Limitless Library project serves campers at Camp Cole

Limitless Purpose has established a Limitless Library at Camp Cole, which serves people with illnesses, disabilities and life challenges.

This summer, each of the 700 campers was able to select at least one book as they were leaving camp. The Limitless Library features a wide range of books on a variety of topics, providing something appealing regardless of reading level or interests.

“The campers absolutely loved having the opportunity to select a book that connects and holds meaning to them,” said Kelsey Carter, cofounder and executive director of Camp Cole. “Taking that beloved book home means they get to carry a piece of camp home with them.”

The Limitless Library project was one of the first efforts of Limitless Purpose, a statewide nonprofit 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.

“Books allow children to explore and dream without limits,” says Padgett Mozingo, cofounder and president of Limitless Purpose. “As a parent of a child who is still working to master the skill of reading, I know first-hand the value that books provide and the necessity for every child to have the opportunity to read.”

Although some children may not speak, they are still able to enjoy books in a variety of ways, Mozingo added.

To date, Limitless Purpose has:

• Distributed more than 24,000 new and gently loved books – all donated – to children and families who need them the most through pediatricians, schools, parks and Limitless Libraries.
• Named just under 300 Limitless Learner Summer Incentive Award Winners – young people with intellectual or developmental disabilities who were awarded more than $85,000 for learning or recreational opportunities.
• Held an annual free event for families, along with other Fun with Friends meetups, that have served more than 600.
• Recognized five individuals and organizations as Limitless Impact Award Winners for their efforts to make inclusion and acceptance a reality. Camp Cole was the 2024 award recipient.

Located in the Eastover area of the Midlands, Camp Cole opened in 2021 and, in only three years, more than 1,800 campers 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.

Limitless Purpose is a volunteer-led organization that relies on sponsorships and individual donations to support its mission of helping all children grow, learn and thrive. The 2024 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.

For more information, visit LimitlessPurpose.org or contact Padgett Mozingo at [email protected].

Limitless Purpose is a statewide nonprofit organization helping ALL children grow, learn and thrive.