Camp Cole Honored with Limitless Impact Award

Camp Cole has been recognized with the Limitless Impact Award presented by Limitless Purpose, a statewide nonprofit organization working to help all children grow, learn and thrive.

Camp Cole, located in the Eastover area of the Midlands, opened in 2021 and provides a safe place with unique experiences for young people who might not typically be able to attend camp. In only three years, more than 1,800 campers with illnesses, disabilities and life challenges have found a place to connect and shine. Campers have a range of diagnoses, including cancer, Down syndrome, autism, sickle cell disease and hearing loss. Others are currently experiencing homelessness or are from low-income families.

“At Camp Cole, we want to shine a light on the transformative experience camp can provide in a child’s life,” said Kelsey Carter.

Camp Cole is the fourth recipient of the Limitless Impact Award from Limitless Purpose, founded in 2019 and inspired by the story of Lila Mozingo and her family’s efforts to have her taught in an inclusive learning environment. Because of their own struggle with the systems and services intended to serve their daughter, they wanted to do something to help other families.

“From the day we received Lila’s diagnosis of Down syndrome, all we heard were the limits she would face,” said Padgett Mozingo, Lila’s mom. “But we chose to believe Lila could be limitless if we loved, supported and challenged her. We know all children have a gift, a talent, something only they can contribute to their community, but the adults around them must help each child discover and nurture their gift.”

Many of the children served by Camp Cole have no other options for summer programs and camps, Mozingo said. They’re providing the special summer memories every young person should be able to cherish.

Limitless Purpose is a volunteer-led organization that has raised more than $80,000 for Limitless Learner awards to fund summer experiences and opportunities. The organization has also distributed more than 22,000 books throughout the state and held annual events for children and families.

Annual sponsors include: Children’s Charities of the Midlands; The Arc of South Carolina; BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina; Columbia Printing & Graphics; Coca Cola Bottling Co.; Team Therapy SC; Mark Mozingo, Keller Williams Realty-Columbia; Bright Start, LLC; Sprout Pediatrics, LLC; and Purposeful Play. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Limitless Purpose is a statewide nonprofit organization helping ALL children grow, learn and thrive. Visit LimitlessPurpose.org or contact Padgett Mozingo at [email protected] for details.