Bob's Story

59 year old Bob Klug has had a lot to overcome in his life. You see, Bob has a developmental disability. Growing up with his family in Burlington, Wisconsin he was quiet and reserved and didn’t know how to act around people. His disability affected him mostly socially. In addition, he had a hard time doing the things that well-adjusted individuals do without thinking.

Years later when his parents could no longer care for him, they moved him out of the area to a state operated institution. While this was good idea socially, the sterile environment didn’t encourage – or offer for that matter – opportunities for interaction.

About 16 years ago Bob moved back to his hometown of Burlington, Wisconsin to a group home with several other people in similar life situations. It wasn’t long until Bob began to thrive and grow and enjoy being with people. He laughed more . . . smiled more. He finally had a chance to reach his potential.

But still, he longed for more excitement and fulfillment. He always told himself, "There just had to be more in life." Like all of us, he just wanted a break from the routine of life . . . and one day Bob’s dreams came true.

About 6 years ago Bob came to Inspiration Retreat Center, our camp for people with disabilities. He had never seen anything like it. The caring staff took time with him and really wanted to know him. They pushed him to experience more in life and to grow in his relationship with the Lord. His first time here he learned about Jesus in the chapel services, made new friends, went swimming, rode the zip wire, used the low ropes course, and participated in other fun activities he had never enjoyed before. Imagine the excitement of doing these things for the first time.

The only problem he was that he could barely afford camp.

You see, Social Security checks, government funds and a part-time job go to pay for his care at Burlington Manor. He is only allotted $65 from Social Security for discretionary funds each month - even that goes to for other personal needs. But, this year, just when it seemed hopeless, something special happened.

Staff of Inspiration Ministries presented the urgent need for camp scholarships to the Burlington Kiwanis club and the unanimously decided to offer him a $300 camp scholarship without hesitation. He couldn’t believe the generosity of a group of people who he had never met. The group understood the enormous impact camp has in Bob’s life, and wanted to make sure he wouldn’t go without the experience.

You see, for Bob, camp is a relief. It breaks the monotony of the ordinary. He’s had so much to overcome in his life and deserves the chance to go to camp every year. This year he even went to a Milwaukee Brewers baseball game – another "first at Inspiration Retreat Center".

It would be such a shame if one of the things he looks forward to most each year was taken away from him. He’d be right back where he was so many years ago.

Camp isn’t only a fun time, though. Here he gets refreshed in the Lord, and goes back home ready to face another year – like his batteries are recharged. That’s a gift worth giving.

Click here to request more information about 2006 camp sessions at Inspiration Retreat Center

Go to the Camp Homepage.

Learn more about the camp scholarship program.