A Mother’s Hope Realized: The Joy of Camp Through a New Lens
Meet Our Fish Fry Family Honorees
When Zenobia Brown sent her two boys, Zakameron and Zay-lon, to Camp Aldersgate for the first time this summer, she held her breath. As a mother of two boys with autism—one of whom had just been diagnosed with diabetes—letting go was a leap of faith. But what she discovered on the other side of that leap was nothing short of transformative.
This is why we’re proud to honor Zenobia, Zakameron, and Zay-lon as our Fish Fry Family this year. Their story embodies the spirit of Camp Aldersgate—a place where every camper can find belonging, joy and growth.
Zakameron, a 5th grader, and Zay-lon, a 9th grader, share a passion for music and sports. Zenobia knew that summer camp would offer them something unique—a chance to connect, to explore and to be seen for who they truly are.
“I was nervous because we’ve been home together for so long. I wondered if the staff could do what I do for them,” said Zenobia. “But your staff helped me out. I knew this was an opportunity for them.”
Zakameron and Zay-lon embraced camp life with enthusiasm. Zay-lon enjoyed fishing, water activities, and archery, while Zakameron, who loves the water, took to swimming every day in the afternoon.
Although Zenobia couldn’t be there with them, the photos she received captured the excitement on their faces, filling her with joy and relief.
“I could tell they gained some friends. The social interaction…that’s what I wanted for them, and it happened,” Zenobia said.
The Closing Ceremony was especially meaningful for Zenobia. “I loved seeing all the campers in their blue shirts sitting in a group. It was so wonderful because I attended camps growing up, and I know how it feels to fit in, to be ready to go, and to miss your family. When I saw my babies over there, that feeling came rushing back. My babies finally got to go away to camp. I thought to myself, ‘Look at those babies with different abilities!’”
Reflecting on the experience, Zenobia has some advice for other parents: “Give your children the opportunity to be free without you for a moment because they need it just as much as you do. Don’t let them miss the opportunity to come through this program and learn something.”
Activities like canoeing, fishing and ziplining are all things Zenobia said she wanted her kids to experience in life. As a busy mom, she expressed that it is hard to fit everything in, and Camp Aldersgate helped realize these dreams for her. “Thank you so much for the opportunity to help me! That was a big part of what I had planned for my children, and y’all aced it. From talking to your staff on the phone, and seeing the campus in person, to attending the Closing Ceremony, everything was perfect.”
“They didn’t make my children feel different…Everybody is somebody at Camp Aldersgate, and I appreciate that,” Zenobia said.
And that’s why Zenobia says donations are so impactful to Camp Aldersgate: “I think it’s important for people to donate because of the incredible work y’all do to help provide for children with different abilities. It’s well needed.”
Join us at Fish Fry!
Sunday, October 13
11:30am-2:30pm
