Camp Liberty’s Mission Statement
Camp Liberty provides inclusive outdoor recreation programs that aid in the reintegration of U.S. military service members, veterans, and their families, with an emphasis on assisting those with post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries and mobility disabilities.
President’s Report – January 2023
Following a challenging period in 2022, Camp Liberty Inc. begins the new year with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement. 2023 will see Camp Liberty expand programming and serve more of our Troops and Veterans.
Last year was a rebuilding year for Camp Liberty following the unexpected passing of Rich Delisle in September 2021. Rich had served as Camp Liberty’s President for the prior five years and had taken on most of the leadership and financial management responsibilities. In the aftermath of his death, it took several months to regain access to bank accounts, social media platforms, and other critical information. The Covid pandemic was also very challenging for Camp Liberty, severely limiting the programming and fundraising that could take place. By the end of 2021, Camp Liberty’s financial reserves had been depleted and the future of the charity was very much in doubt.
Reorganization and rebuilding became the organization’s focus in 2022. A new board of directors was elected in January, and they developed an action plan that could save Camp Liberty. A new funding model was developed that allows the continued use of the Camp Liberty property and the Darlene Soave Lodge on a one-dollar-per-year basis. A new strategic plan was developed by the board of directors. Much of the first half of 2022 was dedicated to many administrative tasks needed to kickstart the charity, including financial management, regaining access to social media platforms, rebuilding contact lists, and reconnecting with Camp Liberty’s supporters. The Lodge saw repairs and improvements, making good on some previous commitments to our generous donors.
An Open House was held on June 25, which included the formal dedication of Tovar’s Terrace.
Dedicated in the name of Navy Veteran Ray Tovar, this beautiful outdoor living space was made possible by the generous donation of the paving materials by Unilock Michigan. Attended by nearly 200 people, this event served as a grand re-opening for Camp Liberty following the pandemic and its reorganization.
Programming was restarted in the second half of the year with great interest and support from the Veteran community. October marked the hiring of Stephen Skolnik as Camp Liberty’s Executive Director. Stephen is an Army Veteran who served in Afghanistan and is bringing new passion, leadership, and connections to Camp Liberty.
Rebuilding our volunteer base and expanding programming are major goals in our 2023 strategic plan. A full slate of programs has been announced, beginning with a Volunteer Welcome and Orientation Session on February 25. Camp Liberty will continue to focus on outdoor recreation, improving our Veteran community, and connecting Veterans with needed resources, but we will also expand our scope to bring inclusive outdoor recreation to others that have physical challenges. We are excited about the prospects of a new relationship with UMAISE (the University of Michigan Adaptive and Inclusive Sports Experience) and the Ann Arbor VA Hospital that will introduce Camp Liberty to new groups that can benefit from our facilities and equipment.
Our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CampLiberty4Vets) and website (camplibertymichigan.org) provide information on Camp Liberty’s 2023 events and how you can participate. Providing these programs and expanding services requires volunteers to help coordinate and staff these events. We have created volunteer opportunities that allow people to partake in activities that they enjoy, such as hunting and fishing, while bringing them in contact with others who share those interests and often become new friends. Please consider volunteering. Start with helping with just one activity that interests you. We are designing these opportunities to be enjoyable and rewarding, while also serving others.
Please also consider donating to Camp Liberty Inc. We must still raise funds to deliver these programs and services. We continue to be an IRS-approved 501c(3) charity and donations qualify as fully tax deductible. Donations may be sent to our business office address at Camp Liberty Inc., 6921 Jackson Road, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, or through the donation link on our website.
We sincerely thank all those that have supported Camp Liberty over the past ten years. We look forward to a new decade of helping our Troops, our Veterans, and those with physical challenges enhance their lives. We look forward to seeing you at a Camp Liberty event or program.
Sincerely,
Allan Lutes
President
Camp Liberty Inc.
Camp Liberty’s Vision
Building a Stronger Veteran Community, and providing access to the outdoors for any veteran that needs a place to go.
Camp Liberty Overview
Camp Liberty provides an environment conducive to the therapeutic experience facilitated by a natural wilderness setting, helping individuals develop life skills or face health challenges. Camp Liberty’s base of operations, 137 acres located in Norvell Township of Jackson County, MI, is operated by Camp Liberty through a long-term land sharing agreement. Under this agreement, Camp Liberty Inc. utilizes this property for its recreational and therapeutic programs. A multi-year conservation plan has been implemented to restore this property to a native Michigan habitat in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Reserve Program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partner’s for Fish and Wildlife program and with the support of conservation organizations such as Pheasants Forever, Safari Club International, and the National Wild Turkey Federation.
