Madison spent several summers at Camp Teen Challenge, a program for teens with vision differences held at Variety’s Peaceable Kingdom. During a self-defense session, campers were invited to name a personal fear and symbolically break through it. Madison shared that she was afraid of the deep end of the pool. As someone who is totally blind, she felt safest in the shallow end, where she could feel the pool floor beneath her feet.

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Later that day, with encouragement and guidance from Peaceable Kingdom staff, Madison chose to enter the deep end for the first time. Knowing support was close by allowed her to try something new at her own pace. Camp creates space for moments like these — environments where teens are supported, trusted, and set up to explore what feels possible.

Richard has been a long-time camper at Camp Soaring Eagle, a program for children with neurological differences. In addition to his neurological difference, Richard is also deaf and has been the only deaf camper at Soaring Eagle. For years, he communicated with peers using sign language, often sharing his favorite sign — the same hand gesture his hero, Spider-Man, uses to cast webs.

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Between summer camp sessions, Richard received a cochlear implant, giving him an additional way to engage with those around him when he returned to camp. Just as meaningful is the care shown by fellow campers, many of whom made an effort to learn new signs so they could better communicate with him. Camp creates space for understanding, patience, and shared effort — reminding us that inclusion grows when people take the time to meet one another where they are.

Stone has navigated complex medical and developmental needs from the very beginning of his life. Born with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and weighing 4 pounds 11 ounces, he spent nearly four weeks in the NICU as his body worked to regulate blood sugar levels. As he grew, Stone began receiving early services for significant language and developmental delays. By early childhood, he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and a severe expressive and receptive language disorder through comprehensive evaluations.

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Consistent access to speech, occupational, and applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapies has been essential in supporting Stone’s communication, motor development, and daily functioning. However, the cost of intensive therapies can place a heavy financial strain on families over time. Through the support of a Variety Grant from The Children’s Charity of Texas, Stone is able to continue receiving the therapies he needs, while his parents and grandparents receive meaningful financial relief. This support helps ensure Stone’s care can continue without interruption, easing the burden on the family and allowing them to focus on what matters most — supporting his growth and well-being.

Kase was born healthy and met his early developmental milestones, including beginning sounds and words. Around 15 months, his family began to notice changes — his language development slowed, he stopped responding to his name, and communication became increasingly difficult. After seeking guidance and early intervention services, Kase was diagnosed with regressive autism by age three and began receiving speech and occupational therapy to support communication and sensory processing.

As Kase’s care continued, applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy was introduced to support communication, engagement, and daily skills. While these therapies proved meaningful, they also presented significant financial challenges, as insurance did not fully cover the level of care recommended. Communication remains Kase’s greatest hurdle, and ensuring access to consistent therapy became a priority for his family.

Through a Variety Children’s Charity grant, Kase’s family was able to continue his therapy and access a communication device that helps him express his needs and feelings. This support eased the financial strain and opened new pathways for connection and understanding at home. With the right resources in place, Kase and his family are able to focus on progress, possibility, and the moments of connection that matter most.

In the summer of 2017, Variety welcomed Eva’s Heroes to the Peaceable Kingdom family. Eva’s Heroes is a camp program designed for young adults with intellectual disabilities, and Gabi was among the first campers to participate at the Variety Peaceable Kingdom Retreat Center. When it was time for his group to try the high swing — an activity that involves being harnessed, lifted into the air, and swinging freely — Gabi felt understandably nervous.

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With encouragement from staff and a supportive environment around him, Gabi chose to take part. He put on his harness and helmet and climbed to the top of the ladder. Gabi is non-verbal, and in that moment, he communicated through body language and a wide, joyful smile, expressing both excitement and pride. Camp provides space for experiences like these — moments where individuals are supported as they explore new challenges at their own pace.