Jack was committed to the idea that everyone should be able to experience the outdoors.  No matter what obstacles might be in the way: financial, physical, mental, geographical. Friends' of Jack is dedicated to continuing that legacy.  You can become a Friend of Jack by committing to provide the financing a day, a weekend, a week, or a two week session or really, anything you can do to ensure outdoor experiences for all.

Please send an email to jackslegacy@thefowlercenter.org and we will send you more information.

Here is a camper who has already been supported by the Friend's of Jack fund, in her family's words:

 "Lakeyn is 25 and lives with her family in Reese, Michigan. Every opportunity Lakeyn has had to come to camp she comes home a little more independent.  The opportunities and memories are priceless.  Each time we have come to pick her up, the first thing she asks is, "when can I come back?"  Without the generous camperships that Lakeyn has received she would not be able to attend camp each year, which is something she looks forward too all year long. Friends of Jack also covered over 40% of her camp fee. TFC staff has been outstanding thru the years (she has been attending for at least 13 years), we have had nothing but positive experiences whether it was weekend respite camp or week long summer camp. As a parent, I can send my daughter to camp and not worry about her at all, each time I leave her I have the peace of mind that she is going to have the time of her life and be treated with love and respect.  TFC has been a positive influence and benefit to our entire family, giving Lakeyn a chance to get away and have fun and give my husband and I a much needed break. Thanks to everyone at TFC that makes this all possible for the special people in our lives."

In March, or as soon as the snow melts, we start hearing on a daily basis, “are you done with Fowler papers”, or “did you send Fowler papers”? This is our son Cristian’s way of being absolutely certain that we have not forgotten to sign him up for camp at The Fowler Center. We reassure him that he is registered  attend camp in August. He is never convinced, and the question is asked again the next day, sometimes two or three times a day.

Cristian, or Cris, is now 23 and has been attending The Fowler Center for as long as I can remember, at least 10+ years according to computer records there at the Center. I know, however, that it has been much longer than that. In those earlier years his sister attended Camp Mah Meh Weh, which was the all girls horse camp, in conjunction with the sessions he was attending.  It was a wonderful, enriching experience for both of them.

For many years Cris attended the week long overnight summer camp at what I refer to as the main camp. When we picked him up at the end of the week he would get in the car chattering away about his experience. We heard all about the animals (his favorite), campfires, the meals, smores, swimming, wagon rides, the dance, swinging, and who was there that he knew from previous years. One of his favorite topics was, and remains, Chaka the llama. The chatter about camp persisted until our annual stop on the way home for ice cream. Immediately afterward there was silence from the back seat as he would drift off to sleep for the remainder of the ride in blissful exhaustion.

Three years ago he chose to begin attending the Equestrian program and once he did there was no going back. He really liked the main camp, however, he LOVES horse camp. The smaller number of campers, the more structured routine, being around  the horses, and the responsibility of caring for the horse’s suites him very well. He talks about Hosanna all year. I truly hope the Therapeutic Riding program continues.

The Fowler Center camp experience is not only beneficial to campers. Parents benefit from the respite they receive from caring for their special needs child day in and day out. I know that I can speak for all parents when I say that as the parent of a very special child it is extremely difficult to relax, and not worry or fret about their care.  After all no parent thinks anyone will care for their child the way that we do. However, when Cristian is attending camp at the The Fowler Center I rest assured that he is in capable and caring hands. The staff and counselors are wonderful, and knowing there is a nurse on staff is very reassuring.

Jack Fowler’s vision in 1957 to create a recreational experience for persons with disabilities was ahead of its time. That vision and determination over the years benefited countless individuals with disabilities, one of whom is my son Cristian. Because of generous donations from The Fowler Center sponsors Cris has been able to attend The Fowler Center through camperships. Many campers who would not otherwise be able to afford camp are also able to enjoy the experience because of camperships. I tell everyone I know about the positive experiences Cris has at The Fowler Center year in and year out.

Many thanks to The Fowler Center staff for the outstanding job you do, to the sponsors who support The Fowler Center, and to the legacy Jack Fowler has left us with.

Thank you for the memorable and joyful experiences you provide for my son and to other people with disabilities.