Keeping COVID-safety in mind, Variety of Texas is thankful to welcome Texas children of all abilities back to summer camp at Peaceable Kingdom by Variety!

KILLEEN, TX – [August 17, 2021] The COVID pandemic has been especially challenging for our children. For many, their social development has been stunted because of the lack of interaction with their peers. That is why the return of summer camps like Peaceable Kingdom by Variety are especially important for Texas children.  

Since 1984, Peaceable Kingdom by Variety (PK) has bustled with students on field trips and kids from local hospitals’ and nonprofit organizations’ summer camps. The past 18 months, however, have been devasting to Variety as COVID wreaked havoc on programs, staff, and fundraising efforts. 

“Variety benefits from the strong fiscal guidance of our Board of Directors and experienced leadership team,” said Skyler Lightfoot, Director of Administration and Finance for Variety of Texas. “Still, we struggle to rebound from a $2+ million deficit.” In response to the pandemic, the Variety of Texas team reduced staff by 50% and cut salary, operation, and facility expenses by 57%. “It was important that we do everything we could do to survive the ‘COVID pause’ and be here for Texas children when it was safe for them to return to Peaceable Kingdom,” said Lightfoot. “We’re so grateful to have kids back on campus!”

Please join us on Friday, September 17th or 24th, to tour and explore Peaceable Kingdom by Variety’s 122-acres of scenic landscapes and nature trails, and learn more about Variety’s mission and upcoming events. The fully accessible activities are endless, including fishing in the pond, basketball, tennis, putt-putt, and life-size chess. The camp also boasts an onsite lifeguard for ‘fun in the sun’ at the wheelchair-accessible pool, family-friendly farm animals and reptiles at Peaceable Kingdom’s “Animal Kingdom,” adaptable archery lessons, and confidence-building challenge courses, including a 40-foot rock wall and zip line.  Shady getaways and rainy days are also no problem, thanks to the movie theatre, game room, and Hammock Village.

 “Summer presents a key opportunity for school districts and community partners to accelerate learning and provide new avenues for students to safely engage with each other in fun activities,” said US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. After the trauma of pandemic quarantines and interruptions, campers (and visitors alike) will undoubtedly benefit from the therapeutic and healing qualities of nature. Variety of Texas follows CDC guidelines for indoor and outdoor COVID-safety and recommends vaccines for all eligible individuals.

While we enjoyed seeing our friends at Camp Grey Dove virtually, one of the first camps to return to Peaceable Kingdom in person following the COVID-pause was Garden of Hope’s Summer of Hope. This unique camp for Killeen foster children, who already lived together in a protective pod, was a perfect start to the summer – and marked a welcome return to the ‘kingdom’ for Peaceable Kingdom by Variety. Other summer guests have included the Killeen High School Cheer Squad, Harker Heights Leadership Vision 2021 Leadership Class, the Killeen ISD Special Education Department Welcome Back Bash, and the First Baptist Church of Belton's Special Needs Ministry Camp ABLE.

Learn more about Variety of Texas and Peaceable Kingdom by Variety at www.varietytexas.org. Find us on Facebook at @VarietyTX and Instagram at @varietyTX_peaceablekingdom. For additional information, contact Stacy Bruce at 512.228.7509 or stacy.bruce@varietytexas.org.

VARIETY of TEXAS is a charitable organization that opens up the world for kids with special needs and their families by providing resources and empowering experiences. We envision a world without isolation and stigma for children with special needs and their families.

PEACEABLE KINGDOM, by VARIETY, located in Killeen, TX - one hour North of Austin - is a beloved safe haven for thousands of children exploring their self-reliance and mobility. In support of our mission of healing through nature, we’ve tailored our 122-acres to accommodate all campers’ needs.  Peaceable Kingdom has become a place where kids of all abilities can push their personal limits while they discover the empowering freedom that comes from the great outdoors.