Camp Able Marco Says Thank You to an Extraordinary Community

For one unforgettable week this summer, Marco Island and the surrounding community once again demonstrated what can happen when people come together with generosity, compassion, and a shared commitment to inclusion.

Camp Able celebrated its 20th year of creating meaningful experiences for individuals with disabilities and its sixth year at Wesley United Methodist Church on Marco Island. More than 60 campers participated alongside approximately 80 counselors, 20 adult support staff members and over 100 community volunteers.

Throughout the week, campers enjoyed boating, fishing, swimming, bowling, cycling, airboat rides, water activities, crafts, music, dancing, a talent show and many other adventures. These experiences were possible because local businesses, churches, civic organizations, public agencies, families and individuals generously contributed meals, transportation, facilities, activities, supplies, financial support and countless volunteer hours.

Camp Able is much more than a week of activities. It is a community in which friendships form, gifts are celebrated and every person is reminded that they belong. That community extends far beyond the campers, counselors and staff. It includes every person who prepares a meal, drives a bus, provides an experience, donates supplies, opens a facility or simply asks, “How can we help?”

Camp Able Marco gratefully recognizes the following 2026 community partners and supporters:

A&S Transportation, Abby Holan, Al’s Pals, Bargain Basket, Castillo Family, City of Marco Island, City of Marco Island Fire Rescue, Diaz Family, Family Church Marco, Glades RV, Fort Myers, Great Wolf Lodge South Florida, HeadPinz Naples, Island Automotive, Island Bike Shop, Isle of Capri Fish House, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort/10K Alley, M&K Inflatables, Marco Golf and Garden, Marco Island Area Association of Realtors, Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce, Marco Island Kiwanis Club, Marco Island Police Department, Marco Island Safari, Marco Island Sportfishing Club, Marco Island Water Sports, Marco Island Woman’s Club, Marco Island Yacht Club, Marco Lutheran Church, My Marco Academy, Naples Civitan Club, Native Guided Fishing, New Life Community Church, North Naples Methodist Church, Ori’s Bakery & Café, Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, Paradise Cycle Boat Cruises, Publix Community Relations, Rick’s Island Salon & Day Spa, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Rose Marina, Rotary Club of Marco Island Noontime, Rotary Club of Marco Island Sunrise, San Marco Catholic Church Knights of Columbus, Shaker’s Acres, Snook Inn, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Sunshine Ace Hardware, Sweet Annie’s Ice Cream & Candy Shoppe, Tony’s New York Pizza, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Marco Island, United Church of Marco Island, Wesley United Methodist Church, Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A., Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours, and the YMCA of Collier County – Marco Island.

With so many people working behind the scenes, it is possible that we have unintentionally missed someone. If your name or organization was omitted, please accept our sincere apology—and know that your contribution was noticed, valued, and deeply appreciated. This remarkable week could not happen without the collective generosity of our entire community.

To each of these partners—and to the many volunteers, families and friends who gave their time and talents—thank you. Every contribution, whether large or small, helped create a week filled with adventure, friendship, laughter and belonging.

Camp Able Marco is a powerful reminder that an inclusive community is not built by one organization. It is built by neighbors who recognize one another’s worth and choose to show up. Because this community showed up, campers experienced a week they will remember for years to come.