Nestled alongside a quiet lake in Brackney, Pennsylvania, Camp Promise – East brought together our community of teens and adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders for a week filled with connection, laughter, and barrier-free adventure.
From peaceful mornings spent fishing and boating on the water to cozy lakeside s’mores around the campfire, every moment was designed to bring campers together. The week’s jam-packed itinerary offered non-stop excitement: scenic hayrides, archery, visiting baby goats, a suspenseful camp murder mystery night, an outdoor movie screening of Shrek 2, high-energy karaoke, and ’80s Singo Bingo. Before a rainstorm started, campers tried out Track Chairs: all-terrain wheelchairs equipped with tank-like tracks for off-road outdoor adventures.
Creative energy flourished all week thanks to our incredible volunteer Liz, whose arts and crafts sessions were a big hit. Campers also enjoyed unique, camper-led experiences including an immersive Dungeons & Dragons session hosted by third-year camper, Adith.
For Adith, Camp Promise is more than just a summer getaway; it is a vital space for community and authentic connection. Reflecting on his experience, Adith shared:
“Wrapped up my third year going to Camp Promise – East run by Jett Foundation in Brackney, PA. This is one of my favorite weeks of the year, because I get to spend it with some of my closest friends, and I always get to make new ones! Summer camp shouldn’t be just for kids, even adults need time to get away from daily life and unplug for a few days, doing the things we enjoy.”
“This camp is for people with Duchenne, Becker, SMA, and other neuromuscular conditions and it’s one of the few times in the year where I don’t feel defined by my disability. Sure, we need assistance, but we’re treated with dignity, which people with disabilities still lack in day to day life.”
That sense of dignity and belonging carried through every event, including one of the week’s most hilarious highlights: Kangaroo Court. A jury of peers, alongside camper attorneys and judges, lightheartedly tried and sentenced campers and staff for various “camp crimes,” delivering silly punishments that had the camp laughing.
The week culminated in a magical “Under the Sea” themed dance. In true camp fashion, a sudden summer thunderstorm rolled in, trapping everyone inside the dance hall for extra time together. What could have been a delay turned into an extended dance party that perfectly capped off the week.
As Niki Mercer, Camp Promise Operations Director at Jett Foundation, noted:
“The magic of Camp Promise lies in the community we build together. Seeing our campers shine as their full, authentic selves–whether leading a D&D campaign, singing karaoke, or simply hanging out by the lake–reminds us why barrier-free spaces are so essential. Camp Promise isn’t just an event; it’s a place where lifelong memories and connections are made.”
Adith echoed that gratitude for the dedicated team that brings this week to life each summer:
“Thanks to Jett Foundation, our always amazing camp directors, Niki and Meghan, all the amazing volunteers who take time out of their busy lives to make this happen, and to the staff at Shepherds Camp at Arrowhead Bible Camp for letting us take over their beautiful campground for a week! Special thanks to my awesome counselor, Emma, for putting up with me and the other weirdos in Cabin 6… To the friends that we’ve lost to these awful diseases, we will never forget you. We still hear your voices in the wind chimes that were made in your honor. Until next year, Camp Promise!”
An unforgettable week like this is made possible entirely free of charge for our campers through the dedication of our volunteers, staff, and partners. We extend our deepest gratitude to our generous sponsors: Cure Dale’s Duchenne, Flatley Foundation, Sarepta Therapeutics, Catalyst, NS Pharma, ITF Therapeutics, Entrada, the Killian Family, Tall Cedars Foundation, Edgewise, Transamerica, and Ultragenyx.
Thank you to everyone who made Camp Promise – East 2026 such a wonderful week, we cannot wait to see you back by the lake next summer!
