks to all the volunteers who made this possible and to Lisa for the vision that got us going!”

The success of Camp No Limits was measured not only by the smiles on the campers’ faces but also by the friendships formed, the confidence gained, and the support shown to families who often have limited opportunities for inclusive summer programming.

As the week closed, one thing was clear: Camp No Limits lived up to its name. It was a place where abilities were celebrated, barriers were removed, and every child was reminded that they are loved, valued, and created with purpose.

With overwhelming community support and enthusiastic feedback from families and volunteers alike, organizers are already looking ahead to next summer, hopeful that Camp No Limits will continue to grow and become a lasting ministry serving children with disabilities throughout Ashtabula County.

The Conference Communications team would like to share other stories that highlight ways that each of us is answering the call to reach out to our communities in creative ways. Please e-mail your ministry story to EOC Executive Director of Communications Rick Wolcott at wolcott@eocumc.com.

* Lisa Ebersole is president of the Ashtabula County Board of Development Disabilities.