In 1957, special education teacher Jack (John) Fowler was frustrated with the lack of outdoor recreational opportunities for youth with disabilities. So was his wife, Reta (now deceased). Together, they decided to do something about it – by starting a non-profit camp called the Fowler Center. Over the years, the Fowler Center has developed into a year-round center available to youth and adults with special needs such as mental and physical challenges and brain injuries.

The camp began by serving nine boys from Detroit with mental disabilities. However, the need was so great that Jack and Reta continued working and expanding the camp. Today, it serves over 4,200 campers each year, providing access to the outdoors in a safe, comfortable, loving environment that fosters a sense of accomplishment, independence and increased self-esteem.

Programs and facilities at the camp are specifically designed to meet special physical, social, intellectual, emotional and motivational needs of participants. Emphasis is placed on the ability of each camper to participate in the camping experience according to individual physical, mental and psychological abilities. A concerted effort is made to remove any possible barriers and to create a secure, positive and reinforcing environment.

Jack Fowler continues to be actively involved in overseeing this camp, and in planning its future growth – despite the fact that he suffers from cerebral palsy himself. The compassion and drive of this extraordinary man have keep this camp going – and growing. The center Jack and Reta began almost fifty years ago has opened up a whole new world for people who could not go to a traditional camp. Today, people with disabilities can enjoy brand new experiences – and build greater skills and self esteem by taking on the challenges of the outdoors.

To learn more about Jack and his cause, and how you can make a difference, please visit:
www.thefowlercenter.org

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