Cabela’s Outfitters make campout experience a reality for students at the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind
May 17, 2017
Nights under the stars, the smell of a campfire, and the taste of s’mores. These were the experiences Cabela’s of Greenville outfitters dreamed about for the students at the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind. Their dream will come true this week when the Cabela’s team builds a permanent campsite at the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind. They will be joined by park rangers from Croft State Park who want to help the students enjoy the great outdoors.
The campsite will include an accessible campfire ring, accessible picnic tables, and benches. Cabela’s will also provide tents, sleeping bags, and lanterns.
Cabela’ marketing director Tina Furmanek came up with the initial idea for the campsite. Tina has a special connection to students who are deaf and blind. Her dad, who is visually impaired and hard of hearing, attended the Rhode Island School for the Deaf and the Blind in the early 1960s. He later became a successful architect and mechanical engineer.
“Dad loves this idea. He said he wished his school would have had a campground,” said Tina. “It would have given him something to look forward to.”
Cabela’s of Greenville became affiliated with the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind last August when they were approached to be a sponsor for The Walker Foundation’s Aim High and Let ‘Em Fly annual clay shooting fundraiser.
“After a tour through the school with the foundation’s director, Ann Akerman, we were hooked on creating an opportunity to expose the kids to the same outdoor experiences enjoyed by others,” said Tina.
“I can just picture the kids roasting marshmallows, telling tall tales, and laughing with friends around the campfire,” said Ann Akerman, chief executive officer of The Walker Foundation, the school’s fundraising arm. “This is a wonderful gift that everyone will enjoy.”
About Cabela’s
Cabela’s Incorporated, the World’s Foremost Outfitter of hunting, fishing, and outdoor gear, offers thousands of products, including hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, boating, and wildlife-watching gear, as well as outdoor clothing and outdoor-themed gifts and furnishings. The company is famous for its strong brand and world-renowned reputation for delivering quality merchandise, value, and legendary customer service.
About The Walker Foundation
Founded in 1979 for the sole purpose of working directly with the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind, The Walker Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to securing resources that enable the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind to achieve its mission and goals. For more information, please visit www.walkerfdn.org or call 864-577-7583.
