The Smiles in their Hearts

   Every May, HopeTree Family Services' Developmental Disabilities Ministry conducts Camp Coley/Keaton. This Camp experience originally began through the efforts of a parent who was one of our earliest supporters of our efforts to assist adults with intellectual disabilities. Named Camp Keaton in her honor, this was a great opportunity for 'the guys' to have a few days of fun and relaxation and fellowship with their peers and friends from other locations. A few years ago, the name was changed to Camp Coley/Keaton in honor of Wayne Coley who had worked tirelessly on behalf of adults with intellectual disabilities for the Baptist Mission Board and HopeTree Family Services.

   Should you ever have the opportunity to attend one of these camps, please do. The absolute joy exuded by the men and women who attend is unrivaled by anything else you will experience. Their comraderie, their enthusiasm, their compassion, and their unbridled excitement will give you a wondrous new outlook on life. One must see the spring in their steps and feel the joy beaming from their faces to appreciate how much these men and women enjoy life. Behind the smiles and laughs and joyful banter live questing minds, loving hearts, and searching souls filled with a committment to their faith that must be experienced to be appreciated.